CorePower Yoga

This is probably my favorite CorePower in the Bay Area for a few reasons:
1) The teachers are all pretty awesome. Haven’t had a bad class yet! And you have to appreciate that the classes aren’t packed to the gills.
2) The studios are large and full of amazing light!
3) The locker rooms are clean. I’m not gonna lie, some of CorePower’s locker rooms are filthy and this is not one of them.
4) There’s limited free parking, meaning if you get there early enough, you don’t have to search for parking or pay for it.
For those of you not in the know, CorePower is flow yoga in a heated room. Each class varies, but I gotta give it up to Yoga Sculpt. IT KICKS YOUR ASS in the best way possible.
A few odds and ends: $ 2 for a rental mat and $ 1 for the towel.
I don’t love their bath products, so I tend to bring my own or try to shower at home.
I wish the teachers were a little more hands on and a little bit more about form instruction.
Other than that, love me some CorePower and glad I signed up for a 3 month membership!

I’ve been going to CPY since the studio opened — mostly sculpt, also the cycling class and tried the other classes a few times. Enjoyed it alot for the most part, and many of the teachers are very good — and lots of fun.
Today was my last class, I just don’t want to pay a high fee for something I don’t enjoy. Over the last few months the classes have become increasingly packed. People have certainly been commenting about it in class and the locker room. The teachers/​management seem determined to pack in as many paying customers as possible, even when it’s clearly lessening the class for attendees. Today’s class was packed, people’s mats were almost touching. People were spending loads of time arranging/​rearranging to avoid hitting their neighbors, and just to find some space to move. If I am moving around trying to find space to move, I’m not doing what I’m there to do; get a good workout and have fun.
If the class is packed, having the instructor/‘class leader’ come in as the class is about to start and have people cram in even more is not cool. Set a limit to the class just like every other yoga/​gym/​workout class in the area. Refusing to limit the class, even when it’s cramping folks experience seems greedy. I’m out. Thanks for everything over the last few years.

This is not yoga for beginners, this is yoga for those who know the poses or are athletes. The classes can be intense and the heat can be overwhelming, but if you listen to your body and stop when you need a break, CorePower is the best workout around. If you are looking for bendy, stretchy, spiritually-​enhanced nap, CorePower is not is not for you.
Each instructor does their own, ever-​changing routine and uses their own music. If you don’t like one class, take another with a different instructor. Each class style is different — try them all and find the ones you like.
I love Yoga Sculpt and it is loving me back. I am stronger, have better endurance and balance and sleep better since I started going to sculpt regularly. C2 is hard and great for honing your balance. C1 is mellow and the most instructive. If you are working on your form C1 is your best bet. I have only taken on Hot Power Fusion class and it was the most like Bikram. It wasn’t for me, but I can see the appeal.
Beyond the classes, the studio space is lovely. It’s clean and well-​equipped and the staff has always been kind to me. They do lock the doors and don’t allow you to enter the class late, to which I say, «Thank You!» It’s great to get your yoga groove on and not be distracted by a latecomer.
If you are looking for a full-​body workout with a little savasana at the end, go to CorePower.

I started CorePower Yoga a year ago and was super skeptical about a corporate/​chain yoga studio. CorePower really surprised me in that the classes are consistent, challenging, and enjoyable! You will always leave the room sweaty and revived. I have a very regular practice (I practice 5 – 6 times a week), and the C2 and HPF classes always offer me the challenge I need in order to grow as a yogi. With that being said, here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
— Good, solid classes. While some classes are better than others, C2 classes always provide a good and interesting flow that offers students the chance to explore a variety of asanas. Standing series, sitting poses, sun salutations, and most c2 classes have a brief core strengthening portion.
— Clean. okay but this is super important. No gross carpeted floors, the studios are cleaned right after each class and have beautiful hardwood floors. Mirrors and windows on the sides.
— SHOWERS! They may not be the most luxurious, but the full locker room with mirrors, BLOWDRYERS, shampoo, and conditioner makes it so easy to go straight from yoga to work, or yoga to a night out on the town. This is so important for those busy folks.
— cute clothes for sale. Yes, they are expensive, but as is all quality yoga wear. It is also great when they have sales. I’ve gotten a few lululemon and aloyoga pieces on super sales there and it’s just amazing.
— schedule. Lots of times, lots of options. I live in Berkeley but work in the city, and with a membership I love how I can go to both studios (Berkeley and SF), and have such a wide array of times!
Cons:
— sometimes the flows can be repetitive.
— not very meditative. If you are used to the full yogic experience complete with setting an intention, and establishing a present mindset, corepower isn’t for you. Some instructors (the more experienced ones), will take the time to share some thoughts before class, but most just jump right in the flow. No focus on breathing.
— no adjustments provided! if you are a beginner, I really don’t recommend corepower. The instructors do not adjust and also do not adjust correctly when they do, and you can really hurt yourself. Be careful!
— mat rentals suck.
— so overpriced. I cry because of how much corepower costs compared to other studios. Sure it is consistent, but the prices are just not good.

