Mat Pilates Instructor

First Ascent Climbing; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym membership

Staff discounts

Job summary

First Ascent Climbing invites qualified individuals to join our Chicago team as a Part-time Mat Pilates Instructor. Lead safe, engaging mat-based classes, plan workouts with warm-ups, progressions, and cooldowns, and provide clear instruction while offering modifications for mixed abilities.

We value welcoming, supportive instruction, strong communication, and reliability. Classes occur on-site at First Ascent Chicago gyms; benefits include gym membership and staff discounts.

Qualifications

• Mat Pilates instructor certification from a recognized training program required or equivalent relevant certification.
• Previous Mat Pilates or group fitness instruction experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of Pilates principles, movement mechanics, alignment, and exercise modifications.
• Ability to confidently lead and engage groups of varying experience levels.
• Ability to demonstrate exercises and movements as appropriate.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Service-minded approach with an ability to create welcoming experiences for members and guests.
• Dependable, punctual, and prepared for scheduled classes.
• Comfortable receiving feedback and continuing to develop as an instructor.
• Current CPR/AED certification required or willingness to obtain within the required timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, engaging, and well-structured Mat Pilates classes for participants of varying experience and ability levels.
• Plan classes that incorporate appropriate warm-ups, Pilates exercises, progressions, modifications, and cool-downs.
• Provide clear verbal instruction and demonstrations to help participants understand proper movement and technique.
• Offer appropriate modifications and progressions based on participant needs and abilities.
• Monitor participants throughout class and provide constructive guidance when needed.
• Maintain appropriate pacing and flow throughout each class.
• Promote proper alignment, body mechanics, and safe movement throughout each class.
• Recognize when participants may need modifications or alternative movements.
• Maintain awareness of the class environment and address potential safety concerns.
• Ensure equipment and class spaces are used safely and appropriately.
• Follow First Ascent safety procedures and respond appropriately to injuries, incidents, or emergencies.
• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging environment for all participants.
• Greet participants and help new attendees feel comfortable before and during class.
• Build positive relationships with members and guests through consistent, professional interactions.
• Encourage participants while respecting individual abilities, goals, and boundaries.
• Help create a class experience that participants are excited to return to.
• Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled classes.
• Set up the class space and necessary equipment before participants arrive.
• Ensure mats, props, and other equipment are returned to their appropriate locations following class.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming fitness space.
• Communicate equipment, facility, or safety concerns to the appropriate manager.

Skills

Mat Pilates certification

Group fitness instruction

CPR/AED certification

Communication skills

Service-minded approach

Job description

First Ascent Climbing & Fitness is on a mission to share our love of climbing with everyone, connect people through movement, and create welcoming, uplifting spaces that strengthen minds, bodies, and communities. We are looking for an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and service-minded Mat Pilates Instructor to lead engaging classes that help participants build strength, mobility, stability, and confidence through movement.

ROLE SUMMARY

A Mat Pilates Instructor is responsible for creating safe, welcoming, and engaging group fitness experiences for First Ascent members and guests. This role leads mat-based Pilates classes designed to improve core strength, mobility, balance, posture, and overall body awareness while providing modifications that allow participants of varying abilities and experience levels to participate successfully.

Mat Pilates Instructors create an inclusive and encouraging class environment, provide clear and effective instruction, and help participants connect movement with their individual fitness and wellness goals. Instructors are expected to represent First Ascent’s commitment to exceptional service, community, and a positive member experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Class Instruction

• Lead safe, engaging, and well-structured Mat Pilates classes for participants of varying experience and ability levels.
• Plan classes that incorporate appropriate warm-ups, Pilates exercises, progressions, modifications, and cool-downs.
• Provide clear verbal instruction and demonstrations to help participants understand proper movement and technique.
• Offer appropriate modifications and progressions based on participant needs and abilities.
• Monitor participants throughout class and provide constructive guidance when needed.
• Maintain appropriate pacing and flow throughout each class.
• Promote proper alignment, body mechanics, and safe movement throughout each class.
• Recognize when participants may need modifications or alternative movements.
• Maintain awareness of the class environment and address potential safety concerns.
• Ensure equipment and class spaces are used safely and appropriately.
• Follow First Ascent safety procedures and respond appropriately to injuries, incidents, or emergencies.

Member Experience

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging environment for all participants.
• Greet participants and help new attendees feel comfortable before and during class.
• Build positive relationships with members and guests through consistent, professional interactions.
• Encourage participants while respecting individual abilities, goals, and boundaries.
• Help create a class experience that participants are excited to return to.

Class & Facility Stewardship

• Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled classes.
• Set up the class space and necessary equipment before participants arrive.
• Ensure mats, props, and other equipment are returned to their appropriate locations following class.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming fitness space.
• Communicate equipment, facility, or safety concerns to the appropriate manager.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about movement and enjoys helping people feel stronger and more confident in their bodies. They are knowledgeable, approachable, and comfortable leading groups with a range of fitness backgrounds. They understand that a great class is not only technically sound but also welcoming, engaging, and responsive to the people in the room.

• Mat Pilates instructor certification from a recognized training program required or equivalent relevant certification.
• Previous Mat Pilates or group fitness instruction experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of Pilates principles, movement mechanics, alignment, and exercise modifications.
• Ability to confidently lead and engage groups of varying experience levels.
• Ability to demonstrate exercises and movements as appropriate.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Service-minded approach with an ability to create welcoming experiences for members and guests.
• Dependable, punctual, and prepared for scheduled classes.
• Comfortable receiving feedback and continuing to develop as an instructor.
• Current CPR/AED certification required or willingness to obtain within the required timeframe.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Participants consistently experience safe, welcoming, and engaging Mat Pilates classes.

Classes are thoughtfully planned, appropriately paced, and accessible to participants with varying abilities.

Participants receive clear instruction and feel supported in modifying or progressing movements.

The instructor builds positive relationships with participants and contributes to a strong sense of community.

Classes begin and end on time, and the fitness space is left clean and organized.

The instructor communicates reliably with managers and maintains consistent class coverage.

Participants are excited to return and continue incorporating Mat Pilates into their movement and fitness routines.

JOB DETAILS

• Part-time, hourly position with classes scheduled based on First Ascent programming needs.
• Pay starting at $40.00.
• Schedule may include mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Classes are held on-site at First Ascent Chicago gyms.
• Free membership to all First Ascent gyms.
• Access to pro-deals and other staff discounts.

EEO STATEMENT

First Ascent is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. First Ascent does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, military status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. First Ascent prohibits harassment of any individual on any of the protected characteristics listed above.

ABOUT FIRST ASCENT CLIMBING & FITNESS

Since 2015, First Ascent Climbing & Fitness has been sharing our love of climbing, yoga and fitness with everyone that walks through our doors. With 8 gyms in the First Ascent family, we're excited to keep serving and growing the climbing community, one climber at a time.