Personal Trainer

Young Mens Christian Association of Northwest Nort; Wilkesboro (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Young Mens Christian Association of Northwest Nort in Wilkesboro, NC, is seeking a Personal Trainer to design customized exercise programs and conduct fitness assessments. The role involves recruiting clients, promoting wellness programs, and building engaging relationships to support member retention and wellbeing.

You will lead sessions for individuals and small groups, with a focus on safety, motivation, and progressive training.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of post-secondary education in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Current nationally recognized Personal Training Certification (NASM/ACE/ACSM/NETA/AFAA/CSCS) required.
• CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications required (or obtained within 30 days).

Responsibilities

• Conduct exercise testing and create customized, progressive exercise prescriptions for diverse clients.
• Lead one-on-one and small group training sessions, ensuring safe technique and motivation.
• Recruit new clients, promote YMCA wellness programs, and track session activity.
• Build rapport with members and assist with events and master classes.
• Follow YMCA procedures and attend required team meetings.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Exercise physiology

Fitness testing

Interpersonal skills

Client recruitment

Education

Exercise Science background

Kinesiology background

Personal Training Certification

Job description

Description

Job Summary

The Personal Trainer delivers individual and small group fitness instruction, designing customized exercise programs and conducting fitness assessments to help members achieve health goals. This role actively recruits clients, promotes wellness programs, and builds engaging relationships to support member retention and overall wellbeing.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct exercise testing and physical assessments to design customized, progressive exercise prescriptions for diverse client populations, fitness levels, and special needs (e.g., injury prevention, weight loss, sports conditioning).
• Lead one-on-one personal training, small group sessions (2–4 participants), and boot camps, providing safe instruction, technique correction, and active motivation.
• Proactively recruit new clients, promote YMCA wellness programs, and manage session tracking by confirming and redeeming completed training packages.
• Build authentic, encouraging relationships with members across all fitness levels, maintaining an energetic presence in the wellness center and assisting with special events or master classes.
• Follow all YMCA operational procedures and emergency protocols, stay informed on industry trends, and attend required team meetings and workshops.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, exercise physiology, fitness testing, and movement execution across various populations, supported by a recognized national personal training credential.
• Exceptional interpersonal, motivational, and communication skills (including social media savvy) to engage members, build rapport, and recruit clients effectively.

Education & Experience

• Education: Preferred 2+ years of post-secondary education in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related health field; or an equivalent combination of formal training and practical experience.
• Certifications & Experience: Current nationally recognized Personal Training Certification (e.g., NASM, ACE, ACSM, NETA, AFAA, or CSCS) required. Current CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen (ASHI) certifications required (or obtained within the first 30 days of hire).

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, demonstrate exercises, spot clients, bend, stoop, kneel, and move dynamically across the wellness center floor for extended periods.
• Constantly uses hands and arms to operate fitness equipment, adjust machinery, handle free weights, and use digital tracking tools.
• Must be able to regularly lift, move, and maneuver free weights, fitness gear, and training equipment weighing up to 45 pounds.
• Continuous visual and auditory acuity required to observe client form, detect biomechanical errors, monitor physical distress, and communicate clearly in active workout environments.
• Functions in an indoor fitness center and sports facility setting. Requires schedule flexibility, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends to accommodate client appointments.

Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting

At our Association, safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility, regardless of role or position. All employees are strictly required to maintain awareness of our abuse prevention and reporting policies. You must take immediate, appropriate action in accordance with our protocols and legal mandates if any standard of safety is compromised or if abuse is suspected.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment-related decisions are based on job-related qualifications, merit, business needs, and other lawful criteria.

Mission

“Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body.”