Advocacy
The #1 order of business for Group Fitness Instructors United is to advocate for an overhaul of our industry. We'll begin by lobbying for regulatory changes in King County. Then, we'll create a state-wide certification program. Then, we'll take on the world. Or, at least Lynwood and Tacoma...
Definitions
Group Fitness Instructor: A person leading movement (expressed in many different forms) for a group of people, all moving together, to help enhance individual knowledge and skill-set within that form of movement while receiving the physical and mental benefits of that practice. (Special thanks to Amber for communicating this!)
Benefits Acronyms: Paid time off = PTO; sick leave = SSL; vacation time = vacay; retirement fund = 401(k)
Instruction space: Any organized provider of fitness classes and thereby requestor of instructors. This includes:
-corporate gyms and studios (24 Hour Fitness, Lifetime, Gold's Gym, etc.)
-"mom-n-pop" gyms and studios with one or more locations (Breathe Hot Yoga, Hot Yoga Inc., Experience Momentum)
-franchise gyms and studios (Soul Cycle, Club Pilates, Orange Theory Fitness, Corepower Yoga, etc.)
-professional organizations that contract fitness instructors on their premises (corporations, housing complexes, private parties, etc.)
-any other public entity that contracts a group fitness instructor to achieve an economic, marketing, advertising, or other publicizing end (if you earn from them, they need to earn from you)
Employment types:
-"W2" refers to employees who are legally "regular" employees working at least Part-Time hours. Their employers are supposed to withhold portions of their paychecks for state taxes and benefits like sick leave and paid time off, although group fitness instructors may not work enough hours to enjoy those benefits. W2 are the tax forms these employees receive.
-"1099" and "contract" workers refer to group fitness instructors who contract, formally or informally, to teach classes for employers who do not offer them benefits or protections. These workers are expected (possibly without being told) to pay their own state and federal taxes quarterly.
Fair: Fair does not refer only to group fitness instructors vantage point, but reflects upon the industry as a whole. We do not endeavor to make instruction spaces suffer. The following mandates protect both instructors and spaces from wage abuses; costly and timely negotiations; ineffective and unsafe group fitness instruction; improper employment practices; and a carnivorous, monopolistic, abusive industry.
Benefits Acronyms: Paid time off = PTO; sick leave = SSL; vacation time = vacay; retirement fund = 401(k)
Instruction space: Any organized provider of fitness classes and thereby requestor of instructors. This includes:
-corporate gyms and studios (24 Hour Fitness, Lifetime, Gold's Gym, etc.)
-"mom-n-pop" gyms and studios with one or more locations (Breathe Hot Yoga, Hot Yoga Inc., Experience Momentum)
-franchise gyms and studios (Soul Cycle, Club Pilates, Orange Theory Fitness, Corepower Yoga, etc.)
-professional organizations that contract fitness instructors on their premises (corporations, housing complexes, private parties, etc.)
-any other public entity that contracts a group fitness instructor to achieve an economic, marketing, advertising, or other publicizing end (if you earn from them, they need to earn from you)
Employment types:
-"W2" refers to employees who are legally "regular" employees working at least Part-Time hours. Their employers are supposed to withhold portions of their paychecks for state taxes and benefits like sick leave and paid time off, although group fitness instructors may not work enough hours to enjoy those benefits. W2 are the tax forms these employees receive.
-"1099" and "contract" workers refer to group fitness instructors who contract, formally or informally, to teach classes for employers who do not offer them benefits or protections. These workers are expected (possibly without being told) to pay their own state and federal taxes quarterly.
Fair: Fair does not refer only to group fitness instructors vantage point, but reflects upon the industry as a whole. We do not endeavor to make instruction spaces suffer. The following mandates protect both instructors and spaces from wage abuses; costly and timely negotiations; ineffective and unsafe group fitness instruction; improper employment practices; and a carnivorous, monopolistic, abusive industry.
Wage Standards |
Fair Certification |
Union Benefits |
All group fitness instructors will receive minimum and fair wages. As such:
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All group fitness instructors will be required to certify in a state-mandated Group Fitness Instructors Certification Course. This generalized course will use the newest and most trustworthy science to teach instructors in-depth foundations for safe and effective fitness classes in any format. It will include CPR/ AED; injury care; trauma re-activeness; self protection; and psychological calming techniques. The certificate will be affordable. Moreover, it will be paid for either by: the state; the Union; or the gym/ studio/ instruction space that has requested instruction. Those certified will be required to take a shorter renewal course every 2 years. Instructors are then encouraged to further certify in specific modalities. As such:
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All group fitness instructors will receive the following benefits. These benefits will be provided by the Union, not the instruction spaces. These benefits will be provided to all instructors, irregardless of the number of classes taught. Benefits are:
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In order to advocate appropriately for you, group fitness instructors, we need to learn about your real work life. Help us help you by completing this brief survey. Use the Join page if you'd like to tell us more!
Can't find what you're looking for? Here's all the links, in one place:
Seattle, King County Washington Call Emily: (206) 488-5563