Position Summary:
The Group Exercise Instructor leads engaging, safe, and effective fitness classes that support the health and wellness of members and participants. This role is responsible for creating a welcoming environment, delivering high-quality instruction, and ensuring participants exercise safely while meeting a variety of fitness levels and abilities.
Essential Functions:
Promotes and incorporates the YMCA five core values of honesty, responsibility, respect, caring and faith into all program activities.
Plan and lead safe, effective, and engaging group exercise classes in accordance with organizational standards and program guidelines.
Demonstrate and provide clear instruction on proper exercise techniques, including modifications and progressions to accommodate different fitness levels.
Create a positive and inclusive class environment that encourages member participation and engagement. Connects members to other members and Y programs.
Monitor participant safety during classes and respond appropriately to injuries or emergency situations.
Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled classes, including setting up and returning equipment as needed.
Maintain current certifications and comply with all required safety, risk management, and training policies.
Communicate effectively with participants, staff, and supervisors regarding program needs and participant concerns.
Promote programs, events, and wellness initiatives to members as appropriate.
Maintain a clean and safe exercise environment before, during, and after classes.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency procedures. Reports all incidents and complete accident reports as necessary.
YMCA Culture & Cause Expectations
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. As a cause driven leader you are expected to be:
Welcoming-Accept neighbors eagerly, warmly, hospitably, and as equal participants.
Nurturing-To care for, support, and help develop through encouragement.
Hopeful-Take an optimistic or positive view of future outcomes.
Determined-To devote full strength and concentrated attention to the cause.
Genuine–To be honest and open in relationships with others.
YMCA Competencies (Leader):
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 fund-raising.
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.
Qualifications:
1. At least 18 years of age.
2. High school diploma or equivalent.
3. CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and Child Abuse prevention training upon hire.
4. Previous experience teaching group exercise classes preferred.
5. Strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
6. Required certifications: Primary Group Fitness Certifications (ACE, AFAA, NASM, Les Mills) and/or specialty certifications.
Language Skills
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
Physical Demands
Ability to lead and demonstrate group exercise classes for extended periods of time (typically 45–60 minutes). Ability to perform and demonstrate physical movements including standing, walking, bending, squatting, lunging, lifting, and stretching. Ability to lift, move, and set up fitness equipment such as weights, bars, steps, and mats (generally up to 25–50 pounds). Ability to remain physically active and on your feet for the duration of scheduled classes. Ability to observe participants to ensure proper form and safe participation. Ability to communicate clearly with participants, including providing verbal instruction and cues in a group environment.
Hours
Flexible scheduling and available during operational hours of the YMCA, which may include mornings, day, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a fitness studio or gym environment with moderate to loud noise levels due to music and participant activity. Environment may include warm temperatures and high levels of physical activity. Some activities may take place in an outdoor environment.
The YMCA of Greater Houston provides Equal Employment Opportunities for employment to all employees and applicants, including disability and protected veteran status.
