Group Exercise Instructor I

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Free YMCA membership

Paid time off

Health insurance

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking an energetic group exercise instructor to design and deliver safe, fun classes for members across our branches in New York. You will greet participants, adapt sessions to fitness levels, and maintain equipment and safety standards.

The role requires a High School Diploma, 1-2 years leading classes, current CPR and First Aid, and National Group Exercise certifications (ACE/ACSM/AFAA or YMCA). Flexible hours including days, evenings, weekends are expected.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years’ experience leading fitness classes.
• Current adult CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Current National Group Exercise certifications (ACE, ACSM, AFAA, or YMCA).
• Must attend the YMCA hospitality training within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Excellent customer service and hospitality skills.
• Ability to relate to and work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Must be available to work flexible hours including daytimes, evenings, and/or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver safe, fun, dynamic, and effective group exercise classes.
• Provide outstanding hospitality to all members and guests.
• Greet participants and help acclimate new participants.
• Wear the designated uniform and start each class with an introduction.
• Responsible for participant safety – inspect the floors, equipment, and supplies.
• Maintain awareness of current fitness programs and trends, available through Club Connect.
• Maintain required certifications and attendance records.
• Actively participate in trainings and designated meetings.

Skills

Group exercise instruction

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

ACE Certification

ACSM Certification

AFAA Certification

YMCA Certification

Job description

Salary: $30.00 - $50.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities. To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people-first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver safe, fun, dynamic, and effective group exercise classes.
• Provide outstanding hospitality to all members and guests.
• Outstanding hospitality means acting as a proactive agent by initiating professional relationships with members regarding their needs, concerns, and questions, and accommodating those needs/concerns.
• Arrive before the class starts to allow time to greet all participants and help acclimate new participants.
• Wear the designated uniform and start each class with an introduction.
• Responsible for participant safety – inspect the floors, equipment, and supplies, and notify the supervisor of any equipment in need of repair and/or the need for more/updated equipment.
• Provide members with opportunities that will increase their involvement, sense of belonging, and ownership of the YMCA.
• Modify classes and routines according to participants’ fitness levels/abilities as needed.
• Use appropriate music at a sound level set by the supervisor.
• Maintain an awareness of current fitness programs and trends, which are available through Club Connect.
• Maintain required certifications, which are tracked in Club Connect.
• Maintain attendance records.
• Actively participate in training sessions and designated meetings.
• Have a thorough knowledge of branch emergency procedures and take appropriate action in emergency situations.
• Support community and promotional special events as needed.

Desired Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience leading fitness classes.
• Current adult CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Current National Group Exercise certifications (ACE, ACSM, AFAA, or YMCA).
• Knowledge of Orientation to Healthy Living at the Y and Principles of Member Health & Wellness.
• Foundations of Listen First.
• Must attend the YMCA hospitality training within ninety (90) days of hire.
• Excellent customer service and hospitality skills.
• Ability to relate to and work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Must be available to work flexible hours including daytimes, evenings, and/or weekends.

Benefits

• The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more!
• Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full‑time or part‑time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work.