Personal Trainer

YMCA of Greater San Antonio Careers•San Antonio, TX

20d

About The Position

This position 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 focused on welcoming people of all abilities, the Personal Trainer works closely with individuals with disabilities, families, and caregivers and helps build community within classes. Under the direction of the Health & Wellness or Member Engagement Director, the trainer helps members pursue wellness goals, develop self-management skills, and maintain healthy behaviors through YMCA-approved programs, while upholding YMCA of Greater San Antonio policies and goals. The role delivers individualized, accessible training that respects members’ abilities, goals, interests, autonomy, dignity, and preferences. It includes providing instruction and encouragement, tracking progress, maintaining a safe and welcoming fitness environment, keeping records and equipment clean, and collaborating with colleagues. The trainer must follow YMCA fitness and safety requirements and must not diagnose injuries, provide medical advice, or dispense or endorse commercial health products.

Requirements

Requires 1–2 years of experience in the health and wellness field.
Current, active national personal training or strength training certification from a listed organization or another certifying body accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or National Fitness Board of Examiners (NFBE).
Knowledge of fitness research, exercise programming, basic anatomy and physiology, exercise principles, and behavior-change methods.
Ability to adapt exercises and communicate instructions to support participation by individuals with different abilities, needs, and learning or communication styles.
Demonstrates patience, empathy, flexibility, professionalism, and a person-centered approach; respects individual choice, dignity, privacy, and independence.
Ability to collaborate respectfully with members, families, caregivers, and YMCA colleagues while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Obtain Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazardous Communications certifications within the first week of hire.
Obtain YMCA-approved basic life-saving certifications, such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen, within the first 60 days of hire.
Obtain YMCA certifications within six months of employment, including YMCA Principles of Healthy Lifestyles and YMCA Foundations of Strength & Conditioning.
Able to move throughout the fitness area, remain alert to participant and equipment safety, and respond appropriately to changing activity.
Able to stand and walk for extended periods and demonstrate or adapt exercises as needed.
Able to occasionally stoop, bend, reach, and lift or move equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
Able to communicate instructions and information effectively using appropriate verbal, visual, or demonstrated methods and respond to members’ communication needs.
Able to use visual and auditory attention to monitor exercise, equipment, and surroundings.
Able to use a computer, telephone, or other tools to maintain records and communicate with members and staff.

Nice To Haves

A four-year college degree in a health-related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, or disability-serving organizations is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and creating welcoming experiences for people of all abilities.

Responsibilities

Conduct personal training sessions for YMCA members as assigned by a supervisor.
Deliver individualized training that supports members’ goals, abilities, and interests.
Adapt exercises, equipment, and instructions to enable safe, accessible participation for individuals of all abilities.
Work respectfully with members, families, and caregivers as appropriate, while honoring members’ autonomy, dignity, and preferences.
Provide clear instruction, encouragement, and progress feedback to build confidence, healthy habits, and exercise adherence.
Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment and build positive relationships and community among members.
Follow YMCA fitness guidelines, policies, and safety procedures; monitor equipment and the exercise area, report concerns, and complete accident reports as required.
Maintain required records, clean equipment, and submit program data as requested.
Attend required meetings, training, and continuing education; maintain certifications and stay current with relevant fitness practices.
Promote the YMCA mission and values, collaborate with colleagues, assist other departments when needed, and participate in team assignments.
Do not diagnose injuries, provide medical advice, or dispense or endorse commercial health products, including nutritional supplements, vitamins, performance-enhancing substances, and pain relievers.
Perform other duties as assigned.