Certified Fitness Instructor

Job Summary (Essential Functions)

Educates club members and guests by providing safe, effective, and engaging group fitness instruction in accordance with all club policies and procedures. Creates a positive fitness environment that motivates participants to achieve their health and wellness goals while ensuring proper exercise techniques and safety standards are maintained.

Job Tasks/Duties

• Teaches scheduled fitness classes that begin and end on time; provides appropriate warm-up, workout, stretching, and cool-down segments.
• Instructs participants on proper exercise techniques, movement patterns, and workout methods to maximize effectiveness and minimize risk of injury.
• Demonstrates exercises, identifies targeted muscle groups, and provides modifications to accommodate varying fitness levels and abilities.
• Prepares and organizes necessary equipment, music, and instructional materials for each class.
• Monitors participant performance and provides verbal and visual cueing to ensure safe and effective exercise execution.
• Assists class participants, answers questions, and maintains a positive and motivating fitness experience.
• Encourages member engagement, participation, and adherence to fitness goals through professional coaching and support.
• Keeps management informed of member feedback, facility needs, and program opportunities.
• Ensures all safety standards are met and that department and facility policies are followed.

• Maintains a clean, organized, and safe workout environment before, during, and after classes.

Education and/or Experience

• Health- and fitness-related degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Sports Medicine, or a related field preferred.
• Nationally recognized Group Fitness Instructor certification required or preferred (ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM, or equivalent).
• One year of experience teaching group fitness classes, personal training, or fitness instruction in a health club, fitness center, recreation facility, or private club preferred.
• Experience teaching a variety of fitness formats such as strength training, cardio conditioning, circuit training, boot camp, HIIT, or functional fitness preferred.

Job Knowledge, Core Competencies, and Expectations

• Ability to design and deliver safe, effective, and engaging group fitness classes for participants of varying fitness levels.
• Working knowledge of human anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and fitness training principles.
• Knowledge of group fitness teaching strategies, class structure, exercise progression, and participant engagement techniques.
• Excellent verbal communication, visual demonstration, and motivational coaching skills.
• Ability to provide exercise modifications and adaptations to accommodate individual needs and limitations.
• Motivates participants to achieve their fitness goals while maintaining a positive, supportive, and professional attitude.
• Demonstrates strong customer service skills and fosters an inclusive and welcoming fitness environment.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform required responsibilities during emergency situations.

Licenses and Special Requirements

• Current nationally recognized Group Fitness Instructor certification required.
• Current CPR and AED certification required or obtained within a specified period after hire.
• Specialty fitness certifications are a plus and may be required depending on class formats taught.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The noise level in fitness studios and workout areas may be moderate to loud during classes and events.
• Must be able to push, pull, or lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stretch, twist, reach, walk, stand, stoop, climb stairs, balance, and/or crouch.
• Ability to demonstrate and perform exercises repeatedly throughout class instruction.
• Continuous repetitive motions and physical exertion over extended periods of time.
• Must maintain a level of physical fitness necessary to safely demonstrate exercises and lead classes.
• May be required to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor fitness environments, depending on programming and facility operations.
• Must be available to work flexible schedules, including mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.