This is not yoga. It should be called something else. Maybe CorePower Method. To call it yoga is very misleading.
The classes are okay if you are aware of your body and know how to prevent injury. The sculpt classes are very fast, using weights, with deafening music, while in various yoga poses, moving fast. A recipe for injuries.
Good workouts for those in shape and able to monitor their own bodies to be sure they don’t do anything to get injured but definitely not yoga. Proceed with caution.

Really fantastic, clean, modern facility with very helpful staff. Had an excellent workout at a convenient time. They have 3 studios and something starting at least once an hour.

So, after 3 years I’m canceling and here’s why:
1) Price vs. Availability. For some reason the new manager cancelled all the classes in between 5 and 6:45 (if you’re not there by 5 your next class starts at 6:45 unless you want to take a beginner class). I may not know much about their business model but aren’t those prime work out hours? I attempted 3 times to ask for ANY class to take in between and was thanked for my feedback but met with no change. Unfortunately they also cancelled all the sculpt classes on the weekends except for the 8am which is a bit early for a homie trying to sleep in.
2) All spin has been taken out. I justified the high membership price tag on the fact that I could get my cardio in as well but that’s no longer true.
3) High teacher turnover.
4) Cleanliness. It’s really gone down hill at this location. I’ve had ants crawling all over me, I’ve been bitten by mosquitos, and my bare feet have turned black from walking on the floors.
I really loved CPY for a long time and I’ll definitely drop in and do a few classes here and there. Props to Raissa, Shauna, and Heather!

I love going to this studio! It is clean and classes are amazing! Yes it could be a bit expensive if you compare it to other studios but you pay for what you get! You won’t regret it! Give this place a try. I’ve been to many Hot Yoga studios and this one is my favorite

I didn’t know that Core Power Yoga classes are all heated. They should advertise this for new members. Especially on the class schedule for the beginner class 1 it just says beginner class 1 it doesn’t say «heated» like all the other classes are labeled. I decided to try it anyway because I was there ready to start at 8AM… I got really sick so heated yoga is not for me and I’m sure many people get nauseated; dizzy and sick so they should offer juice (sugar really helps in a pinch) in their fridge in addition to the water they sell; just a thought.
The rooms really do stink; I don’t know what the answer is to fix that, some people have horrible body odor and what the hec? It just ruins it for everyone else??? When the heat is too much to take and the room stinks you can count on feeling sick that is for sure. This gets in the way of anyone’s work out…
Finally I have to agree with other posts that the instructors do not teach proper alignment etc. I severely hurt my neck, I’ve been having pain for 5 days now that starts high on the right side of my neck and travels down through my shoulder and arm… this is a beginner class so I expect help with the poses.
Over all I give two stars rather then one because the studio is really nice and I loved the women’s bathroom/​locker room. It was very clean and had everything you could possibly need. The registration was easy and the staff are friendly, I just won’t be back to enjoy it. Good thing they do the one week for free so you can have a chance to see if this is for you or not.

I’ve been coming here since October 2014 and have a daily practice. The staff is very friendly, the studio is clean and walking distance from home. I started doing the C1 class and when I felt strong and confident I went for the C2, HPF and sculpt. I’ve gotten deeper in my practice and feel better than ever!

CorePower Yoga is my favorite yoga studio! I was initially introduced to the chain by my sister who loved the classes she was taking down in socal. I was a little skeptical about the *hot* yoga part as I didn’t think I would enjoy being drenched in sweat while working out. When a couple of my coworkers expressed interest in taking a yoga class together, I suggested we all try the week of free yoga classes here together.
We really enjoyed all the classes we took and got to try almost all the different class offerings! The week of yoga classes inspired me to get back in shape and start working out which led me to buying a class pass. Now I can take more CorePower classes yay! So far, I’ve taken the C1, C1.5, C2, and yoga sculpt class. They were all enjoyable with each instructor making each class slightly different. I tend to like the C2 classes and throwing a yoga sculpt class into the mix whenever I’m feeling brave enough. The C2 classes are the perfect balance of flow and intensity for me. The yoga sculpt class really kicks your butt! But in a good way! I tend to not be a very meditative/​spiritual person so I don’t really like the classes/​instructors that emphasize that but I’m starting to learn to appreciate that aspect of yoga. I do find that CorePower is a good balance between the meditative aspect of yoga and the fitness/​athletic aspect of yoga. It offers a good fit for people on both ends and inbetweens of that spectrum.
I actually ended up enjoying the hot yoga part as it makes my muscles feel more limber and stretchy. I have a previous injury on my hamstring that makes it really hard for me to regain the flexibility I once had there. With CorePower, I’m able to warm up my muscles enough and slowly (safely) stretch to get back to the flexibility I once had. Hot yoga is also good in the winter and on colder days as you feel so cozy right when you walk into the studio.
The studio is very clean with plenty of cubbies, lockers, showers, and restrooms. You can also rent a towel and yoga mat for $ 3. The location of this studio is perfect as there is a parking lot and plenty of street parking around the block closer to the freeway side. There are lots of class times to pick from so you can always find something that fits your schedule.
Highly recommend this place for a great sweaty workout!

