Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Hudgins, VA

18d•$16 - $21

About The Position

Under the supervision of a 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 the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals and promotes a values-based culture grounded in caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. It contributes to strengthening community through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The instructor prepares and choreographs class routines, ensures equipment and supplies are ready, demonstrates relevant exercise knowledge and effective class leadership, and maintains certifications through continuing education. The role also includes attending scheduled meetings and training, responding to emergencies, and performing other related duties as needed to support an excellent member experience. The position requires the ability to teach required classes, respond effectively to inquiries or complaints, and meet physical and communication demands, including extended periods of walking, standing, bending, and reaching; hearing and distinguishing distress signals; and projecting one's voice. Success is reflected in membership growth and retention, member satisfaction, positive YMCA representation, a pleasant staff environment, strong relationships, facility safety and cleanliness, and quality standards measured through audits. The job description is not all-inclusive, and other reasonably related duties may be requested by the supervisor. It is reviewed periodically and may be revised. It 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.
For Specialty I/Level 2: nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification and 2–6 years of instructing experience.
For Specialty I/Level 3: nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification and 6 or more years of instructing experience.
For Specialty I/Level 4: 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 (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including walking, standing, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
Adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
Ability to communicate verbally and project one's voice across a distance in normal and loud situations.

Responsibilities

Conduct, teach, and lead group exercise classes in a safe and effective environment.
Welcome, connect, support, and engage members, guests, and staff while delivering high-quality service.
Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, and goals, and lead in accordance with its values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Advance the YMCA’s cause through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
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.
Maintain group exercise certifications through continuing education and continually upgrade classes to reflect current knowledge.
Use effective class formats and leadership skills, with sensitivity to participants of all exercise levels.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
Wear proper attire.
Lead in emergency situations and report accidents or incidents according to the Emergency Communication Action Plan.
Perform other related duties as needed by the Wellness Department and center operations.
Respond effectively to inquiries or complaints and properly prepare, choreograph, and teach required classes.
Help achieve membership growth and retention, member satisfaction, positive community representation, safe and clean facilities, and department quality standards.