Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of Greater San Antonio Careers•San Antonio, TX

20d

About The Position

The Group Exercise Instructor supports the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. At the Hartman YMCA, an accessible and inclusive facility serving individuals of all abilities, the instructor leads safe, welcoming group classes that promote wellness, participation, engagement, and community. The role involves working closely with individuals with disabilities, families, and caregivers, and adapting instruction to participants’ diverse abilities, fitness levels, learning styles, and needs in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The instructor builds supportive relationships with participants, provides general wellness guidance within the scope of the role, recognizes participants’ progress, and helps create a respectful, inclusive class environment. The position also requires maintaining attendance records, following safety and emergency procedures, keeping certifications current, and collaborating with YMCA colleagues. Instructors must not diagnose injuries, provide medical advice, endorse health products, or promote outside merchandise or services.

Requirements

National group fitness certification (ACE, ACSM, AFAA, FitTour, ISSA, NETA, or another recognized certification), or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification, required or obtainable within six months of employment.
Additional certification(s) in other proficiencies or areas of expertise, such as Group Cycling, Les Mills Programming, Pilates, Yoga, or ZUMBA.
Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazardous Communications certifications required within the first week of hire.
YMCA Healthy Lifestyles and YMCA-approved basic life-saving skills certifications, such as CPR, First Aid, and AED, required within the first 60 days of hire.
Ability to build effective relationships and communicate professionally with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and social and economic segments of the community.
General knowledge of group exercise equipment, sound systems, cardiovascular and strength training, and health and wellness practices.
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to encourage group interaction, socialization, and participation in a supportive environment.
Ability to safely lead and demonstrate exercises, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting as required for instruction.
Visual and auditory attention sufficient to monitor participant safety, demonstrate movements, and respond to questions or concerns.
Ability to adapt demonstrations, verbal instructions, and class activities to accommodate varying abilities, fitness levels, and learning styles.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of experience instructing group wellness classes.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, or disability-serving organizations.
Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and creating welcoming experiences for people of all abilities.

Responsibilities

Lead safe, engaging, and welcoming group fitness classes that promote wellness, participation, and community while supporting the YMCA’s mission and goals.
Adapt exercises, instruction, pacing, and equipment to support participants with varying abilities, fitness levels, learning styles, and individual needs.
Build positive, professional relationships with participants and foster an environment where individuals feel respected, encouraged, and connected to the YMCA community.
Provide general wellness guidance and answer member questions within the scope of the instructor’s role.
Recognize and celebrate participants’ progress, personal goals, and achievements, and encourage participation and confidence without judgment.
Maintain accurate class attendance records and begin each class with a Higher Thought, story, or inspirational message.
Follow YMCA policies, safety procedures, and emergency protocols to help maintain a safe and inclusive class environment.
Maintain required certifications and continuing education, and stay informed about relevant fitness trends and instructional practices.
Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, dispensing or endorsing commercial health products, or promoting merchandise or services from outside the YMCA.
Attend required staff meetings and collaborate with YMCA colleagues to support program quality, participant engagement, and the organization’s mission.
Perform other duties as assigned.