Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas•Hampton, VA

30d•$13 - $25

About The Position

Under the supervision of a designated supervisor, 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, while supporting the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ mission, policies, and goals. The role involves preparing choreographed routines, making equipment and supplies accessible before class, demonstrating knowledge of exercise and health topics, and adapting class formats with sensitivity to different exercise levels. The instructor contributes to a professional, values-based culture and a safe, clean, welcoming facility. Other related duties may be assigned by the Wellness Department and center operations.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must hold a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
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.
Must be able to walk, stand, bend, and reach for extended periods.
Must be able to hear noises and distinguish distress signals.
Must be able to communicate verbally and project a voice across distance in normal and loud situations.

Nice To Haves

For Specialty I/Level 2, 2–6 years of group exercise instructing experience is required in addition to a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
For Specialty I/Level 3, 6 or more years of group exercise instructing experience is required in addition to a nationally YMCA-recognized Group Exercise certification.
For Specialty I/Level 4, a nationally recognized Group Exercise specialty certification, 6 months of instructing experience, and at least 1 year of experience teaching in a specialty field are required.

Responsibilities

Conduct, teach, and lead group exercise classes in a safe and effective environment.
Welcome, connect, support, and engage members, guests, and staff to provide an outstanding member experience.
Support the YMCA’s mission, vision, goals, and cause through programs focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Lead in accordance with the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Prepare a choreographed routine 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 update classes to reflect current knowledge.
Use effective class formats and leadership skills while being sensitive to participants of all exercise levels.
Attend scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
Wear proper attire.
Act as a leader 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.
Respond effectively to inquiries or complaints and properly prepare, choreograph, and teach required classes.