What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fitness Instructor position at COUNTRYSIDE YMCA?
Got the energy to light up a room? Bring your passion for movement and wellness to Countryside YMCA, where you'll lead group fitness classes that help people of every age and ability feel stronger, healthier, and more connected.
We are currently seeking a certified Barre instructor to join our team!
WHAT YOU'LL DO
As a Group Fitness Instructor, you'll bring the energy, structure, and encouragement that make our classes a highlight of members' day. This role is all about creating a welcoming space where people of all fitness levels can show up, push themselves, and leave feeling accomplished.
- Lead safe, fun, and effective group fitness classes as directed by your supervisor, in line with the YMCA's mission and goals
- Answer questions and offer guidance to help members and participants reach their health and wellness goals
- Stay current on wellness trends and best practices to keep your classes fresh and effective
- Build genuine relationships with members and help connect them with each other and the broader Y community
- Adjust your teaching style to meet the needs, abilities, and comfort levels of every participant
- Celebrate wins — big and small — as members hit personal milestones and health goals
- Keep accurate attendance records for each class
- Follow YMCA policies and procedures, and respond appropriately to emergencies
- Take on other duties as needed to support the team and members
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications
- A national group fitness certification (ACE, NETA, AFAA, NASM) or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification
- Specialty certification(s) in your area of instruction, such as:
- Spin/Power Cycle
- Yoga
- Barre
- Pound
- Zumba
- Strong
- TRX
- Pilates/Reformer
- YMCA Healthy Lifestyles certification (completed within 60 days of hire)
- At least one year of experience teaching group fitness preferred
- Availability across a mix of mornings, mid-mornings, evenings, and weekends
SKILLS THAT WILL HELP YOU SUCCEED
- A natural ability to motivate people toward better health and wellness
- Comfort connecting with participants of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels
- Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
- Strong customer service instincts and adaptability across varying skill levels
- Organizational skills to track participant progress over time
- A calm, quick-thinking approach to safety and emergency situations
- Confidence starting conversations with new people and making everyone feel at home
- Reliable attendance at required trainings and meetings
- Ability to pass a criminal background check
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to lead and actively participate in classes, including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting as needed to demonstrate movements safely.
A PERK WORTH MOVING FOR
Instructors who work 16 or more hours per quarter receive a free individual membership to Countryside YMCA — because we believe in investing in the people who help our community thrive.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Countryside YMCA is committed to providing a safe environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care. We follow best practices for abuse prevention, including thorough screening, ongoing training, and clear behavioral expectations for staff and volunteers. We have a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and take all allegations and concerns seriously. All employees are required to follow our child protection policies, complete required training, and report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior immediately.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Countryside YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Salary : $13 - $25