Senior Fitness Instructor

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges; Livingston (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

paid sick leave

a legal plan

disability insurance

life insurance

12% retirement benefits upon eligible

a 403 (b) plan

an employee assistance program

professional development opportunities

Metro Y program discounts

complimentary use of YMCA facilities

Job summary

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is seeking a Part-time Group Exercise Instructor to lead safe, inclusive classes for older adults. You will deliver evidence-based routines, provide clear demonstrations, and adapt activities for varying abilities to promote independence, functional fitness, balance, and social engagement.

Responsibilities include planning and leading sessions, maintaining equipment, supporting member engagement, and ensuring a welcoming environment that fosters community

Qualifications

• National Group Exercise Certification required.
• Senior Fitness Specialty Certification preferred.
• Enhance®Fitness certification preferred.
• Moving For Better Balance/SAIL or equivalent preferred.
• CPR/AED certification required.
• First Aid certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, engaging, and inclusive group exercise classes following YMCA and industry standards.
• Prepare classes suitable for varying ages, abilities, and fitness levels with appropriate modifications.
• Provide clear instruction and demonstrations of exercise technique; keep knowledge up-to-date.
• Arrive prepared with music, equipment, and materials; start and end classes on schedule.
• Create a welcoming environment and connect participants to YMCA community and programs.
• Build relationships with members; recognize milestones and provide exceptional service.
• Respond to member questions about fitness and wellness; refer to programs to support goals.
• Support member engagement and retention through consistent, positive class experiences.
• Maintain a safe exercise environment; inspect equipment and report issues.
• Monitor participants and respond to fatigue, discomfort, or safety concerns.
• Follow YMCA procedures, risk management, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
• Accurately record attendance and complete required reports in YMCA systems.
• Clock in/out via Paylocity and communicate schedule conflicts promptly.
• Support YMCA events, wellness initiatives, and branch promotions.
• Use age-friendly teaching techniques and fall-prevention strategies.
• Monitor for fatigue and medical concerns; encourage social interaction.

Education

National Group Exercise Certification

Senior Fitness Specialty Certification

Enhance®Fitness

Moving For Better Balance, SAIL, or equivalent

CPR/AED

First Aid

Job description

Job Type

Part-time

Description

• Lead safe, evidence-based, and age-appropriate exercise programs designed to promote independence, functional fitness, balance, strength, mobility, flexibility, cognitive health, and social engagement. Provide clear instruction, demonstrations, and appropriate modifications to accommodate participants with varying abilities, fitness levels, health considerations, and levels of experience. Incorporate exercises and activities that support everyday functional movement, confidence, fall prevention, and overall quality of life while creating a welcoming, supportive, and socially connected environment that encourages continued participation and healthy aging.

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.
• Utilize age-friendly teaching techniques.
• Incorporate fall prevention strategies.
• Monitor participants for fatigue and medical concerns.
• Encourage social interaction and community building.
• Provide chair-based and standing exercise modifications.

Qualifications And Education Requirements

• National Group Exercise Certification
• Senior Fitness Specialty Certification
• Enhance®Fitness
• Moving For Better Balance, SAIL, or equivalent preferred
• CPR/AED
• First Aid

Part Time Benefits

• paid sick leave
• a legal plan
• disability insurance
• life insurance
• 12% retirement benefits upon eligibility
• a 403 (b) plan
• an employee assistance program
• professional development opportunities
• Metro Y program discounts
• complimentary use of YMCA facilities