Group Exercise Instructor

Santa Monica Family YMCA; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Santa Monica Family YMCA is seeking a dedicated Group Exercise Instructor to lead and create engaging group exercise classes. The role involves ensuring a safe and positive member experience, monitoring progress, and providing modifications to accommodate all participants.

Qualifications include a nationally accredited group exercise instructor certification and prior teaching experience. Strong communication skills are essential to foster engagement and community within fitness activities.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience teaching in a class setting.
• Ability to communicate verbally to large and small groups of members.
• Knowledge of fitness principles and practical applications required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and plan exercise sessions in assigned fitness areas.
• Monitor participants' progress and provide ongoing feedback.
• Ensure proper alignment and safety during workouts.

Skills

Communication skills

Fitness knowledge

Ability to teach group classes

Education

Nationally Accredited Group Exercise Instructor Certification

CPR/AED and First Aid Certification

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Healthy Living Coordinator and in accordance with established Association policies, procedures and goals, the Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for building positive relationships among members, participants, volunteers, and staff by actively greeting and providing excellent customer service, guidance, and leadership. The Instructor creates and leads group exercise classes in a safe, effective, and timely manner, appropriate to the level of the participants in class, to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual health.

POSITION DETAILS

• Availability must be consistent (Once or twice per week, on the same day & time)
• Ability to teach a variety of group exercise formats preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Create a positive member experience through welcoming participants, learning names, and ensuring they are actively engaged in their workout
• Plan and lead exercise sessions in one or more assigned fitness areas, such as aerobics, stretching/flexibility, circuit training, general fitness, weight training, and/or specialty training by implementing effective teaching methods, giving equal attention to all participants
• Provide a safe workout routine by demonstrating proper form and technique, appropriate modifications, and cueing
• Monitor participants' progress and provide ongoing feedback, encouragement, and support to promote improvement and goal attainment
• Modify exercises and routines as needed to accommodate injuries, limitations, or varying skill levels while maintaining participant safety
• Ensure all instruction prioritizes proper alignment, body mechanics, and injury prevention at all times.
• Operate and manage studio sound equipment, ensuring music is appropriate for the class format, participant demographics, and YMCA standards
• Maintain a clean and safe workout area
• Effectively utilize scheduled class time
• Properly set up and breakdown class equipment in allotted timeframe
• Build community through forming positive relationships through learning names, and helping members reach their health & wellness goals
• Adhere to the core functions of the YMCA and exemplify Y Group Exercise Class Guidelines
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency
• Physical ability to lead and participate in exercise/fitness activities
• Ability to communicate verbally to large and small groups of members
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Nationally Accredited Group Exercise Instructor Certification (ACSM, NASM, ACE, AFAA) required
• Minimum one year of experience teaching in a class setting
• All job required trainings within 30 days from date of hire
• Strong communication skills and the capability to work with members of all fitness levels and abilities
• Knowledge of fitness principles and practical applications required
• Licensing, state law and our government funders require that staff within Santa Monica Family YMCA be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, obtained within 30 days of hire and must be from one of the following certifying organizations:
  • American Red Cross
  • American Heart Association
  • American Safety & Health Institute