Group Exercise Instructor - Ellicott City (Dancel)

Ymca Of Central Maryland, Inc.; Ellicott City (MD); On-site; USD 24,796 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Ymca Of Central Maryland, Inc. in Ellicott City is seeking a Group Exercise Instructor to deliver engaging cardio and strength classes for participants of all fitness levels. You will lead sessions under the supervision of the Fitness Director, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment that promotes group interaction.

This role requires a stand-alone group exercise certification (e.g. Les Mills, Zumba) and CPR/AED/First Aid certification, with flexibility for varying shifts.

Qualifications

• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage members.
• Must hold a stand-alone group exercise certification (e.g. Les Mills, Zumba).
• At least 1–3 years’ experience in fitness or group exercise.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, appropriately challenging group exercise classes.
• Engage with members, guests, and participants to foster a welcoming environment.
• Maintain space, equipment, and class records; communicate needs to supervisor.

Skills

Diversity engagement

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree (in related fitness field)

CPR/AED/First Aid certification

Job description

Group Exercise Instructor - Ellicott City (Dancel)

4331 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 4:00 AM

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.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

*Seeking an instructor for Step & Strong, a step-based cardio and strength class designed for participants of all fitness levels.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Fitness Director, or other assigned associate, Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for delivering excellent services to all members, guest, and program participants. The primary function of the Group Exercise Instructor will be to highly engage with members, guest, and program participants by providing/teaching high quality, appropriately challenging, and fun group exercise class; and also providing a safe and welcoming environment that promoted group interaction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reports to work in uniform a minimum of fifteen minutes prior to assigned shift in order to receive communications and instructions from supervisor or associate, and to prepare the appropriate space.
• Provide excellent services to members, guest, and program participants in the Y center, on the phone, and through email exchange
• Through engagement, build meaningful relationships with members, guest, and program participants with positive and solution driven interaction
• Promote wellness concepts that embody well-rounded healthy and safe lifestyle
• Obtain and maintain group exercise certification, and continuous education on formats
• Maintain needed CECs, certification requirement, and ongoing trainings needed
• Adhere to the class style, format, and certification requirements while teaching
• Embody sensitivity and patience in dealing with diverse membership and wellness levels; avoid intimidated wellness environment
• Coach and encourage members to meet their wellness goals
• Maintain administrative responsibilities including recording class size and ongoing communication for supervisor
• Monitor, clean, and inspect equipment regularly; report any challenges or concerns
• Adhere/enforce to all policies, guidelines, rules, and best practices as outlined by the Y in Central Maryland with positive interaction
• Leader in handling conflict, concerns, member frustrations, and unusual center situations
• Informing proper leaders of operating challenges and/or conflicts during operating hours (either with members and/or associates)
• Focus on quality experiences and engagement within programs, services, and activities
• Promotes a professional image and maintains a clean and safe environment at all times.
• Ability to work with diverse populations, all ages, genders, and sexual orientations
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings as assigned
• Incorporate the four character values of the Y: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility and adhere to the Y Code of Conduct
• Communicate the Y mission and objectives to the community.

Assist in all other areas as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Group Exercise Instructor will meet the qualifications set forth by the Y in Central Maryland. Associates shall be of good character and reputation; capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility. Minimum qualifications include:

• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community
• Ability to be effective communicator
• Required to have Stand-alone specialty certification (e.g. Les Mills, Zumba, etc.)
• Required to have two of the following:
  • Nationally recognized accredited group exercise certification (e.g. ACE, ACSM, AFAA, NETA, AEA)
  • Bachelor’s degree (in related fitness field)
  • At least 1-3 years’ experience in fitness and/or group exercise
• Current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid certification (or within 30 days of hire)
• Flexible Schedule, days, nights and weekends
• Completion of new associate training (including Child Abuse Prevention) before scheduled to work

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.