A Personal Trainer or Fitness Instructor develops customized exercise and fitness programs for clients. Reviews health and fitness goals, teaches correct and safe exercise technique, monitors progress and provides encouragement for clients. Leads fitness and exercise classes at a community center, club or pool. Teaches aerobics, water, strength building or other exercises and maintains equipment.
Under the supervision of the Healthy Living Director, the Group Exercise Instructor plans and leads safe, engaging, and effective group fitness classes that support members in achieving their health and wellness goals. This position creates a welcoming and inclusive environment, builds positive relationships with participants, and promotes YMCA programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Plan and lead group exercise classes within the scope of certification and training. Create a safe, motivating, and inclusive class environment by demonstrating proper exercise technique and providing appropriate modifications. Build positive relationships with participants while delivering exceptional customer service and encouraging member engagement. Promote YMCA health and wellness programs, personal training, and other member services. Monitor participant safety, equipment use, and class attendance while enforcing YMCA policies and procedures. Prepare organized class formats, music, and equipment to ensure a high-quality participant experience. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe exercise space before and after each class. Stay current with industry trends and maintain all required certifications and continuing education. Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and association events. Support YMCA fundraising efforts and perform other duties as assigned.
YMCA COMPETENCIES
Mission Advancement :
Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.
Collaboration:
Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness :
Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
Personal Growth :
Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations, and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is committed to creating environments where children are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Employees and volunteers who directly supervise children are expected to: Adhere to YMCA policies regarding professional boundaries with youth. Attend all required Abuse Risk Management and Child Protection training. Follow established procedures for supervising children and managing high-risk activities. Immediately report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations. Comply with all mandated reporting requirements and child protection protocols. Follow all YMCA and Praesidium standards related to child abuse prevention and youth protection. Every employee shares responsibility for protecting the children and families entrusted to our care.
QUALITIES
High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field preferred. Current nationally recognized Group Exercise Instructor certification or specialty certification from an NCCA-accredited organization (e.g., ACE, AFAA, ACSM, Les Mills, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba®, Cycling/Spinning). Minimum of one year of group fitness instruction experience preferred. Strong knowledge of group exercise principles, exercise safety, and class design. Excellent customer service, communication, and motivational skills. Ability to connect with and inspire participants of diverse ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Availability to teach a minimum of one to three classes per week. Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, or the ability to obtain them within YMCA-established timeframes.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed primarily in a fitness and group exercise environment with moderate to high noise levels. Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, squat, twist, reach, and demonstrate exercises for extended periods. Must possess the physical stamina to safely lead classes while modeling proper form and technique. Must be able to lift, carry, and move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires close and distance vision and the ability to monitor participant safety throughout class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
