Certified Group Exercise Instructor - West Park YMCA

YMCA; Cleveland, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Cleveland seeks an energetic Group Exercise Instructor to design and lead safe, engaging group fitness classes. You will tailor workouts to participant abilities, demonstrate techniques, and motivate members while monitoring safety and hydration.

Responsibilities include planning class choreography, updating routines, and recording attendance. Current CPR/AED and First Aid, plus YMCA group exercise certification, are required to ensure high-quality sessions for all members.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associates degree preferred.
• CPR/AED for Adults, Children and Infants and First Aid certification required.
• Foundations of YMCA Group Exercise or current Group Exercise certification from an approved organization.

Responsibilities

• Design classes that adhere to the designated format and are appropriate for participants' abilities.
• Teach scheduled classes with energy and enthusiasm.
• Demonstrate skills clearly and tailor intensity to class level.
• Provide movement modifications and encourage members to work at their own pace.
• Use clear verbal and physical cues before movement changes.
• Plan class choreography and vary music and routines.
• Record attendance accurately and maintain safety and emergency procedures.

Skills

Group fitness instruction

Motivation & coaching

Safety awareness

Program design

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates degree preferred

CPR/AED & First Aid certification

Job description

Group Exercise Instructors design and instruct safe, high-quality, effective and challenging group exercise classes as determined by the class format and description. Instructors must be knowledgeable, professional, motivating, and member-focused.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Design classes that adhere to the designated format and are constructed to be appropriate for the participants' abilities. Teach scheduled classes with energy and enthusiasm.
• Demonstrate skills being taught in class, explain them clearly to class members, and work at skill level and intensity level appropriate for the particular class. Instructors are to emphasize the members' workouts, not their own.
• Frequently and consistently demonstrate multiple movement modifications, and repeatedly encourage members to modify movements and work at their own pace. Monitor 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 that the class attendance of each member is accurately recorded in the designated manner.
• Be responsible for the safety of all participants; knows emergency procedures and the location and proper use of emergency equipment.

MININMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required, Associates degree preferred.
• Current certification in CPR/AED for Adults, Children and Infants and First Aid.
• Current certification in Foundations of YMCA Group Exercise or current Group Exercise certification from an organization approved by the YMCA of Greater Cleveland.
• Must possess current certification (if available) and/or documentation of training in the specific class format.