Group Exercise Instructor

Ymca Of Coastal Carolina; Andrews (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA of Coastal Carolina is seeking a Group Exercise Instructor to plan and lead safe, engaging group fitness classes that help members reach health goals. You will foster an inclusive environment, provide modifications for all fitness levels, and promote YMCA programs.

The role emphasizes customer service, program promotion, and adherence to safety standards, with required certifications and ongoing education. Classes are taught on-site in a community-focused setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or education in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health and Wellness, or related field preferred.
• Must hold a current group exercise or specialty certification from a nationally recognized or YMCA-approved organization.
• Previous group exercise instruction experience preferred but not required; demonstrated instructional ability encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead group exercise classes within certification and training.
• Demonstrate proper exercise technique and provide appropriate modifications.
• Build positive relationships and deliver exceptional customer service.
• Promote YMCA health and wellness programs and other member services.
• Monitor participant safety, equipment use, and class attendance; enforce policies.
• Prepare class formats, music, and equipment for a high-quality experience.
• Maintain a clean, organized exercise space; stay current with certifications and education.
• Attend staff meetings and association events; support fundraising efforts.

Skills

Group exercise instruction

Customer service

Communication

Motivation

Relationship-building

Coaching

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Exercise Science coursework

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:Under the supervision of the Healthy Living Director, the Group Exercise Instructor plans and leads safe, engaging, and effective group fitness classes that support members in achieving their health and wellness goals. This position creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, builds positive relationships with participants, and promotes YMCA programs.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Plan and lead group exercise classes within the scope of certification and training.Create a safe, motivating, and inclusive class environment by demonstrating proper exercise technique and providing appropriate modifications.Build positive relationships with participants while delivering exceptional customer service and encouraging member engagement.Promote YMCA health and wellness programs, personal training, and other member services.Monitor participant safety, equipment use, and class attendance while enforcing YMCA policies and procedures.Prepare organized class formats, music, and equipment to ensure a high-quality participant experience.Maintain a clean, organized, and safe exercise space before and after each class.Stay current with industry trends and maintain all required certifications and continuing education.Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and association events.Support YMCA fundraising efforts and perform other duties as assigned.YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY:The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is committed to creating environments where children are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.Employees and volunteers who directly supervise children are expected to:Adhere to YMCA policies regarding professional boundaries with youth.Attend all required Abuse Risk Management and Child Protection training.Follow established procedures for supervising children and managing high-risk activities.Immediately report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.Comply with all mandated reporting requirements and child protection protocols.Follow all YMCA and Praesidium standards related to child abuse prevention and youth protection.Every employee shares responsibility for protecting the children and families entrusted to our care.QUALIFICATIONS:High school diploma or equivalent required; coursework or education in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health and Wellness, or a related field preferred.Must hold a minimum of one current group exercise or specialty certification from a nationally recognized or YMCA-approved organization appropriate to the class or fitness platform being taught.Previous group exercise instruction experience preferred but not required; candidates with demonstrated instructional ability and appropriate certification are encouraged.Basic knowledge of group exercise principles, class design, exercise safety, modifications, and appropriate progression.Ability to lead safe, engaging, and inclusive classes for participants of varying fitness levels, ages, abilities, and backgrounds.Strong communication, customer service, relationship-building, and motivational skills.Ability to accept coaching and feedback and demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development.Availability to teach a minimum of one to three classes per week.Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, or the ability to obtain them within YMCA-established timeframes.Must successfully complete required background screenings and YMCA training.WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Work is performed primarily in a fitness and group exercise environment with moderate to high noise levels.Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, squat, twist, reach, and demonstrate exercises for extended periods.Must possess the physical stamina to safely lead classes while modeling proper form and technique.Must be able to lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.Requires close and distance vision and the ability to monitor participant safety throughout class.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.