Under the supervision of the Fitness Director/Coordinator/Administrator and in accordance with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Specialty Trainer – Level 3 is a highly experienced fitness professional responsible for delivering expert-level instruction in specialized formats (e.g., TRX, Pilates Reformer, or comparable disciplines). Trainers at this level design results-based fitness programs, mentor other instructors, and play a leadership role in ensuring program quality, safety, and engagement across specialty offerings.
Culture Statement
The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.
We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.
We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own. We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.
Essential Functions
- Design and deliver advanced-level personalized fitness programs within assigned specialty area,
integrating comprehensive assessments and performance tracking.
- Teach a minimum of two sessions per week and provide consistent, high-quality instruction that
reflects technical mastery and safety.
- Lead with best-in-class expertise, mentoring newer specialty trainers and serving as a resource
for staff development.
- Conduct movement screenings, monitor client progress, and adjust training plans based on
evolving goals and health indicators.
- Promote specialty offerings and drive program growth through outreach, member engagement,
and internal marketing.
- Uphold YMCA safety standards by spotting participants, managing equipment use, and modeling proper movement technique.
- Manage administrative responsibilities including attendance, client records, and reporting of
safety issues or concerns.
- Stay current with evolving fitness industry practices through continuing education, certifications, and participation in professional development.
- Represent the YMCA in staff meetings, training events, and mission-focused initiatives including
the Annual Giving Campaign.
- Maintain professional appearance and behavior that reflects YMCA values and departmental
standards.
Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.
Required Qualifications
- Completion of a comprehensive training program in a specialty area (e.g., TRX, Pilates
Reformer), including all applicable equipment certifications.
- Minimum of three years of personal training experience (averaging 2+ hours/week), or a four-year degree in a health-related field, or equivalent combination of advanced training and experience.
- Personal Training or Group Exercise certification strongly preferred.
- Completion of all required YMCA of Greater Charlotte trainings by the designated deadline.
- Advanced knowledge of exercise science, coaching techniques, and program development.
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills with the ability to mentor peers.
- Passion for wellness and member success, with strong customer service and engagement skills.
- Reliable, professional, and adaptable to client needs and evolving schedules.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and ability to utilize YMCA-specific systems.
All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and
programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced qualifications are required including but not limited to: At least three year of personal
training experience, averaging 2 hours of coaching per week or more, OR a 4 year degree in health or a related field or the equivalent education/experience, OR Personal Training or Group Exercise certification preferred.
Working Conditions
- Ability to teach sessions at varied times including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, and physically demonstrate exercises for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds.
- Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to emergencies.
- Exposure to exercise equipment, bodily fluids, and communicable diseases.
- Ability to spot clients safely and assist with equipment adjustments.
- Extended use of computer systems for data entry, scheduling, and communications.
Competencies
1 EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in
all situations
2 FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role
3 DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential
4 COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that
engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause
New Les Mills Ceremony formats, Strength Clinics, and Pilates Reformer
