Group Exercise Instructor- Tai Chi, Line Dance

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, with a focus on active older adults. The role involves building community, modifying classes to meet varied health and cultural needs, and promoting member wellness and engagement by following YMCA policies and procedures.

Our culture is built on our mission and core values. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.

Responsibilities

• Enthusiastically lead energizing, fun, safe, and educational group fitness classes to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
• Answer member questions to support their healthy living goals.
• Maintain working knowledge of current wellness trends to inform and support members.
• Build effective, genuine, and professional relationships with members and foster community connections.
• Observe and adjust class approaches to support participants’ capabilities, physical conditions, health, and cultural needs.
• Celebrate participant achievements related to program or personal goals.
• Document accurate class attendance records on a timely basis.
• Begin each class with an inspirational thought, story, or word.
• Attend all required staff meetings at the departmental, branch, and association levels.
• 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, including supplements and pain treatments.
• Refrain from promoting external merchandise or services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.
• Strong background in experience, education, or training in working with older adults and a genuine interest in this population.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to facilitate group interaction and teamwork.
• 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 certifications in other proficiencies (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, Yoga (RYS), Pilates (NCCA-accredited).

Skills

• Communication & Influence
• Engaging Community
• Inclusion

Working Conditions

• Work is generally performed indoors in a health and wellness facility, occasionally outdoors with supervisor approval.
• Physical ability to conduct classes, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Visual acuity required for reading documents, teaching classes, and correcting unsafe movements.
• Ability to deliver professional instruction to diverse learning styles and skill levels in a nurturing manner.