Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Smithfield, VA

7d•$13 - $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 includes preparing and leading classes, ensuring equipment and supplies are ready, maintaining relevant certifications and training, and supporting YMCA values and programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The instructor may also perform other reasonably related duties requested by a supervisor. This job description is not all-inclusive and does not constitute a written or implied contract.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Hold a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
Specialty I/Level 2 requires 2–6 years of instructing experience and a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
Specialty I/Level 3 requires 6 or more years of instructing experience and a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
Specialty I/Level 4 requires a nationally recognized Group Exercise specialty certification, at least 6 months of instructing experience, and at least 1 year of experience teaching in a specialty field.
Obtain YMCA Healthy Lifestyles (HLP) within the first 6 months of employment.
Hold CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 certifications.
Complete and maintain required training, including New Employee Orientation (NEO), Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention (CAP), and Sexual Harassment training upon hire and annually thereafter.
Satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and Child Protective Services check.
Be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including walking, standing, bending, and reaching for extended periods.
Have adequate ability to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
Demonstrate the YMCA Leader competencies: Engaging Community, Communication & Influence, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Functional Expertise.

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 manner that advances the YMCA’s cause of strengthening community 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.
Pursue continuing education to maintain group exercise certifications and continually update classes to reflect current knowledge.
Use effective class formats and leadership skills, with sensitivity to participants at 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.
Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Wellness Department and center operations to ensure an excellent member experience.
Respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.
Properly prepare, choreograph, and teach required classes.
Communicate verbally and project voice across distance in normal and loud situations.
Help achieve membership growth and retention, member satisfaction, a positive YMCA image, a pleasant working environment, strong relationships, facility safety and cleanliness, and department quality standards.