The facility is always kept very clean, all the instructors are very personable and sweet. A major plus is that there is a parking lot but if it is full I have always found a spot on the street.

Yoga sculpt and spin! Enough said! This location offers yoga spin and yoga sculpt and spin, classes not offered at other studios… plus a staff which is super engaging and super friendly! I walked in at 6am, barely awake, and was greated with such enthusiasm I signed up for bootcamp on my way out! If you’re looking for an all around workout, yoga + cardio… or bootcamp… plus enthusiastic encouragement along the way, this is definately the studio to check out!

my first out of town core power experience… and experienced it on christmas eve!
gotta say, this location rocks. being located in a sleepier area of berkeley next to residential, i was able to easily find close street parking on 6^th after a quick exit off the 80. it was very convenient for me to get in a few classes while visiting family who live in oakland and pinole… so awesome being able to utilize active core power membership anywhere you go =)
the studio is large (for all front area, yoga room, and locker rooms) and located on the 2^nd level of a little shopping building with sprawling windows looking out to university ave. locations like this make daylight classes so nice with all the natural light. the classes i attended were pretty full, but didnt get in the way for me. i actually like being in classes with a lot of dedicated, in shape yogis as its inspiring and creates a sense of community and unity.
both classes i took were C2 classes — xmas eve noon class with Ruby, and a sat 5pm class with Ashley. I left both classes feeling like I got a good workout that were stimulating. From my few encounters, it appears this studio host good instructors and keeps fairly full. i was surprised how many people were there on christmas eve — but in a way not at all because the core power family is a dedicated one!

I finally found a relatively slow week in my life so I could take full advantage of the free week at Core Power Yoga. Happily, it coincided with Daylight Savings Time ending and it was the perfect anti-​depressant for the «getting dark at 5:00 p.m.» blues that I get at this time of year. I was able to get to 6 classes and tried out several classes of Heated Power Yoga, a Restorative Yoga class, and a couple of Ryde & Yoga. I have been practicing yoga for 20+ years and found the classes challenging and fantastic! I usually do 90 minute classes at Groove Yoga and was pleasantly surprised that I got a great workout with only an hour class. There are beginning yoga classes too which I am sure give much more instruction on postures.
Despite being only hour long classes, I have never sweated SO MUCH in my entire life (and I typically do heated yoga classes). I felt so detoxed and relaxed afterwards. WOW. It is BYOT (bring your own towel) so make sure to bring a big one to wipe up the puddles of sweat on your mat and surrounding floor. You can also rent one for $ 1. BEWARE of walking around the room directly after a class unless you want to experience that grotesque feeling of walking directly on another person’s puddle of sweat with your bare feet. For some reason, the instructors don’t ask class participants to wipe up the area around their mat?!? Only once during my week there, I saw a staff going through the room with a mop (apparently they do this as often as they can, depending on staffing levels).
The Ryde bikes are super cool. They tilt to the side so it simulates riding on a real bike. I took Victor’s classes and he’s a great teacher. All of the yoga instructors were fantastic! The evening classes get PACKED (think: Namaste-​like) — I counted 40+ yogis in Monica’s Monday evening class. They have three studios which have classes almost simultaneously.
PROS:
Amazing schedule! SOOO many classes from early morning to late evening!
Great merchandise for sale.
Cozy fireplace in the middle of the building.
Awesome showers! I would give them 6 stars just for this!
Fantastic yoga and Ryde classes :)
Fairly easy parking in the lot or nearby in the neighborhood.
Friendly, approachable staff/​instructors.
CONS:
No small wipe down towels provided for classes (which would help with the sweat puddle problem mentioned in several reviews)
I’m a HUGE Core Power Yoga fan already and just purchased a 10 day pass. I could easily see myself buying a monthly unlimited, especially in the winter months!

