Fitness and Restorative Wellness Trainer

Parallel Corporate; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Parallel Corporate in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a passionate Fitness & Restorative Wellness Trainer to design and lead a holistic wellness program for seniors in our living community. This role blends exercise, rehabilitation-minded programming, and engaging movement experiences to improve strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life.

We welcome candidates from personal training, restorative care, occupational therapy, and physical therapy backgrounds who are excited to bring fresh ideas

Qualifications

• Background in senior fitness or rehabilitation-focused care is preferred.
• Current CPR/AED certification required or in progress.
• Experience designing and delivering balance/strength programs for older adults.
• Ability to document resident progress and work with care teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct baseline assessments of strength, balance, flexibility, and daily living tasks.
• Design and deliver restorative programming (strength, balance, chair yoga, therapeutic movement).
• Lead one-on-one sessions and group classes that motivate residents.
• Collaborate with nursing staff, therapists, and restorative aides to align wellness plans.
• Educate residents, families, and staff on movement for healthy aging and fall prevention.
• Track progress and contribute ideas to evolve the wellness program.

Skills

Senior fitness

Group classes

Assessment

Fall prevention

Job description

Description

We are seeking a passionate and creative Fitness & Restorative Wellness Trainer to design and lead an engaging, whole-person wellness program for residents in our senior living community. This is more than personal training — it's an opportunity to build a dynamic, rehabilitation-minded program that improves strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life through innovative and meaningful movement experiences. We welcome candidates from personal training, restorative care, occupational therapy, and physical therapy backgrounds who are excited to bring fresh ideas to senior wellness.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct individualized fitness and functional movement assessments to establish baselines in strength, balance, flexibility, and daily living performance. Design and deliver creative, restorative programming — including strength training, balance and fall-prevention circuits, chair yoga, therapeutic movement, and sensory or cognitive-motor activities. Lead both one-on-one sessions and energetic group classes that keep residents motivated and engaged. Collaborate closely with nursing staff, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and restorative aides to create cohesive, care-aligned wellness plans. Develop programming that bridges the gap between skilled therapy discharge and long-term functional independence. Educate residents, families, and care staff on the role of consistent movement in healthy aging, fall prevention, and chronic condition management. Track and document resident progress, participation, and functional improvements. Contribute new ideas and help shape the evolution of our wellness program — your creativity is genuinely welcomed here.

Requirements

Qualifications

We encourage applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including:

• Certified Personal Trainers (NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) with senior or clinical experience
• Restorative Aides or Restorative Therapy Technicians with hands-on senior care experience
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) interested in a wellness-focused role
• Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) looking to expand into community-based programming

Additional qualifications include a senior fitness specialty certification (preferred but not required), current CPR/AED certification, familiarity with age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, balance disorders, and dementia, and a genuine passion for working with older adults. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to motivate a diverse resident population are essential.

Work Environment

This role blends structured fitness sessions with creative program development, giving you real ownership over how wellness looks and feels in our community. You'll work in our fitness studio, common areas, and on resident floors — adapting your approach to meet residents where they are. Some physical exertion is required, including demonstrating exercises and assisting residents with mobility aids or equipment.