Group Ex Instructor - Downtown YMCA

YMCA of The Pikes Peak Region•Colorado Springs, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region is recruiting Group Exercise Instructors to teach a variety of fitness formats, including Senior Fitness, Strength, HIIT, Circuit, Yoga, Pilates, Piyo, Barre, dance formats, Core, and MOSSA classes. The instructor provides skill-based exercise programming focused on health and well-being for participants of all ages. This position supports the YMCA’s nonprofit mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Instructors are expected to foster a disciplined, friendly, and safe atmosphere and represent the YMCA with a positive, enthusiastic attitude. The role includes leading classes, building community, preparing exercise plans, maintaining attendance and safety records, setting up and storing equipment, and responding to emergencies. Instructors must maintain required certifications, attend one or two scheduled meetings per year, and follow YMCA policies. Candidates must interview, conduct an audition class, and pass a background check before full employment.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent.
Current nationally recognized group exercise professional certification; candidates without certification may be considered but cannot teach until they complete appropriate certification and in-house training.
General knowledge of exercise training and leadership, including basic anatomy, physiology, and exercise principles.
Knowledge of participants’ abilities and physical limitations, and the ability to modify exercises accordingly.
Patience and the ability to communicate with all participants and YMCA members.
Must demonstrate leadership qualities and be able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Must be observant and safety-conscious, and able to react calmly and quickly in an emergency.
Ability to conduct fitness classes and activities and perform the physical aspects of the role, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting.
Current CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Oxygen certifications are provided upon employment by the YMCA; CPR/AED must be maintained yearly, and First Aid and Administering Emergency Oxygen every two years.
Bloodborne Pathogens and Child Abuse Prevention training must be maintained yearly.
Candidates must interview, conduct an audition class, and pass a background check before full employment.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience leading others in a group exercise class is preferred.
Strong preference for instructors with NCAA-accredited certifications in addition to pre-choreographed certifications.
Certifications in an applicable format, such as NCAA-accredited group exercise, 200–500-hour Yoga, accredited Pilates Mat and/or Reformer, MOSSA, Zumba, SHiNE, Uplift, Upbeat, LaBlast, D2GSocafit, High Fitness, Mixxed Fit, BollyX, Strong Nation, or other credentialed formats.
Current Indoor Cycling certification and/or Group Exercise certification from an NCAA-accredited organization.

Responsibilities

Lead group exercise classes and provide excellent customer service to support member retention.
Create a sense of community among participants.
Provide music that meets YMCA standards.
Enforce rules and policies.
Record and maintain attendance records.
Set up facilities or equipment and store equipment after class.
Prepare exercise plans that include an appropriate warm-up, work phase, and cooldown or warm-down.
Secure a qualified substitute instructor when needed.
Modify exercises for participants with a wide range of conditions or injuries.
Act as a first responder for injuries, accidents, or illnesses in group exercise studios, and provide backup during emergencies and crowd control.
Report injuries and complete required forms.
Support and follow YMCA policies and decisions, and answer members’ questions about the YMCA, its programs, and fitness.
Attend one or two scheduled Group Exercise Instructor in-service meetings per year.
Maintain all required certifications.