Group Ex Instructor I

Pay starts at $15.00 per hour and up based on experience and qualifications.

Move to the music. Motivate others. Build community. Make a difference!

Do you enjoy being active, encouraging others, and creating an environment where everyone feels welcome? As a YMCA Group Exercise Instructor, you'll help members improve their health and well-being while creating an energetic, supportive, and inclusive class experience. No two classes are exactly alike. You may lead a high-energy workout, demonstrate modifications, encourage a new participant, celebrate a member's progress, or help build connections within the YMCA community.

What You Can Expect

You will:

- Lead energizing, fun, safe, and educational group exercise classes using YMCA guidelines and established class formats.

- Create a welcoming environment for participants of different ages, fitness levels, abilities, and backgrounds.

- Demonstrate exercises and provide clear instruction, motivation, and encouragement throughout each class.

- Modify movements and instruction as appropriate to support different abilities, physical conditions, health needs, and experience levels.

- Build authentic relationships with members and help participants connect with one another and the YMCA.

- Use active listening to understand members' health and well-being goals and provide appropriate support.

- Celebrate member achievements, including progress toward personal goals, improved skills, and overall well-being.

- Maintain current knowledge of wellness, fitness, and group exercise trends to provide effective information and support.

- Maintain accurate class attendance records and support ongoing member retention and participation.

- Prepare for classes in advance and ensure the appropriate equipment and space are ready for participants.

- Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, safety standards, and emergency protocols.

- Complete required certifications, staff training, and professional development.

- Attend required staff meetings and participate in YMCA events and activities.

- Assist with YMCA fundraising efforts and special events as assigned.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

What Makes This Job Rewarding

This position offers the opportunity to:

- Help people become more active and confident in their health and wellness journey.

- Build a strong sense of community through group exercise.

- Encourage and celebrate members as they work toward their personal goals.

- Develop valuable leadership, communication, teaching, and relationship-building skills.

- Work with people of different ages, abilities, backgrounds, and fitness levels.

- Gain experience in fitness, wellness, recreation, customer service, and community engagement.

- Help create an environment where members feel welcomed, connected, motivated, and supported.

- Grow your skills and career within the YMCA.

What Can Be Challenging

Group exercise instruction is an active position that requires preparation, energy, flexibility, and strong communication.

You should expect to:

- Lead classes with participants who have different fitness levels, abilities, and experience.

- Adapt exercises and instruction to meet the needs of individual participants.

- Maintain consistent energy, awareness, and engagement throughout each class.

- Encourage participants who may be new to exercise or uncomfortable trying new movements.

- Balance motivation and fun with safety and proper exercise instruction.

- Stay current with group exercise and wellness practices.

- Maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

- Respond appropriately to safety concerns or emergencies.

- Spend extended periods standing, moving, demonstrating exercises, and actively participating in classes.

- Work flexible hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on class schedules.

Qualifications

- Must be at least 18 years of age.

- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and socioeconomic circumstances.

- Ability to read and interpret instructions, procedures, manuals, and other documents.

- Passion for health, wellness, fitness, and helping others achieve their goals.

- Ability to create a positive, welcoming, and motivating class environment.

- Willingness to learn, receive feedback, and continue developing group exercise skills.

- Previous group exercise, fitness, coaching, sports, or teaching experience is helpful but not required.

Physical Requirements

Ability to:

- Demonstrate exercises and movements safely and effectively.

- Remain active and engaged while teaching group exercise classes.

- Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and move throughout classes.

- Lift up to 50 pounds.

- Maintain a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.

- Communicate effectively through visual, auditory, and verbal communication.

- Work effectively in a variety of fitness and recreational environments.

- Maintain a neat and professional appearance.

Is This Role Right for You?

You'll be successful in this position if you:

- Enjoy being active and helping others become more active.

- Are energetic, encouraging, patient, and dependable.

- Enjoy teaching, demonstrating, and motivating others.

- Can adapt your instruction to different fitness levels and abilities.

- Are comfortable speaking in front of groups.

- Stay calm and focused in busy or unexpected situations.

- Can maintain safety expectations while creating a fun and positive experience.

- Enjoy building relationships and creating community.

- Are willing to learn, receive feedback, and continuously improve your skills.

- Believe everyone deserves a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive place to improve their health and well-being.

Benefits at Crossroads YMCA

When you join Crossroads YMCA, you'll enjoy benefits that support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth, including:

- Free individual YMCA membership

- Discounts on YMCA programs

- Voluntary 403(b) retirement savings plan

- Training and professional development opportunities

- Career growth opportunities

Ready to motivate, inspire, and make a difference? Join the Crossroads YMCA Group Exercise Team today!

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.