Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Williamsburg, VA

2d•$16 - $21

About The Position

Under the supervision of the designated supervisor, and in harmony with the mission, policies, and goals of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas, the Group Exercise Instructor conducts, teaches, and leads classes while establishing a safe and effective group exercise environment and delivering an outstanding member experience. The instructor works with staff to welcome, connect, support, and engage members, guests, and staff, with an emphasis on high-quality service. The role supports YMCA programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Instructors prepare and choreograph class routines, ensure equipment and supplies are ready, demonstrate appropriate exercise knowledge and effective class leadership, and maintain certifications through continuing education. They also attend scheduled meetings and training, follow emergency procedures, and perform related duties as needed to ensure an excellent member experience. The position requires meeting the physical and communication demands of teaching group exercise, including extended periods of walking, standing, bending, and reaching; hearing and distinguishing distress signals; and projecting one's voice. The employee may also be asked to perform other reasonably related duties requested by the supervisor. This job description is not a written or implied contract.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must hold a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
Specialty I/Level 2: Must have a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification and 2–6 years of instructing experience.
Specialty I/Level 3: Must have a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification and at least 6 years of instructing experience.
Specialty I/Level 4: Must have a nationally recognized Group Exercise specialty certification, 6 months of instructing experience, and at least 1 year of experience teaching in a specialty field.
Must obtain YMCA Healthy Lifestyles (HLP) within the first 6 months of employment.
Must hold CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 certifications.
Must complete and maintain required trainings, including New Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, and Sexual Harassment training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.
Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including walking, standing, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
Must be able to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
Must be able to communicate verbally and project voice across distances in normal and loud situations.

Responsibilities

Support the mission, vision, and goals of the YMCA.
Promote a professional, values-based culture grounded in caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Lead in a way that advances the YMCA's community-strengthening cause through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs.
Prepare choreographed routines for each class.
Ensure equipment and supplies are accessible before class begins.
Demonstrate knowledge of exercise physiology, kinesiology, injury prevention, cardiovascular and medical considerations, nutrition, and body composition.
Continue education to maintain group exercise certifications and keep classes current.
Use effective class formats and leadership skills, with sensitivity to varying exercise abilities.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
Wear proper attire.
Lead during emergency situations and report accidents or incidents according to the Emergency Communication Action Plan.
Carry out other related duties as needed by the Wellness Department and center operations.
Respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.
Properly prepare, choreograph, and teach required classes.