Dangerous levels of heat, terrible customer service, and they actually lock you out! Yes, this is corporate «yoga,» if you can call it that, where they are so cheap they don’t have someone staff the desk. Like everyone, I got suckered in by their free trial, reduced price black tie membership, and class list, but what I found out is that you are much better off going to a real yoga studio.
Their sweat inducing classes felt great… at first. One class was so hot that everyone complained that something was wrong but the teacher didn’t care. In other classes, people actively have trouble with the heat, sitting down, getting woozy, getting way overheated. I’ve done plenty of hot yoga, drink a ton of water but found that with the heat and humidity and lack of safety control, the heat at Corepower is just too much to get an effective workout.
When I spoke to customer service about the excess heat, the person on the phone who said he was also a «yoga» teacher, actually told me that he had a problem with the heating units being broken and overheating his classes! This is a HUGE safety issue and there is no proper regulation. It’s up to the teachers, who are NOT actually taking the class.
But fine, you’re now addicted to the heat. Well, don’t come late! Yes, they actually LOCK the doors if you come late even by 1 minute. Today they actually locked the door before class started! What if I just want to shower, or wait inside for the next class? Too bad. (BTW, I’ve cancelled my membership, but like COX still have a contract for a few weeks.)
They are so cheap that even though this corporate giant has like 100 locations, and charges crazy fees, they can’t pay to have someone run the desk or even answer the phone! Yes, phone calls get routed to their corporate office! Even cancelling was a huge process. Go to a local Berkeley or Oakland studio where you can actually enjoy doing yoga, not worry about overzealous teachers and overheated rooms, get the studio to actually answer the phone, and not randomly get locked out!

As it turns out, I didn’t go back to Iyengar at all. A friend of mine encouraged me to go to a Bikram yoga class with her and it is everything Core Power Yoga is not. Once again, I can’t believe the lack of attention paid to proper alignment, to giving cues, or to personal adjustments at this yoga studio. Blech.
You can read my review on El Cerrito Yoga here on Unilocal if you choose.

I recently moved to the Bay Area from Chicago, where I went to several of the CPY studios for years. HPF Candlelight in the South Loop, West Loop and Bucktown were my homes away from home, and I was devastated when I left.
Luckily, the Berkeley studio is about 45 minutes away, so when I need a good HPF stretch, it’s not terribly far. I love visiting various studios across the country, and this one was no different — calm, relaxing and exactly what I needed.
My only complaint was that the studio wasn’t as clean as the others. There were crumbs underneath my mat, and the women’s locker room was unkept. It could have been an off day, so I’ll definitely give it another chance. I can’t wait to come back!

Awesome studio with great instructors and great classes. I did the free week and then a groupon for a month unlimited and loved it. The heated C2 classes are my favorite — great flow, and the right amount of intensity. Also love the sculpt class which is probably one of the hardest workout classes I’ve ever taken, combining the heat with weights, plyometrics, and yoga. You’re constantly switching back and forth between high intensity intervals and stretching yoga postures. Incredible workout, but not recommended for everyone. I’ve also taken the hot power fusion class, which is not my favorite — it’s basically a shortened bikram class that’s switched up the poses.
All the teachers and teaching styles are VERY different so no two classes of even the same kind will feel the same, which I really like because your body doesn’t know what to expect. I’ve never had an instructor who I didn’t like here!
The facility is clean and well maintained — the locker room area is great, lots of space, showers, mirrors, shampoo/​conditioner/​body wash/​lotion/​deo spray, etc. and it never feels gross in there.
Highly recommended for an amazing workout, but be prepared to sweat more than you ever thought possible!

Nice big clean studio. Great teachers. Great routines. Horrible customer experience.
I was a huge fan of Corepower yoga until I spent 30 min in shitty holiday traffic and arrived 15 min late to class. I was frustrated and bummed I was late but excited to get my yoga on even if it was for only 45 min. I really loved Corepower. I always left happy and relaxed.
«Oh, we’re sorry, you can’t get in. You’re over 5 minutes late.»
«What?»
“Yeah we don’t allow people to enter if they’re over 5 minutes late. It’s 15 past.”
«I just drove 30 min in traffic to get here. No one told me about this 5 minute rule.»
Here’s the thing. I find that 5 minute rule totally reasonable (especially for yoga). What pisses me off is a) they didn’t tell me about this rule and I could have turned around and gone home b) They should have communicated the rule when I signed up and c) Being treated like an idiot makes me even more angry. If a customer has an issue, there’s probably something wrong with your process. Hearing them out will make it better. Ignoring them will not.
This is my first ranty Unilocal review. I guess Corepower did a good job screwing me over.