Youth Fitness Instructor - Cape Ann YMCA

Ymca Of The North Shore; Gloucester (MA); On-site; USD 37,195 - 55,104; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Employee discounts on YMCA programs

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Cape Ann YMCA in Gloucester, MA is seeking a Youth Fitness Instructor for part-time evenings. Design and lead engaging fitness classes for youth ages 7–16, promoting healthy habits and confidence through movement.

You will foster a positive environment, tailor workouts to various fitness levels, and maintain safety and organization in the fitness space while collaborating with parents and the YMCA community.

Qualifications

• Current certification from ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA, AFAA or equivalent.
• Experience with youth in fitness, coaching, recreation, education, or youth development.
• Strong communication, leadership and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to design engaging, age-appropriate fitness programs.
• Commitment to YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead engaging, age-appropriate fitness classes for youth ages 7–16.
• Create a positive, inclusive environment that encourages participation and teamwork.
• Adapt workouts for varying fitness levels and abilities.
• Teach exercise techniques, body mechanics, injury prevention, and healthy habits.
• Monitor progress and modify activities to promote success.
• Build relationships with participants and communicate progress with parents/guardians.
• Support promotion and growth of youth fitness programming within the YMCA and local community.
• Maintain a safe, clean fitness environment following YMCA safety policies.

Skills

Fitness certification

Youth experience

Communication

Leadership

Relationship building

Positive coaching

Injury prevention

Program design

YMCA values

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Glen T MacLeod Cape Ann YMCA - Gloucester, MA 01930
• Position Type: Part Time
• Salary Range: $27.00 - $40.00 Hourly
• Job Shift: Evenings
• Title: Youth Fitness Instructor

Inspire Healthy Habits. Build Confidence. Empower the Next Generation.

Are you passionate about fitness and enjoy working with children and teens? Do you want to make a lasting impact by helping young people build confidence, develop healthy habits, and discover the joy of staying active? If so, we'd love to have you join our team at the Cape Ann YMCA!

What You'll Do

• Design and lead engaging, age‑appropriate fitness classes and workouts for youth ages 7–16.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and motivating environment that encourages participation, confidence, and teamwork.
• Adapt workouts to meet the needs and abilities of participants with varying fitness levels.
• Teach proper exercise techniques, body mechanics, injury prevention, and healthy lifestyle habits.
• Monitor participant progress and modify activities as needed to promote continued success.
• Build positive relationships with participants and communicate program goals and progress with parents and guardians.
• Support the promotion and growth of youth fitness programming within the YMCA and local community.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe fitness environment while following all YMCA safety policies and procedures.

What We’re Looking For

• Current Personal Trainer Certification or Group Fitness/Fitness Instructor Certification from an accredited, nationally recognized organization (such as ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA, AFAA, or a comparable organization).
• Experience working with children and teens in a fitness, coaching, recreation, education, or youth development setting preferred.
• Passion for helping youth develop healthy habits and confidence through movement and exercise.
• Strong communication, leadership, and relationship‑building skills.
• Positive, energetic, and encouraging approach to coaching and instruction.
• Knowledge of proper exercise techniques, body mechanics, and injury prevention.
• Ability to design engaging, age‑appropriate fitness programming for a variety of skill and fitness levels.
• Commitment to the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Why You’ll Love Working at the YMCA of the North Shore

• Competitive pay based on experience.
• Free YMCA membership.
• Employee discounts on YMCA programs and services.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Supportive, mission‑driven team environment.
• The opportunity to positively impact the health and well‑being of children and teens every day.

Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in physical education or related field preferred.
• Certification from a nationally recognized agency such as ACE, AFFA, ASCM, NSCA, and NSPA preferred.
• Schedule is Tuesday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform all physical aspects of the position; including leading classes and activities, walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
• Must be able to lift 45-pound weight plates.
• Must be able to work outside when weather permits.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to listen, hear, and discern members & program participants' wants, needs, and interests.
• Ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
• Ability to demonstrate equipment used for exercise training.

EEO Statement

The YMCA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, protected genetic information, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran's status.