Pilates Studio Instructor

YMCA of Montclair; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA Membership

25% Discount on YMCA Programs

Employee Referral Bonus

Employee Discounts

Paid Time Off

Job summary

YMCA of Montclair is seeking a Pilates Studio Instructor to lead private and small group Reformer sessions, ensuring safe, effective workouts. You will educate clients on movement, breath, and alignment while building relationships to boost retention.

Promoting YMCA offerings and maintaining a welcoming studio environment are essential. The role requires scheduling coordination, strong communication, and ability to adapt to diverse client needs with a positive, upbeat Attitude.

Qualifications

• Mat & Reformer Pilates Instructor certification from a recognized program (e.g., Balanced Body, BASI, STOTT, Polestar, Peak, etc.)
• Minimum 1 year of teaching experience.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, movement principles, and proper cueing techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dependable, punctual, and professional in appearance and attitude.
• A genuine love of helping others move, feel, and live better.
• Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.
• Must complete Y-USA online training within three business days from the date of hire.
• Must have a positive, upbeat attitude and strong member service skills, with the ability to relate effectively with a diverse population.

Responsibilities

• Lead Private Pilates and/or small group Reformer sessions in accordance with studio programming and client goals.
• Provide modifications, progressions, and form corrections to ensure safety and maximize results.
• Deliver an engaging, positive, and inclusive class experience that reflects the YMCA’s brand and culture.
• Educate clients on proper movement, breath, and body alignment.
• Support client retention by building relationships and fostering community within the studio.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming studio environment before and after each class.
• Attend team meetings, training, and special studio events as needed.
• Promote studio offerings and help new clients feel confident and supported in their practice.
• Coordinates with clients directly to schedule training times and time changes, communicates effectively with the client and the Sr. Director of Healthy Living if necessary.
• Communicates clear expectations for cancellations and rescheduling.
• Leads clients through appropriate Reformer class format consistent with YMCA health and fitness principles, including safe exercise selection, cueing, music speed, etc.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Cueing techniques

Communication

Member service

CPR/First Aid certification

Education

Mat & Reformer Pilates Instructor certification

Tools

Balanced Body

BASI

STOTT

Polestar

Peak

Job description

Position Summary

The Pilates Studio Instructor plays a significant role in providing a positive enthusiastic atmosphere for members working toward their health and fitness goals. In this visible position the Pilates Studio Instructor comes into contact with members on a day-in, day-out basis. The incumbent must be flexible and have the ability to establish positive relationships with both members and staff. Staff are successful when they increase member engagement and encourage members to participate in our programs.

Our Culture

At the YMCA of Montclair, we strive to be the Employer of Choice, provide World-Class Service, and be the Charity of Choice. All staff ensure that members experience customer centric, individual attention each and every day. We strive to be the preferred partner collaborating with others, identifying and meeting our community needs.

Essential Functions

• Lead Private Pilates and/or small group Reformer sessions in accordance with studio programming and client goals.
• Provide modifications, progressions, and form corrections to ensure safety and maximize results.
• Deliver an engaging, positive, and inclusive class experience that reflects the YMCA’s brand and culture.
• Educate clients on proper movement, breath, and body alignment.
• Support client retention by building relationships and fostering community within the studio.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming studio environment before and after each class.
• Attend team meetings, training, and special studio events as needed.
• Promote studio offerings and help new clients feel confident and supported in their practice.
• Coordinates with clients directly to schedule training times and time changes, communicates effectively with the client and the Senior Director of Healthy Living if necessary.
• Communicates clear expectations for cancellations and rescheduling.
• Ensures that each client uses purchased training within the specified time frame; unused training expires 6 months after the date of purchase.
• Leads clients through appropriate Reformer class format consistent with YMCA health and fitness principles, including safe exercise selection, sound cueing, music speed selection, etc. Suggests modifications to accommodate the various fitness levels within class.
• Upholds the YMCA of Montclair commitment to caring for individuals and families, with a focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility and basic principles of honesty, integrity, and a sincere commitment to our team members and our members.
• Directs members with any special medical limitations or concerns to the Sr. Director of Healthy Living.
• Establishes a positive, upbeat attitude for class, with a clear voice and enthusiasm.
• Supervises members’ behavior and exhibits patience and tact while ensuring individual actions do not infringe on the rights and privileges of others.
• Visually monitors class participants for their general condition, technique, and ability to follow. Anticipates potential safety concerns and takes appropriate action to reduce or eliminate the risk while reacting quickly and effectively to any emergency (this may involve initiating or responding to medical emergency procedures).
• Provides high quality customer service to all members and is able and willing to conduct YMCA tours to new or prospective members.
• Assists with the emergency evacuation of the building and other special situation tasks, as needed.
• Performs additional duties as required.
• Adheres to policies related to boundaries with members, volunteers, staff, and participants.
• Attends required Abuse Risk Management training and adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising members and participants.

Leadership Competencies

• Emotional Maturity
• Communication
• Critical Thinking and Decision Making

Qualifications

• Mat & Reformer Pilates Instructor certification from a recognized program (e.g., Balanced Body, BASI, STOTT, Polestar, Peak, etc.).
• Minimum 1 year of teaching experience.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, movement principles, and proper cueing techniques.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Dependable, punctual, and professional in appearance and attitude.
• A genuine love of helping others move, feel, and live better.
• Must have a CPR/AED and First Aid Certification OR get certified within 90 days of employment.
• Must complete Y-USA online training within three business days from the date of hire. Complete any other YUSA trainings as needed.
• Must have a positive, upbeat attitude and strong member service skills, with the ability to relate effectively with a diverse population.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Background in personal training or kinesiology.
• Knowledge of injury prevention and post-rehabilitation fitness.
• Previous experience working in a YMCA, studio, or wellness center.
• Ability to tailor classes for special populations or modify for injuries.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This work requires the following physical activities: climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. Must be able to lift 50lbs

Company Benefits

• YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our YMCA facilities at no cost.
• 25% Discount on various YMCA Programs
• Employee Referral Bonus: Earn rewards for referring to qualified candidates.
• Employee Discounts: Access exclusive discounts on various products and services.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Eligibility after 90 days of employment.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Monday–Sunday (By Appointment) Flexible hours with availability for early morning, evening, and/or weekend classes preferred.

HOURLY PAY RATE:

$30.00–$42.00