Are CorePower Yoga Teachers Actually Going on Strike?

Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the text regarding the potential CorePower Yoga strike and related issues:

The Core Issues: Low Wages & Workload

* Low Hourly Rate: Instructors were making very little, with some earning as low as $18.30/hour (with a recent raise to $20.58 effective in 2026). Others made $20 for a yoga sculpt class that involved notable prep work and post-class duties.
* Time Commitment: Instructors are expected to be at the studio 30 minutes before and after each class, effectively making it a two-hour commitment for a class that pays for only teaching time.
* Multiple Roles: Instructors are often required to perform duties beyond teaching, like front desk work, security, and cleaning. Their pay doesn’t reflect this expanded job description.
* “Paid Hobby”: Many instructors treat the job as supplemental income, unable to live on the earnings alone.

The Spark & Spread of Awareness

* TikTok as a Platform: The potential strike gained traction through TikTok videos from instructors sharing their concerns. One video with over 100,000 views questioned a delayed raise.
* Social Media Momentum: The issue rapidly spread through social media, including TikTok and Reddit, generating discussion among both instructors and students.
* Media Attention: The strike drew the attention of news outlets like The Cut and Fast Company.

CorePower’s Response

* Q&A Sessions: CorePower’s CEO, Niki Leondakis, held Q&A sessions with instructors to hear their grievances.
* Increased Cleaning: CorePower announced a commitment to four studio deep-cleanings per year.
* Perception of Being Heard: One instructor who attended a Q&A felt her concerns were genuinely heard,gaining a better understanding of the company’s financial challenges (like impacts from COVID closures).

Current Status (as of the text)

* Quieting of Discussion: Social media engagement surrounding the strike appeared to decrease significantly after the proclamation of deep cleanings.
* Uncertainty: Instructors in multiple cities (Minneapolis, NYC, Portland, Dallas, etc.) were inquiring on Reddit about whether the strike was still planned.

In essence, the text details how instructor dissatisfaction with pay and workload led to talk of a strike, which gained momentum through social media, prompted a response from CorePower, and then seemingly cooled down with uncertainty about whether the strike would actually happen.

What are the signs that CorePower Yoga teachers are planning a strike?

Are corepower Yoga Teachers Actually Going on Strike?

The question of a potential CorePower Yoga teacher strike has been circulating within the fitness and yoga communities, gaining traction in early 2026. while a full-scale, nationwide strike hasn’t materialized yet, the situation is complex and rooted in ongoing efforts towards unionization and improved working conditions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s happening, the key issues driving the movement, and what it means for CorePower Yoga students and the broader fitness industry.

The Push for Unionization: A Growing Trend in Fitness

for years, the fitness industry has largely remained non-unionized. However, a shift is occurring. Instructors at studios like CorePower Yoga, Peloton, and others are increasingly seeking collective bargaining power to address concerns about pay, benefits, and job security. This trend mirrors broader labor movements gaining momentum across various sectors.

The initial spark for CorePower Yoga unionization efforts began in 2022 with teachers in Minneapolis,Minnesota,forming a union with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). This local success has inspired teachers in other cities to explore similar options.

CorePower Yoga Teacher Concerns: What’s Driving the Discontent?

Several key issues are fueling the drive for unionization and the threat of potential work stoppages. These aren’t simply about higher wages; they encompass a range of concerns impacting teacher well-being and the quality of instruction.

* Compensation: A primary concern is pay equity. Many CorePower Yoga instructors report earning wages that are insufficient to cover living expenses, especially considering the physical demands of the job and the cost of ongoing training and certifications. the pay structure frequently enough relies heavily on class attendance, creating income instability.

* Benefits: Access to affordable healthcare, paid time off, and retirement plans are often limited or non-existent for CorePower Yoga instructors, particularly those working part-time. This lack of benefits creates financial vulnerability.

* Job Security: Instructors often operate under contract, with limited job security. Concerns exist regarding arbitrary scheduling changes and the potential for termination without cause.

* Workload & burnout: The pressure to maintain a consistent teaching schedule, attract students, and adhere to CorePower Yoga’s brand standards can lead to burnout. Instructors report feeling pressured to teach while sick or injured.

* Class Size & Safety: Increasing class sizes, while beneficial for the company’s bottom line, can compromise the quality of instruction and potentially increase the risk of injury for both teachers and students.

Current Status: Where Do Things Stand in January 2026?

As of January 31, 2026, a full-blown strike hasn’t occurred. Though, the situation remains fluid.

* Ongoing Negotiations: unionized teachers in Minneapolis continue to negotiate with corepower Yoga management. Progress has been slow, with key sticking points remaining around wages, benefits, and job security.

* Unionization Efforts Expanding: Organizing efforts are underway in several other major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago. The SEIU is actively supporting these efforts.

* Authorization to Strike: In late 2025, the Minneapolis union authorized a strike, signaling a willingness to walk off the job if a fair agreement isn’t reached. This authorization doesn’t automatically trigger a strike, but it demonstrates the seriousness of the situation.

* Company Response: CorePower Yoga has publicly stated its commitment to working with its instructors and addressing their concerns. Though, the company has also emphasized the financial challenges of operating a large fitness chain and the need to balance instructor demands with business realities. They’ve implemented some changes, such as a pilot program offering limited benefits to certain instructors, but these have been met with mixed reactions.

What a Strike Could Look Like

If the Minneapolis union does initiate a strike, it would likely involve instructors refusing to teach classes at CorePower Yoga studios in the Twin Cities area.The impact of a strike could be important:

* Class Cancellations: Students would face widespread class cancellations,disrupting their fitness routines.

* Studio Closures: Depending on the number of instructors participating, some studios might be forced to temporarily close.

* negative Publicity: A strike would generate negative publicity for CorePower Yoga, potentially damaging its brand reputation.

* Ripple Affect: A successful strike in Minneapolis could embolden teachers in other cities to pursue similar action.

The Impact on CorePower yoga Students

The potential for a strike raises concerns for CorePower Yoga students. Here’s what you can expect:

* disrupted Schedules: Be prepared for potential class cancellations and schedule changes.

* Alternative Options: Explore alternative yoga studios or online yoga classes as a backup plan.

* Show Support: Consider expressing your support for the instructors and their efforts to improve working conditions. This could involve contacting CorePower Yoga management or signing petitions.

* Stay Informed: Follow news updates and social media channels for the latest data on the situation.

The Broader Implications for the Fitness Industry

The CorePower Yoga situation is a bellwether for the fitness industry as a whole. If instructors successfully unionize and secure better working conditions, it could set a precedent for other studios and gyms. This could lead to:

* Increased Labor Costs: Higher wages and benefits for instructors would increase labor costs for fitness businesses.

* Higher Class Prices: Studios might need to raise class prices to offset increased labor costs.

* Improved Instructor Quality: Better pay and benefits could attract and retain more qualified instructors, leading to a higher quality of instruction.

* A More Lasting Model: A more equitable and