Functional Training Instructor

Metro YMCAs; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

paid sick leave

a legal plan

disability insurance

life insurance

12% retirement benefits upon eligible

a 403 (b) plan

employee assistance program

professional development opportunities

Metro Y program discounts

complimentary use of YMCA facilities

Job summary

Metro YMCAs in Livingston, NJ seeks a Functional Training Instructor to lead dynamic, safe group fitness experiences that improve strength, endurance, mobility, balance and functional movement. Classes feature HIIT, circuit and small-group formats with progressive options to suit all levels.

You will plan and deliver sessions, provide clear instruction, monitor safety, and support member engagement while promoting YMCA programs.

Qualifications

• Must hold a nationally accredited group exercise or personal trainer credential.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, engaging, and inclusive group exercise classes following YMCA and industry standards.
• Prepare and deliver classes for varied ages, abilities, and fitness levels with appropriate modifications.
• Provide clear instruction, demonstrate techniques, and maintain current exercise science knowledge.
• Arrive prepared with music, equipment, and materials; start and end on schedule.
• Create a welcoming environment; build relationships with members and provide exceptional service.
• Respond to member questions about fitness and YMCA programs; promote wellness services.
• Support member engagement and retention through consistent, positive class experiences.
• Maintain a safe exercise environment; inspect equipment and report issues promptly.
• Monitor participants for fatigue or signs of injury and respond appropriately.
• Follow YMCA procedures, risk management, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• Record class attendance and complete required reports in YMCA systems.
• Clock in/out using Paylocity; communicate scheduling conflicts to supervisors.
• Support special events, wellness initiatives, and branch promotions.
• Design and lead functional training using diverse equipment and modalities.
• Provide progressions/regressions to ensure safe movement patterns.
• Offer individualized coaching to improve form and reduce injury risk.
• Incorporate functional movement principles for daily living and athletic performance.
• Inspect and set up equipment prior to class; maintain a clean, organized space.
• Monitor participant fatigue, hydration, and exercise intensity.
• Educate participants on proper equipment use and training principles.
• Support goal setting and encourage consistent participation.

Education

Nationally accredited Group Exercise Certification or Personal Trainer Certification (ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA, ISSA, YMCA or equivalent)

CPR/AED and First Aid

Job description

Description

The Functional Training Instructor delivers dynamic, safe, and results-driven group fitness experiences that improve participants' strength, cardiovascular endurance, mobility, balance, agility, coordination, and functional movement. Classes are designed to meet participants where they are while providing progressive training options in a motivating and inclusive environment.

(HIIT • Circuit Training • Small Group Training • Turf Training • TRX • Kettlebells • Battle Ropes • ViPR •

BOSU • Functional Conditioning)

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.
• Design and lead structured functional training classes using a variety of equipment and training modalities.
• Demonstrate proper exercise technique and movement mechanics while providing appropriate progressions and regressions.
• Provide individualized coaching to ensure safe movement patterns and reduce injury risk.
• Incorporate functional movement principles that improve activities of daily living and athletic performance.
• Inspect and safely set up all equipment prior to class.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free training environment.
• Monitor participant fatigue, hydration, and exercise intensity.
• Educate participants on proper equipment use and training principles.
• Support member goal setting and encourage consistent participation.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Nationally accredited Group Exercise Certification or Personal Trainer Certification (ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA, ISSA, YMCA or equivalent)
• CPR/AED and First Aid

Preferred Experience:

• TRX Suspension Training
• Functional Movement Screening (FMS)
• Kettlebell Certification
• ViPR Certification
• BOSU Certification
• Small Group Training Certification
• Corrective Exercise Certification

Part Time Benefits:

• 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
• and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.

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, and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.