Group Exercise Instructor - Abingdon (Ward)

The Y in Central Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Y in Central Maryland is seeking a Group Exercise Instructor to lead safe, engaging classes that promote fitness, wellness, and community interaction. You will design dynamic class programming, adapt instruction for all fitness levels, and foster a motivating, inclusive group environment.

You must maintain current primary group exercise certification and a complementary certification, keep CPR/AED current, and complete continuing education credits.

Qualifications

• Current nationally recognized group exercise certification required (e.g., AFAA, ACE, NASM, ACSM, NETA or Y Foundations).
• At least one complementary or specialty certification required (e.g., Zumba, Yoga, Indoor Cycling, Kickboxing, Barre).
• Current CPR/AED certification required (or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire).
• 6 months to 1 year of prior experience teaching group exercise classes strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead effective, safe, and engaging group exercise classes that align with Y wellness standards.
• Develop and maintain class programming based on member needs, fitness trends, and specialty certifications.
• Adapt exercises and instruction to meet the diverse abilities and goals of participants.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with members through energetic and solution-focused engagement.
• Promote overall wellness concepts and healthy lifestyle habits during classes and member interactions.
• Maintain up-to-date primary group exercise certification and at least one complementary certification related to specialty formats.
• Complete continuing education credits (CECs) and maintain certification status as required by governing bodies and Y policies.
• Record class attendance and submit required administrative reports accurately and timely.
• Ensure all equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, and set up safely before and after classes.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Motivate participants

Professional development

Tools

Audio equipment basics

Job description

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

Position Summary

The Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for delivering high-quality, safe, and engaging group exercise classes that promote fitness, wellness, and community interaction. Instructors are expected to create dynamic class programming, adjust instruction to accommodate a variety of fitness levels, and foster a motivating group environment. Group Exercise Instructors must maintain current certifications in their specialty areas and obtain complementary certifications to broaden class offerings.

Essential Functions

• Design and lead effective, safe, and engaging group exercise classes that align with Y wellness standards.
• Develop and maintain class programming based on member needs, fitness trends, and specialty certifications.
• Adapt exercises and instruction to meet the diverse abilities and goals of participants.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with members through energetic and solution-focused engagement.
• Promote overall wellness concepts and healthy lifestyle habits during classes and member interactions.
• Maintain up-to-date primary group exercise certification and at least one complementary certification related to specialty formats (e.g., Yoga, Cycling, HIIT, Strength Training).
• Complete required continuing education credits (CECs) and maintain certification status as required by governing bodies and Y policies.
• Record class attendance and submit required administrative reports accurately and timely.
• Ensure all equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, and set up safely before and after classes.
• Report equipment needs, safety concerns, or facility challenges promptly to supervisors.
• Actively participate in scheduled meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Basic knowledge of audio/stereo technology for use in class environments

Qualifications

• Current nationally recognized group exercise certification (e.g., AFAA, ACE, NASM, ACSM, NETA or Y Foundations of Group Exercise Certification) required.
• At least one complementary or specialty certification required (e.g., Zumba, Yoga, Indoor Cycling, Kickboxing, Barre).
• Current CPR/AED certification required (or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire).
• 6 months to 1 year of prior experience teaching group exercise classes strongly preferred.

Ability to design effective, progressive, and safe group exercise programs.

• Strong interpersonal and motivational skills with the ability to energize participants of all fitness levels.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Physical Demands

• Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions.
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking.
• Will be exposed to cleaning supplies.
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Must be physically able to successfully complete required certifications.

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position. They may include a background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check.

Additional driver’s license check, CPS, Criminal Background check, alcohol and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and maintain the minimum requirements of this position.

The Y in Central Maryland provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment. Moreover, the Y is firmly committed to celebrating and achieving diversity and inclusion in all we do. We strive to be an anti-racist organization and expect all associates to treat others with respect, kindness and dignity, at all times. Thank you for considering working for the Y in Central Maryland. If being a part of our cause feels right for you, we hope you will join us.