Land/Water Group Exercise Instructor - Downtown

YMCA of Springfield•Springfield, IL

6d•$15 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

Lead and instruct classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that promotes member wellness and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The instructor will lead energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes, interacting well with participants by smiling, encouraging individual workout levels, generating enthusiasm, and being available before and after class to answer questions. They will maintain a working knowledge of wellness and trends, build effective relationships with members, and follow guidelines for class format including warm-up/stretching, working all major muscle groups, and providing cool-down. The role requires the ability to think independently and develop routines, demonstrate self-confidence with clear directions, and ensure classes start and end on time with smooth transitions. The instructor will educate participants on muscles being worked/stretched, demonstrate correct technique and alignment, and ensure safety. They must keep mandatory classes, training, and certifications current, maintain accurate attendance records, and help promote programs to increase class growth and member retention. Additionally, the instructor will support the strong kids annual campaign, follow YMCA policies, respond to emergencies, and display a friendly, helpful, and positive disposition while providing thorough, timely, organized, and accurate customer service. They will prioritize members and participants, showing kindness and compassion, and demonstrate the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Requirements

Required certifications: CPR, First Aid, AED
National certification (ACE, NETA, AFAA, NASM) in group fitness instruction or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification strongly preferred prior to hire.
If not currently certified, must obtain a National Certification or the YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise Certification within 1 year of employment.
At least one year of experience teaching group exercise classes preferred.
Ability to learn quickly.
Ability to work with integrity, discretion and a professional approach.
Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).
Ability to complete all required trainings within 60 days of employment, including but not limited to CPR, first aid, Living Our Cause, DCFS Mandated Report, IL Gateway Registry Modules and to maintain these certifications as current as outlined by regulations or requirements.

Nice To Haves

National certification (ACE, NETA, AFAA, NASM) in group fitness instruction or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification strongly preferred prior to hire.
At least one year of experience teaching group exercise classes preferred.
Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, etc.).

Responsibilities

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes, as directed by the supervisor, to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
Interacts well with class participants. Smiles, encourages individual work out levels, generates enthusiasm, and is available before and after class to answer participant questions from to support them in achieving their goals related to healthy living.
Maintains working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support to members. Answers questions from members to support them in achieving their goals related to healthy living.
Builds effective, authentic relationships with members; helps members connect with each other and the YMCA.
Follows guidelines for class format including warm up/stretching, works all major muscle groups as appropriate for the level of the class, and provides cool down.
Must be able to think independently and develop routines for teaching specific exercise classes
Demonstrates self-confidence; directions are clear and easy to follow
Classes begin and end on time; workout transitions are smooth, breaks for pulse check as appropriate.
Educates class participants on muscle being worked/stretched: demonstrates correct technique alignment for aerobic section/ high and low impact moves; and safe and low risk for participants
Keeps mandatory classes, training and/or certifications current
Keeps accurate class attendance records.
Helps promote programs that increase class growth and member retention, which are offered within the health and wellness department.
Helps support and promoting strong kids annual campaign
Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations
Display a friendly, helpful and positive disposition.
Provide customer service that is thorough, timely, organized and accurate.
Help ensure the Y is meeting member and participant needs by utilizing good listening skills, attentiveness, objectivity and patience in all situations.
Place members and participants as the first and highest priority showing kindness and compassion at all times.
Demonstrates the Y core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through all daily activities and responsibilities