Adaptive and Inclusive Fitness Instructor

Metropolitan YMCA Of The Oranges Inc; Livingston (NJ); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

12% retirement benefits upon eligible

403(b) plan

Employee assistance program

Professional development opportunities

Metro Y program discounts

Complimentary YMCA facility access

Job summary

Metropolitan YMCA Of The Oranges Inc is seeking a part-time Group Exercise Instructor in Livingston, NJ to lead inclusive classes for individuals with diverse abilities. You will adapt exercises, provide clear instruction, and foster a safe, engaging environment that supports participation and wellbeing.

Responsibilities include planning and delivering sessions, inspecting equipment, recording attendance, and collaborating with caregivers to support YMCA members and programs.

Qualifications

• National Group Exercise Certification required.
• Adaptive Fitness, Inclusive Fitness, or Special Populations certification preferred.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, inclusive group exercise classes in accordance with YMCA standards.
• Prepare for and deliver classes suitable for varying ages, abilities, and fitness levels; include modifications.
• Provide clear verbal and visual instructions and demonstrate proper technique.
• Arrive prepared with music, equipment, and materials; start and end on time.
• Create a welcoming environment and build positive relationships with members.
• Respond to member questions and connect them to wellness programs.
• Support member engagement and retention through positive class experiences.
• Maintain a safe exercise environment and inspect equipment; report issues.
• Record class attendance and complete required YMCA documentation
• Clock in/out using Paylocity and communicate schedule conflicts to supervision
• Support YMCA events, wellness initiatives, and branch promotions.
• Adapt exercises to meet individual abilities and collaborate with caregivers and providers when appropriate.
• Utilize adaptive equipment safely and promote independence and confidence.
• Maintain participant dignity and confidentiality and support universal design principles within programming.

Skills

Experience with disabilities

Adaptive fitness knowledge

Group exercise instruction

Communication and customer service

Education

National Group Exercise Certification

CPR/AED certification

First Aid certification

Adaptive Fitness / Inclusive Fitness / Special Populations certification (preferred)

Job description

Description

Provide safe, inclusive, and person-centered fitness experiences for individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory, developmental, neurological, or behavioral disabilities in accordance with YMCA inclusion principles. Adapt exercises, activities, instruction, equipment, and class environments to support individual abilities, goals, communication styles, and participation needs while promoting safety, independence, confidence, and physical well-being. Use clear and supportive instruction, appropriate modifications and progressions, and a respectful, strengths-based approach that encourages participation and meaningful engagement. Foster a welcoming environment where every participant feels valued, respected, supported, and included in the YMCA community.

Requirements

Role and Responsibilities

• Lead safe, effective, engaging, and inclusive group exercise classes in accordance with YMCA and nationally recognized industry standards.
• Prepare for and deliver classes appropriate for participants of varying ages, abilities, health conditions, fitness levels, and experience, including appropriate exercise modifications and progressions.
• Provide clear verbal and visual instruction, demonstrate proper exercise technique, and maintain current knowledge of exercise science, assigned formats, and industry best practices.
• Arrive prepared with appropriate music, equipment, and class materials, and begin and end classes according to the scheduled times.
• Create a welcoming, supportive environment in which participants feel seen, valued, encouraged, and connected to the YMCA community.
• Build positive relationships with members by learning and using names when possible, encouraging interaction, recognizing achievements, celebrating milestones, and providing exceptional service.
• Respond to member questions regarding fitness, wellness programming, and YMCA services within the scope of practice, and connect or promote members to programs and services that support their wellness goals.
• Support member engagement and retention through consistent relationship building and a positive class experience.
• Maintain a safe exercise environment before, during, and after each class; inspect equipment before use and promptly report damaged or unsafe equipment.
• Monitor participants throughout each class and respond appropriately to signs of fatigue, discomfort, injury, or other health or safety concerns.
• Follow YMCA emergency procedures, incident reporting requirements, risk management practices, confidentiality standards, and professional boundaries.
• Accurately record class attendance and complete required reports and documentation in designated YMCA systems and within established timelines.
• Clock in and out using Paylocity in accordance with Association procedures.
• Communicate schedule conflicts, availability concerns, and substitution needs promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
• Support YMCA special events, wellness initiatives, branch promotions, and other activities as requested.
• Adapt exercises to meet individual abilities.
• Collaborate with caregivers, support staff, and healthcare providers when appropriate.
• Utilize adaptive equipment safely.
• Foster independence, confidence, and social connection.
• Maintain participant dignity and confidentiality.
• Support universal design principles within fitness programming.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• National Group Exercise Certification
• Adaptive Fitness, Inclusive Fitness, or Special Populations certification preferred
• CPR/AED
• First Aid

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of adaptive fitness principles.
• Experience with Autism, Down syndrome, Parkinson's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke recovery, Cerebral Palsy, or other special populations is preferred.

Part Time Benefits:

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, which includes

• paid sick leave
• a legal plan
• disability insurance
• life insurance
• 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility
• a 403 (b) plan
• an employee assistance program
• professional development opportunities
• Metro Y program discounts
• complimentary use of YMCA facilities.