Group Exercise Instructor (Certified) - Parma Ridgewood Center YMCA

About the role

The Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for the design and instruction of safe, high-quality, effective, challenging, and fun group exercise classes as determined by the class format and description. This position supports the YMCA's mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Responsibilities

• Design and teach effective, safe, and enjoyable exercise classes using proper exercise progressions and cueing techniques according to guidelines.
• Select appropriate music and tempo suitable for the class format and population served.
• Oversee the proper use, maintenance, and cleaning of equipment and supplies.
• Attend all mandatory staff meetings.
• Design classes that adhere to the designated format and are appropriate for participants' abilities.
• Teach classes with energy and enthusiasm.
• Accurately demonstrate skills being taught, explain them clearly, and work at skill and intensity levels appropriate for the class; emphasize members' workouts, not the instructor's own.
• Frequently and consistently demonstrate multiple movement modifications and repeatedly encourage members to modify movements and work at their own pace.
• Monitor participants' intensity, technique, proper form, and hydration throughout the class.
• Consistently utilize clear and easy-to-follow verbal and physical cues in advance of a movement change.
• Plan in advance the specific composition/choreography of each class, consistently changing music and routines.
• Ensure class attendance of each member is accurately recorded in the designated manner.
• Begin and end class on time; be available in the classroom with proper music and all equipment set up and ready no fewer than 5 minutes before class begins.
• Leave program area in a safe "closed-down" manner with all equipment and materials properly cleaned and neatly returned to their proper places.
• Maintain positive rapport with participants (and parents of participants, if applicable).
• Encourage member involvement in YMCA programs, events, and Annual Campaign.
• Read announcements to class when requested.
• Learn participants' names, engage them in conversation, and conduct classes to encourage members to interact with and get to know each other.
• Find a certified and competent substitute instructor if unable to teach assigned class; notify supervisor of substitute coverage.
• May be required to travel to multiple branches and offsite locations to lead classes.
• May be required to lead classes in a live or recorded virtual environment.
• Follow the child abuse and neglect reporting process including completion of Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect reporting form, calling children protective services (696-Kids), and notifying immediate Supervisor, Branch Executive, Risk Management, and Human Resources Departments. All employees are mandated reporters for any signs or suspicion of child abuse and neglect.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associates degree preferred.
• Certifications (required within 30 days of hire): CPR at the level of Basic Life Support or Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration and associated-determined safety training.
• Group Exercise Certification: Current national NCCA-accredited Group Exercise Instructor certification, or YMCA Group Exercise Instructor certification. If not currently certified, must obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Specialty Format Certification (if applicable): Current certification/proof of training in the specialty class format to be taught (e.g., Zumba, yoga, Tai Chi, SilverSneakers, LiveSTRONG at the YMCA, Real You, aquatic, etc.). If not currently certified or trained, must obtain within 90 days of hire. Instructor must be actively supervised in class by wellness leadership or designee until requirement is fulfilled.
• Maintain all required certifications.
• Demonstrate commitment to the mission, cause, and values of the YMCA.
• Ability to work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
• Willingness and ability to serve as a mandated reporter for any signs or suspicion of child abuse and neglect, following the required reporting process.

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform frequent amounts of sitting, standing, swimming, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, bending, and/or instructing others for the duration of the shift.
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs.
• Close visual acuity for preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.
• Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and make discriminations in sound.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; conveying detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

Work Environment

• Noise level is usually moderate to noisy.
• May be required to work outside and on occasion encounter inclement weather.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work environment.
• Performs work in an office setting with moderate levels of noise, sitting for long periods, repetitive motion using computers and phones, with exposure to fluorescent lighting.

Benefits

• Free membership to your local YMCA and discount to YMCA programs including childcare (part-time positions do not receive discount on childcare).
• Additional employee discounts at many places in and around town.
• Eligible employees receive comprehensive Benefits Plan including Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Plan, Retirement (9% paid by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland), and paid vacation.