Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•West Point, VA

13d•$15 - $19

About The Position

Under the supervision of a designated supervisor and in alignment with the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, and goals, the Group Exercise Instructor conducts, teaches, and leads classes while maintaining a safe and effective 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. Instructors prepare and choreograph class routines, make equipment and supplies available before class, demonstrate appropriate exercise knowledge and effective class leadership, and keep classes current through continuing education. They attend scheduled meetings and trainings, follow required safety and incident-reporting procedures, and perform other related duties as needed to support member experience and center operations.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years of age.
Hold a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
Specialty I/Level 2: Have 2–6 years of experience instructing, in addition to a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
Specialty I/Level 3: Have 6 or more years of experience instructing, in addition to a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
Specialty I/Level 4: Have 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 trainings, including New Employee Orientation, Bloodborne Pathogens, Child Abuse Prevention, 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 hearing to detect noises and distinguish distress signals.
Be able 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 promote the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Lead in a manner that advances the YMCA’s work in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Prepare and choreograph routines for each class.
Ensure equipment and supplies are accessible before class begins.
Apply knowledge of exercise physiology, kinesiology, injury prevention, cardiovascular and medical considerations, nutrition, and body composition.
Maintain group exercise certification(s) through continuing education and continually upgrade classes to reflect current knowledge.
Demonstrate effective class formats, leadership skills, and sensitivity to participants of all exercise levels.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
Wear proper attire.
Lead in emergencies 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.