Group Exercise Instructor I

NATURE AND SCOPE

Under the direct supervision of the Wellness Director, the Group Exercise Instructor-Level I Land and/or Water shall be part of a staff team who is responsible for conducting YMCA exercise classes both on land and water. The Level I Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for appropriate music selection, for class set-up and take-down, and for class members’ education about THE COACH APPROACH® and other health and wellness-related issues. The Level I Group Exercise Instructor must perform program responsibilities in accordance with the policies, organizational competencies, mission, and values established by the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. The Level I Group Exercise Instructor will have a key leadership role in YMCA of the USA initiatives to “strengthen the foundations of community” through healthy living.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to)

• Carry out daily program tasks related directly to the position's scope and responsibilities.
• Stay updated on current issues regarding group fitness/wellness programs.
• Promote, monitor, evaluate, and ensure that group exercise classes run smoothly with a high level of service to participants.
• Maintain branch and association certifications in CPR/AED and any other certifications/training required by the Metro Atlanta YMCA.
• Maintain all wellness certifications by meeting continuing education requirements. YMCA Health & Well-Being certifications require 10 CECs every two (2) years from YMCA/ACE continuing education courses or other courses provided by/approved by national group exercise certifying organizations, which are recognized by Y of the USA, e.g., ACE, ACSM, AFAA, or NETA per Y-Link (link.ymca.net).
• Attend all required staff meetings and training courses.
• Secure his/her own music and select music that is suitable for a family setting.
• Assist as needed in all aspects of the YMCA and its community.
• Participate in and partner with wellness cabinet activities.
• Ensure the follow-through of incident/accident reporting procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Must log class attendance in GroupEx PRO by 11:59 p.m. of the night that the class is taught. Classes may be logged via the GroupEx PRO App or GroupEx PRO website.
• Must log in to GroupEx PRO a minimum of two times/week to check for facility updates, subbing opportunities, and other important information.
• Must secure his/her own substitute instructor in a timely manner (using the GroupEx PRO App or other process outlined by supervisor) if he/she is unable to teach a YMCA class. Substitute request must be accepted and approved before the instructor is relieved of responsibility for the class.
• Must know, understand, and consistently apply Metro Atlanta YMCA risk and safety guidelines, best practices, and branch emergency procedures.
• Adhere to strength training and nutrition guidelines in alignment with
• Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, and dispensing or endorsing all commercial health products, especially nutritional supplements, vitamins, performance-enhancing substances, and/or pain relievers.

REQUIRMENTS

• High school or GED degree required
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older
• May have less than one year of experience in teaching group exercise classes or one or more years of group exercise participation
• Land instructors must obtain YMCA/ACE online Group Exercise Instructor Certification (or equivalency) and supplemental courses required by Y-USA/Y-Metro Atlanta within 60 days of hire date. If teaching group strength and/or conditioning classes, the YMCA Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certification is also required
• Water instructors must obtain all YMCA/AEA online certification and supplemental courses required by Y-USA/Y-Metro Atlanta, including the Y-Metro Atlanta Water Fitness Specialty Course (Prerequisite: YMCA Group Exercise Instructor Certification) or the AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional (AFP) Certification, within 60 days of hire date
• Must obtain/maintain full access to Y-Link (link.ymca.net) and to the Metro Atlanta YMCA Workday account: https://www.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/ymcaatlanta/login.htmld.
• Must maintain certifications by uploading continuing education credits via Y-Link (link.ymca.net) prior to date of expiration
• Must possess current CPR/AED certification and renew it every two years prior to date of expiration. Updated licenses shall be uploaded via Y-Link (link.ymca.net)
• Must obtain and maintain Specialty Certifications (e.g., Y-Metro Atlanta Pilates, Group Cycling, Active Older Adult) or outside certifications approved by Metro Atlanta Y (e.g., TRX, Barre, Zumba, Pound) prior to teaching the designated format
• Must pass group exercise audition based upon the format(s) of group exercise instruction for which the instructor is being hired
• Must be knowledgeable about fitness-related issues including but not limited to aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise, nutrition, benefits of exercise, injury-prevention, and THE COACH APPROACH®
• Must obtain THE COACH APPROACH® Orientation within 30 days of hire date
• Must possess a high degree of human-relations skills, must be able to facilitate class interaction and socialization, and should be considered a team player by members, co-workers, and management staff
• Exemplify YMCA ideals and leadership qualities
• Possess ability to handle multiple tasks, to work independently, and to solve problems. Possess effective time-management skills
• Possess strong customer-service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality
• Pass a criminal background and drug-screening check