Group Exercise Instructor

Ymcasatx; Cibolo (TX); On-site; USD 22,041 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

YMCA in Texas seeks an enthusiastic group fitness instructor to lead energizing classes in a safe, welcoming environment. You will follow YMCA policies, support member wellness, and adapt sessions to diverse abilities and cultures.

You will maintain class records, attend staff meetings, stay certified, and help build a supportive community among members and staff.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience instructing group wellness classes.
• General knowledge of group exercise equipment and cardio/strength training.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to facilitate group interaction.
• National group fitness cert or YMCA Foundations cert; may obtain within six months.
• Additional certifications (Pilates, Yoga, ZUMBA, etc.) preferred.
• Certifications due within first week: Bloodborne Pathogens & Hazardous Communications; within 60 days: CPR/First Aid/AED.

Responsibilities

• Lead energizing, safe group fitness classes as directed by the supervisor.
• Answer member questions to support wellness goals and stay informed on trends.
• Build genuine relationships and foster community among members and staff.
• Observe participant needs and adjust sessions for varied abilities and cultures.
• Document accurate attendance records in a timely manner.

Skills

Group fitness instruction

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Public speaking

Education

National group exercise certification

YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise

Job description

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Instructs group classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that welcomes people of all skill and fitness levels. Effectively builds community within the class. Modifies class as needed to meet varied health, ability and cultural needs.

Instructs group classes in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment that promotes member wellness and engagement by following YMCA policies and procedures.

OUR CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Enthusiastically lead an energizing, fun, safe, and educational group fitness class, as directed by the supervisor, to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
• Answer questions from members to nurture goal achievement related to healthy living. Maintains working knowledge of current wellness trends from respected industry leaders to inform and support members.
• Build effective, genuine, and professional relationships with members; encourage building a community by fostering connections with other members and YMCA staff.
• Observes and adjusts approach to support all participants’ capabilities, physical conditions, health, and culture.
• Celebrates achievement of program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering of specific skills or overall health and well‑being.
• Document accurate class attendance records on a timely basis.
• Begin each class with a Higher Thought, story or inspirational word.
• Attend all required staff meetings; departmental, branch and, association level.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures; respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Maintain required certification(s) by meeting/exceeding continuing education requirements and keep current with legitimate trends in individual proficiency and the industry.
• Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice and dispensing or endorsing any commercial health products especially nutritional supplements, vitamins, performance‑enhancing substances and pain relievers/treatments/therapies.
• Refrain from the promotion of any merchandise or services from outside the YMCA.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence
• Engaging Community
• Inclusion

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience instructing group wellness classes is preferred.
• Have a general knowledge of group exercise equipment, sound systems, cardiovascular and strength training, and health and wellness techniques.
• Must have effective interpersonal skills and be able to facilitate group interaction/socialization and exhibit teamwork with members, co‑workers, and management staff.
• National certification (ACE, ACSM, AFAA, FitTour, ISSA, NETA, and some others) in group fitness instruction or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification required * , or may be obtained within six months of employment.
• Additional certification(s) in other proficiencies/areas of expertise (i.e., Group Cycling, Les Mills Programming, Pilates, Yoga, ZUMBA, etc.) are required.
• Certifications required within the first week of hire: Redwoods Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazardous Communications.
• Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA Healthy Lifestyles, YMCA approved basic life‑saving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen.

• *The following instructor certifications are exempted from the National Group Exercise requirement. However, you are strongly encouraged to obtain this type of certification as it serves as a foundation for movement and provides other basic education information needed for leading any group exercise class:

  • Pilates - National Commission for Certifying Agencies NCCA accredited Pilates school certification

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.