Group Exercise Instructor

Metropolitan YMCA Of The Oranges Inc; Livingston (NJ); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; 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

an employee assistance program

professional development opportunities

Metro Y program discounts

complimentary use of YMCA facilities

Job summary

Metropolitan YMCA Of The Oranges Inc. seeks a Group Exercise Instructor to deliver welcoming, inclusive classes that meet YMCA standards. You will tailor sessions for participants of all ages and fitness levels, provide clear instruction, and foster a sense of community.

Responsibilities include equipment checks, on-time class start/end, and promoting wellness programs. A CPR/First Aid cert and YMCA onboarding are required. This role supports member engagement and healthy living initiatives.

Qualifications

• Current nationally accredited Group Exercise Instructor certification.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are required.
• Specialty certs may be required for designated formats.
• 1+ years of group exercise instruction experience.
• Ability to teach multiple class formats.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with diverse populations and varying fitness levels.
• Knowledge of inclusive fitness practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, engaging, inclusive group exercise classes per YMCA standards.
• Deliver classes for varied ages, abilities, and fitness levels with modifications.
• Provide clear instruction and demonstrate proper technique.
• Arrive prepared with music, equipment, and class materials; manage timing.
• Create welcoming environment and connect participants to the YMCA community.
• Build relationships, recognize achievements, support retention.
• Respond to member questions and guide to related programs.
• Maintain a safe environment; inspect equipment and report issues.
• Record attendance and complete required YMCA reports.

Skills

Group exercise instruction experience

Strong interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Ability to teach multiple formats

Education

Group Exercise Instructor certification ( YMCA/ACE/AFAA/ACSM/NASM/ISSA or equivalent)

CPR/AED and First Aid certifications

YMCA onboarding and compliance training

Job description

The Group Exercise Instructor creates a welcoming, inclusive, and motivating environment where members of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and fitness levels feel supported in achieving their health and wellness goals.

Instructors deliver safe, effective, and engaging group exercise experiences that reflect YMCA standards of excellence while building meaningful relationships with members. Every class should strengthen the YMCA community by inspiring healthy lifestyles, encouraging personal growth, and fostering social connection.

The instructor serves as a YMCA ambassador by modeling the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility while promoting member engagement, retention, and overall well-being.

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.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Current nationally accredited Group Exercise Instructor certification (YMCA, ACE, AFAA, ACSM, NASM, ISSA or equivalent).
• Current Adult CPR/AED and First Aid certifications.
• Specialty certifications required for designated class formats when applicable.
• Completion of all required YMCA onboarding and compliance training.
• 1 or more years of group exercise instruction experience.
• Ability to teach multiple class formats.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse populations and varying fitness levels.
• Knowledge of inclusive fitness practices.

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
• complimentary use of YMCA facilities