Group Exercise Instructor II

YMCA of Metro Atlanta; Covington (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development

Job summary

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is seeking a Group Exercise Instructor – Level II to lead YMCA group fitness classes at the Covington location. The role includes music selection, class setup, and delivering education on The Coach Approach®, with emphasis on safe, inclusive programming for families.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, 18+ years old, and a national group exercise cert. CPR/AED is required; multiple specialty certifications are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• At least 18 years of age with one year of group exercise teaching experience.
• Land/water instructor certifications as specified by Metro Atlanta YMCA.
• CPR/AED certification must be current and maintained.
• Group Ex certifications must be completed within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct YMCA group exercise classes under Wellness Director guidance.
• Select appropriate music and ensure family-friendly content.
• Log attendance in GroupEx PRO and keep class data updated.
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings.
• Coordinate substitutes and ensure approvals before teaching.
• Follow Metro Atlanta YMCA risk, safety guidelines, and ACSM guidelines.
• Encourage participant safety and maintain high service levels.

Skills

Teaching group exercise

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

ACE/ACSM/AFAA/NETA group ex cert

AEA water group ex cert

YMCA/ACE Group Ex Instructor Cert

CPR/AED certification

The Coach Approach Orientation

Job description

Position Overview

Under the direct supervision of the Wellness Director, the Group Exercise Instructor – Level II is part of a staff team responsible for conducting YMCA group exercise classes. The role includes music selection, class set‑up, and education about The Coach Approach® and fitness‑related issues, and supports YMCA initiatives to strengthen community foundations through healthy living.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily program tasks related to the position’s scope and responsibilities.
• Stay updated on current issues regarding group fitness and wellness programs.
• Promote, monitor, evaluate, and ensure that group exercise classes run smoothly with a high level of service to participants.
• Attend all required staff meetings and training courses.
• Secure own music and select music suitable for a family setting.
• Assist as needed in all aspects of the YMCA and its community.
• Participate in and partner with wellness cabinet activities.
• Ensure follow‑through of incident/accident reporting procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Log class attendance in GroupEx PRO by 11:59p.m. on the night the class is taught.
• Log class data via the GroupEx PRO App or website.
• Log in to GroupEx PRO at least twice a week to check for facility updates, subbing opportunities, and other important information.
• Secure own substitute instructor in a timely manner if unable to teach.
• Ensure substitute requests are accepted and approved before the instructor is relieved of responsibility for the class.
• Know, understand, and consistently apply Metro Atlanta YMCA risk and safety guidelines, best practices, and branch emergency procedures.
• Adhere to strength training and nutrition guidelines in alignment with Y‑USA/ACE and ACSM guidelines.
• Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, and endorsing commercial health products, including nutritional supplements and pain relievers.

Requirements

• High school or GED degree required.
• At least 18 years of age.
• At least one year of experience teaching group exercise classes.
• Land instructors must possess a current national group exercise certification from ACE, ACSM, AFAA, or NETA.
• Water instructors must possess a current national water group exercise certification via AEA.
• Both land and water instructors must obtain the YMCA/ACE online Group Exercise Instructor Certification and supplemental courses within 60 days of hire.
• If teaching group strength or conditioning classes, the YMCA Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certification is required.
• Water instructors completing Aqua Arthritis programs must complete the AEA Arthritis Foundation Program Leader (AFPL) Certification within 60 days of hire.
• Obtain and maintain full access to Y‑Link and the Metro Atlanta YMCA Workday account.
• Maintain CPR/AED certification and renew every two years prior to expiration.
• Obtain and maintain specialty certifications (e.g., Y‑Metro Atlanta Pilates, Group Cycling, Active Older Adult) or other certifications approved by Metro Atlanta Y.
• Pass a group exercise audition based on the format(s) the instructor will teach.
• Be knowledgeable about fitness‑related issues, including aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise, nutrition, injury‑prevention, and The Coach Approach®.
• Obtain The Coach Approach® Orientation within 30 days of hire.
• Possess strong human‑relations skills, teamwork, customer‑service skills, hospitality, and the ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, solve problems, and manage time effectively.
• Pass a criminal background and drug‑screening check.

Job Physical Demands

Typical duties involve sitting, bending, stooping, standing, repetitive keyboard work, seeing, speaking, lifting up to 25 pounds, and exposure to music at an average of 90 decibels over an eight‑hour day.

Employment and Benefits

Employment and benefits are offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. Benefits include competitive pay, health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Location

COVINGTON FAMILY YMCAY.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.