Group Exercise Instructor

Metro YMCAs; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Legal plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Retirement benefits

403(b) plan

Employee assistance program

Professional development

Metro Y program discounts

Complimentary YMCA facilities

Job summary

Metro YMCAs is seeking a Group Exercise Instructor to lead safe, engaging classes in accordance with YMCA standards. You will plan for varied ages and abilities, provide clear instruction, and foster a welcoming environment that strengthens community and promotes wellness.

Requirements include current instructor certification, CPR/AED/First Aid, and 1+ years of experience. The role emphasizes inclusivity and the ability to teach multiple formats within a dynamic YMCA setting.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, effective, engaging, and inclusive group exercise classes in accordance with YMCA and nationally recognized industry standards.
• Prepare for and deliver classes for participants of varying ages, abilities, health conditions, and fitness levels including modifications.
• Provide clear verbal and visual instruction, demonstrate proper technique, and stay current with exercise science and formats.
• Arrive prepared with music, equipment, and class materials and run classes on schedule.
• Create a welcoming, supportive environment where participants feel seen, valued, and connected to the YMCA community.
• Build positive relationships with members by learning names, encouraging interaction, recognizing achievements, and celebrating milestones.
• Respond to member questions about fitness, wellness programs, and YMCA services and connect to relevant offerings.
• Support member engagement and retention through consistent relationship building and positive class experiences.
• Maintain a safe exercise environment, inspect equipment, and report any damages.
• Monitor participants and respond to fatigue, discomfort, injury, or safety concerns.
• Follow YMCA emergency procedures, risk management, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• Record class attendance and complete required reports in YMCA systems on time.
• Clock in/out using Paylocity.
• Communicate scheduling conflicts and substitutions to supervisors promptly.
• Support YMCA events, wellness initiatives, and branch promotions.

Skills

Group exercise instruction

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Inclusive fitness

Adaptability

Education

Group Exercise Instructor certification

CPR/AED and First Aid certifications

Specialty certifications for formats

YMCA onboarding and compliance training

1+ years of group exercise experience

Ability to teach multiple formats

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Experience with diverse populations

Knowledge of inclusive fitness practices

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