Group Fitness Instructor

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is seeking a Group Fitness Instructor to lead safe, engaging group exercise classes that promote health, well-being, and community among members.

You will create a welcoming, inclusive environment for participants of all fitness levels, reflecting the Y’s commitment to healthy living and member connection. This role models healthy behavior and builds belonging through effective instruction.

Qualifications

• Must have current CPR, First Aid and O2 certification or be certified within 30 days of hire.
• Current relevant national Group Exercise certification (YMCA, AFAA, ACE, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Cycle Reebok, etc) or training within 30 days of hire.
• Candidates must pass group exercise interview and audition.

Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding customer service with a positive, proactive attitude.
• Demonstrate knowledge of wellness principles and promote a healthy lifestyle through words and actions.
• Adhere to ACSM and YMCA guidelines for all group exercise classes, including BPM standards and class terminology.
• Regularly update choreography and music selections to keep classes fresh and dynamic.
• Positively support YMCA national standards and guidelines in all interactions with members and team members.

Skills

Customer service

Wellness principles

Multitasking

Education

CPR, First Aid & O2 certification

National Group Exercise certification (YMCA, AFAA, ACE, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, etc)

Job description

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life through our culture. At the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.

We are welcoming:

we are open to all and create spaces where people can belong and become.

We are genuine:

we value people and embrace individuality.

We are hopeful:

we believe in the potential of people to grow, lead and become catalysts for change.

We are nurturing:

we support individuals throughout their journey to reach their full potential.

We are determined:

above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with our people.

Our culture is not a People & Culture initiative; it is how we lead, serve, develop talent, make decisions and deliver on the YMCA's mission.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Group Fitness Instructor is responsible for leading safe, engaging, and effective group exercise classes that promote health, well-being, and community among YMCA members. This role creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants of all fitness levels feel encouraged to achieve their goals.

Instructors will deliver classes that reflect the Y’s commitment to healthy living, ensuring proper technique, motivation, and member connection. They serve as role models for healthy behavior, uphold YMCA values, and contribute to the overall member experience by building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide outstanding customer service with a positive, proactive attitude.
• Demonstrate knowledge of wellness principles and promote a healthy lifestyle through words and actions.
• Adhere to ACSM and YMCA guidelines for all group exercise classes, including BPM standards and class-specific terminology (e.g., Zumba).
• Regularly update choreography and music selections to keep classes fresh and dynamic.
• Positively support YMCA national standards and guidelines in all interactions with members and team members.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have a current CPR, First Aid and O2 certification, or be certified within 30 days of hire.

Current relevant national Group Exercise certification (YMCA, AFAA, ACE, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Cycle Reebok, etc), or be trained within 30 days of hire.

Candidates must pass group exercise interview and audition.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position operates in indoor and/or outdoor fitness, recreational, and community-based environments and regularly interacts with team members, leaders, members, program participants, and other stakeholders. The role requires frequent walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, and other physical activity associated with demonstrating and leading group fitness classes. The position requires the ability to lift, pull, carry, and move up to 50 pounds, remain standing or seated for extended periods, maintain attention to detail while managing multiple tasks, and physically complete required job-related certifications. The role may involve the use and movement of fitness equipment and requires the ability to communicate instructions and exchange information effectively. Flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, may be required based on program and organizational needs.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, consistent with applicable law.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and successful completion and maintenance of applicable position requirements, which may include background screening, driver's license review, CPS screening, drug and/or alcohol testing, or other screenings as required by the position or applicable law.

COMPENSATION:

Wage Range: $12.77 - $14.00 hourly

The wage range provided reflects the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ good-faith determination of the minimum and maximum starting salary for this position.