Pilates Reformer Instructor

Metropolitan YMCA Of The Oranges Inc; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan YMCA Of The Oranges Inc. is seeking a Pilates Reformer Instructor to lead safe, inclusive group reformer classes for members of varying ages and abilities. You will provide clear instruction, demonstrations, and progressions while maintaining proper alignment and breathing.

Create a welcoming environment that motivates participation and connects members with YMCA services. The role emphasizes safety, equipment checks, accurate attendance records, and professional conduct within YMCA

Qualifications

• National Group Exercise Certification is required.
• Comprehensive Pilates Reformer Certification from a recognized program.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, effective, engaging, and inclusive group exercise classes.
• Deliver classes for varying ages, abilities, and fitness levels with mods.
• Provide clear instruction and demonstrate proper technique.
• Prepare with music, equipment, and materials; start/end on time.
• Create welcoming, supportive environment and connect members to YMCA services.
• Inspect equipment and report any damage or safety concerns.

Education

National Group Exercise Certification

Comprehensive Pilates Reformer Certification

CPR/AED and First Aid

Job description

Description

Pilates Reformer Instructors provide safe, progressive, and individualized instruction utilizing Pilates reformer equipment to promote strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, posture, balance, stability, mobility, core control, and overall functional movement. Provide clear instruction, demonstrations, and appropriate modifications and progressions to accommodate members of varying ages, abilities, fitness levels, and Pilates experience while emphasizing proper alignment, technique, breathing, controlled movement, and safe equipment use. Monitor participants throughout each class and adjust exercises as appropriate to support individual goals and abilities. Create a welcoming, inclusive, and motivating environment that encourages confidence, body awareness, continued participation, and positive connections within the YMCA community.

Requirements

Role and Responsibilities:

• Lead safe, effective, engaging, and inclusive group exercise classes in accordance with YMCA and nationally recognized industry standards.
• Prepare for and deliver classes appropriate for participants of varying ages, abilities, health conditions, fitness levels, and experience, including appropriate exercise modifications and progressions.
• Provide clear verbal and visual instruction, demonstrate proper exercise technique, and maintain current knowledge of exercise science, assigned formats, and industry best practices.
• Arrive prepared with appropriate music, equipment, and class materials, and begin and end classes according to the scheduled times.
• Create a welcoming, supportive environment in which participants feel seen, valued, encouraged, and connected to the YMCA community.
• Build positive relationships with members by learning and using names when possible, encouraging interaction, recognizing achievements, celebrating milestones, and providing exceptional service.
• Respond to member questions regarding fitness, wellness programming and YMCA services within the scope of practice, and connect or promote members to programs and services that support their wellness goals.
• Support member engagement and retention through consistent relationship building and a positive class experience.
• Maintain a safe exercise environment before, during, and after each class; inspect equipment before use and promptly report damaged or unsafe equipment.
• Monitor participants throughout each class and respond appropriately to signs of fatigue, discomfort, injury, or other health or safety concerns.
• Follow YMCA emergency procedures, incident reporting requirements, risk management practices, confidentiality standards, and professional boundaries.
• Accurately record class attendance and complete required reports and documentation in designated YMCA systems and within established timelines.
• Clock in and out using Paylocity in accordance with Association procedures.
• Communicate schedule conflicts, availability concerns, and substitution needs promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
• Support YMCA special events, wellness initiatives, branch promotions, and other activities as requested.
• Conduct pre-class equipment safety inspections.
• Properly set up and return reformer equipment after each class.
• Provide individualized cueing and modifications based on participant ability and limitations.
• Ensure proper body alignment and exercise execution.
• Maintain participant-to-instructor ratios established by the department.
• Clean and sanitize all reformer equipment following YMCA protocols.
• Monitor equipment maintenance needs and report repairs immediately.
• Educate members on proper equipment use and studio etiquette.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• National Group Exercise Certification
• Comprehensive Pilates Reformer Certification (Balanced Body, STOTT, Peak Pilates, BASI, Polestar or equivalent)
• CPR/AED and First Aid

Preferred Experience:

• Experience teaching mixed-level reformer classes
• Experience with special populations
• Additional Pilates apparatus certifications