Group Exercise Instructor

About the Role

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. You will instruct group classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that welcomes people of all skill and fitness levels, while building community and modifying classes to meet varied health, ability, and cultural needs.

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are:

• Welcoming: open to all, a place where you can belong and become.
• Genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
• Hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
• Nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
• Determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Responsibilities

• Enthusiastically lead energizing, fun, safe, and educational group fitness classes to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
• Answer member questions to nurture goal achievement related to healthy living.
• Maintain working knowledge of current wellness trends from respected industry leaders.
• Build effective, genuine, and professional relationships with members; encourage community-building among members and staff.
• Observe and adjust class approach to support participants’ capabilities, physical conditions, health, and culture.
• Celebrate participant achievements related to program or personal goals, skill mastery, or overall well-being.
• Document accurate class attendance records on a timely basis.
• Begin each class with a Higher Thought, story, or inspirational word.
• Attend all required staff meetings (departmental, branch, and association level).
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures; respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Maintain required certifications by meeting continuing education requirements and staying current with industry trends.
• Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, or endorsing commercial health products (e.g., supplements, vitamins, performance-enhancing substances, pain relievers).
• Refrain from promoting merchandise or services outside the YMCA.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership Competencies

• Communication & Influence
• Engaging Community
• Inclusion

Requirements

• At least one year of experience instructing group wellness classes is preferred.
• General knowledge of group exercise equipment, sound systems, cardiovascular and strength training, and health and wellness techniques.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to facilitate group interaction/socialization while exhibiting teamwork with members, co-workers, and management.
• National certification (ACE, ACSM, AFAA, FitTour, ISSA, NETA, etc.) in group fitness instruction or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification required (may be obtained within six months of employment).
• Additional certification(s) in other proficiencies/areas of expertise (e.g., Group Cycling, Les Mills, Pilates, Yoga, ZUMBA) are required.
• Certifications required within the first week of hire: Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazardous Communications.
• Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA Healthy Lifestyles, CPR, First Aid, AED.

The following instructor certifications are exempted from the National Group Exercise requirement but obtaining such certification is strongly encouraged:

• Les Mills proficiency certification
• Yoga – Registered Yoga School (RYS) instructor certification
• Pilates – National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredited Pilates school certification

Working Conditions

• Work is generally performed indoors in a health & wellness facility with fitness equipment or, occasionally, outdoors with supervisor approval.
• Physical ability to conduct classes and activities, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Visual acuity required for reading computer screens, documents, and teaching safe group exercise classes.
• Ability to correct unsafe movement in a nurturing, encouraging manner and deliver professional instruction to diverse learning styles and skill levels.