Personal Trainer

YMCA; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA is seeking a dedicated Personal Trainer to help members achieve their fitness goals through personalized programs and ongoing motivation. You will conduct assessments, design tailored workout plans, and lead individual or small group sessions focused on cardio, strength, flexibility, and core stability.

You will provide hands‑on coaching, monitor progress, and adjust plans as needed. Guidance on nutrition, hydration, and healthy habits will support members on their wellness journeys.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to motivate clients.
• Flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Certification in personal training from a nationally recognized organization (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM) required.
• Previous experience as a personal trainer or fitness coach preferred.
• Certifications required within 60 days of hire: CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen.
• Passion for the YMCA mission and community service.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial fitness assessments and consultations to determine goals and health status.
• Lead individual or small group training sessions covering cardio, strength, flexibility, and core.
• Provide hands‑on instruction, feedback, and motivation for proper technique.
• Monitor progress and adjust programs to maintain motivation and results.
• Offer basic nutritional guidance to support goals and overall well‑being.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Motivation

Flexibility hours

Education

Personal trainer certification (NASM/ACE/ACSM)

Tools

CPR

First Aid

AED

Oxygen delivery training

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:The Personal Trainer plays a crucial role in and is responsible for helping YMCA members achieve their fitness goals through personalized exercise programs, motivation, and support.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Conduct initial fitness assessments and consultations with YMCA members to determine their fitness goals, health status, exercise history, and preferences. Use assessment results to develop personalized exercise programs tailored to each client’s needs, abilities, and objectives.Lead individual or small group personal training sessions with YMCA members, focusing on cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility, and core stability. Provide hands-on instruction, feedback, and encouragement to ensure proper exercise technique and form.Collaborate with clients to establish realistic and achievable fitness goals based on their aspirations, lifestyle, and timeline. Monitor client progress, track fitness metrics, and adjust exercise programs as needed to optimize results and maintain motivation.Provide basic nutritional guidance and recommendations to support clients’ fitness goals and overall well-being. Offer advice on healthy eating habits, portion control, hydration, and supplementation to complement their exercise regimen and promote optimal performance.Inspire and motivate clients to stay committed to their fitness journey through positive encouragement, accountability, and goal reinforcement. Offer emotional support, empathy, and guidance to help clients overcome obstacles, setbacks, and plateaus along the way.Build strong relationships with clients and foster a sense of trust, loyalty, and satisfaction with the YMCA personal training program. Communicate regularly with clients to check in on their progress, address concerns, and gather feedback to enhance the training experience.Maintain personal training certification; attend workshops and recertification training as needed or required.Perform other duties as assigned.YMCA COMPETENCIES:Mission Advancement - Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.Collaboration - Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.Operational Effectiveness - Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.Personal Growth - Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.QUALIFICATIONS:Minimum age of 18.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire clients.Ability to work flexible hours, including mornings, evenings, and weekends, to accommodate client schedules.Certification in personal training from a nationally recognized organization (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM) required.Previous experience working as a personal trainer or fitness coach preferred.Certifications required within 60 days of hire: CPR, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen.Ability to complete the following within 30 days of hire: Child Abuse Prevention; Bloodborne Pathogens and Sexual Harassment training.Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to serving the community.WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the position; including walking, standing, bending, reaching and lifting up to 50 lbs. at a time.