Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of Upper Palmetto•Lancaster, SC

14d•$19 - $25

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Fitness Coordinator/Director or Branch Director, and consistent with the YMCA’s Christian mission, the Group Exercise Instructor teaches safe, effective, and enjoyable group exercise classes. The role supports the quality and growth of fitness programming and participant retention through member relationships, program development, and member involvement. The instructor may also assist with branch activities, special events, and other activities.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
Hold, or be able to obtain within 60 days of hire, Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED, Blood Borne Pathogens, and First Aid certification; certifications must be maintained.
Hold a current national certification from a listed or otherwise approved nationally recognized organization, such as ACSM, ACE, AFAA, ISSA, IFTA, NSCA, or NETA.
Maintain nationally recognized certification in the type of class taught.
Teach at least one regularly scheduled group exercise class per week.
Maintain appropriate certifications and provide copies of certifications and required continuing education credits to the Fitness Director or Branch Director each year.
Hold current specialty certification for specialty classes taught, such as Cycle, Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, or Les Mills.
Have excellent human relations and communication skills.
Be a team player and willing to substitute teach for other instructors.
Meet the physical demands of walking, sitting, climbing, seeing, crouching, stooping, standing, hearing, speaking, kneeling, and lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Teach a safe and effective workout appropriate to the scheduled class format.
Guide participants through an appropriate warm-up, cardiovascular endurance or strength work, cool-down, and stretching, while accounting for varying abilities and potential form issues.
Keep the workout area safe, clean, and free of obstacles; clean and put away equipment and mats before leaving.
Arrive in time to sign in and prepare to teach; start and finish classes on time.
Demonstrate exercise variations and modifications to encourage participant involvement.
Report equipment problems to a supervisor, including what the problem is and when it occurred.
Follow emergency procedures and complete incident forms for accidents or injuries, submitting reports to a supervisor or Branch Director before leaving the facility.
Find a substitute for assigned classes when unable to teach.
Use appropriate music and clothing; avoid music containing offensive language.
Encourage healthy lifestyles without promoting special diets or supplements.
Attend scheduled staff meetings, special events, and program launches.
Keep classes fresh by incorporating new music, exercises, and movement patterns.
Build member relationships and involvement, and provide individualized exercise and fitness instruction based on the class’s overall needs.
Speak positively about other instructors and programs; help problem-solve member feedback and elevate it to leadership rather than encouraging complaints.
Follow consumer-boundary policies and procedures for high-risk activities and consumer supervision; complete required abuse risk management training, follow mandated reporting requirements, and fulfill job-specific abuse risk management responsibilities.
Assist with branch activities and special events as needed.