Group Exercise Instructor II

YMCA of Metro Atlanta • Alpharetta, GA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Group Exercise Instructor II conducts YMCA group exercise classes under the direct supervision of the Wellness Director. The instructor is responsible for choosing appropriate music, setting up and taking down classes, and educating participants about THE COACH APPROACH® and fitness-related issues. The role supports the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s policies, organizational competencies, mission, and values, and contributes to YMCA initiatives that strengthen community through healthy living.

The instructor promotes safe, smooth, high-service classes; keeps current with group fitness and wellness topics; maintains required certifications and continuing education; and follows YMCA risk, safety, and emergency procedures. Responsibilities also include recording attendance and checking GroupEx PRO, arranging approved substitutes when needed, attending required meetings and training, and assisting with YMCA and community activities. The position is located at the Ed Isakson / Alpharetta YMCA.

The role requires current CPR/AED certification and applicable land or water group exercise certifications. Additional YMCA/ACE, specialty, or water-program certifications may be required based on the class formats taught. Instructors must pass an audition, demonstrate strong customer-service and interpersonal skills, and meet the YMCA’s background-check and drug-screening requirements. The stated physical demands include sitting, bending, stooping, standing, repetitive keyboard work, seeing, verbal communication, lifting up to 25 pounds, and exposure to music averaging 90 decibels over an eight-hour day.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 18 years of age.
• At least one year of experience teaching group exercise classes.
• Land instructors must hold and maintain a current national group exercise certification recognized by Y-USA, such as ACE, ACSM, AFAA, or NETA.
• Water instructors must hold and maintain a current AEA national water group exercise certification.
• Complete the YMCA/ACE online Group Exercise Instructor Certification and supplemental courses required by Y-USA or YMCA Metro Atlanta within 60 days of hire.
• Obtain YMCA Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certification if teaching group strength or conditioning classes.
• Water instructors teaching Aqua Arthritis programs must complete AEA Arthritis Foundation Program Leader certification within 60 days of hire.
• Obtain and maintain full access to Y-Link and a Metro Atlanta YMCA Workday account.
• Upload continuing education credits through Y-Link before certification expiration dates.
• Hold current CPR/AED certification, renew it every two years before expiration, and upload updated credentials through Y-Link.
• Obtain and maintain required specialty certifications before teaching designated formats; examples include YMCA Pilates, Group Cycling, and Active Older Adult certifications, or YMCA-approved outside certifications such as TRX, Barre, Zumba, or Pound.
• Pass a group exercise audition for the format or formats being hired to teach.
• Know fitness-related topics including aerobic and anaerobic exercise, nutrition, benefits of exercise, injury prevention, and THE COACH APPROACH®.
• Complete THE COACH APPROACH® Orientation within 30 days of hire.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to facilitate class interaction and socialization; be viewed as a team player by members, coworkers, and management.
• Exemplify YMCA ideals and leadership qualities.
• Be able to handle multiple tasks, work independently, solve problems, and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrate strong customer-service skills and a personal commitment to service and hospitality.
• Pass required pre-employment checks, including criminal-record, drug-screening, motor-vehicle-record, and reference checks.
• Be legally eligible to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily program tasks within the position’s scope and responsibilities.
• Stay current on issues involving group fitness and wellness programs.
• Promote, monitor, and evaluate group exercise classes to help ensure they run smoothly and provide a high level of service.
• Maintain required branch and association CPR/AED and other certifications or training.
• Maintain applicable land or water wellness certifications and complete required continuing education.
• Attend required staff meetings and training courses.
• Secure music and select music appropriate for a family setting.
• Assist as needed in YMCA operations and community activities.
• Participate in and partner with wellness cabinet activities.
• Follow incident and accident reporting procedures.
• Log class attendance in GroupEx PRO by 11:59 p.m. on the night the class is taught.
• Log into GroupEx PRO at least twice per week to check facility updates, substitute opportunities, and other information.
• Arrange a substitute instructor in a timely manner when unable to teach, and obtain approval of the substitute request before being relieved of responsibility for the class.
• Know, understand, and consistently apply Metro Atlanta YMCA risk and safety guidelines, best practices, and branch emergency procedures.
• Follow strength-training and nutrition guidelines aligned with Y-USA, ACE, and ACSM guidance.
• Refrain from diagnosing injuries, providing medical advice, or dispensing or endorsing commercial health products, including supplements, vitamins, performance-enhancing substances, and pain relievers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The YMCA states that it offers excellent benefits and career opportunities; specific benefits are not listed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED