Fitness Instructor

JOB SUMMARY

The Fitness Instructor supports the mission of the Wellness and Rehabilitation Department by delivering safe, effective, and engaging fitness services to Vicar’s Landing members across the continuum of independent living and post-rehabilitation care. This role provides individualized training, group exercise instruction, transitional wellness programming, and general wellness support designed to improve resident strength, balance, mobility, and overall quality of life.

The Fitness Instructor serves as a key member of the interdisciplinary wellness team, collaborating closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nursing staff, activities, and wellness leadership to promote active aging and long-term functional independence of Vicar’s Landing members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1:1 Training and Member Support

• Conduct individualized fitness assessments.

• Develop personalized exercise plans that reflect member goals, abilities, and safety considerations.

• Provide hands-on instruction, motivation, and progression within safe clinical parameters.

• Maintain accurate documentation of member sessions, progress, and outcomes.

Group Exercise Instruction

• Lead evidence-based group exercise classes including strength, balance, mobility, flexibility, and cardiovascular training.

• Modify activities for a wide range of abilities, including members with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

• Ensure class environments are safe, supportive, and aligned with best practices in senior fitness.

Transitional Wellness (Post-Therapy Fitness)

• Partner with the rehabilitation department to transition members from rehabilitation programs to independent or supervised exercise.

• Implement therapist recommendations and precautions accurately.

• Monitor resident safety, performance, and tolerance during sessions.

• Communicate any concerns or functional changes to therapy or wellness clinic nurses promptly.

General Wellness Programming

• Support campus-wide wellness initiatives, screenings, health education, and special fitness events.

• Collaborate in developing innovative programs that enhance member engagement and overall well-being.

• Assist with exercise equipment orientation, setup, maintenance, safety checks, and fitness center coverage.

Skills, Abilities & Competencies:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a closely related field (required).

Certifications

• Current CPR/AED certification (required).

• One of the following nationally recognized certifications or equivalent (required):

– ACE (American Council on Exercise)

– ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine)

– NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)

Experience

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with older adults in a fitness, wellness, or rehabilitation setting.

• Experience instructing both 1:1 and group exercise sessions.

• Background in senior fitness, functional training, or post-rehab exercise preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of functional movement, age-related changes, and exercise modifications for chronic conditions.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with older adults and interdisciplinary staff.

• Ability to motivate members while ensuring safety, proper form, and program adherence.

• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and commitment to continuous growth.

• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative wellness team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, push, pull, or move equipment up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to assist members with positioning, balance support, and safe equipment use.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and demonstrating exercise movements.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position following standard business hours.

• Occasional flexibility required for special events or program needs.

Key Success Metrics

• Maintains high member satisfaction scores through positive feedback surveys and direct testimonials.
• Demonstrates consistent growth in member enrollment for 1:1 and transitional wellness programs.
• Demonstrates timely and appropriate communication of member concerns to appropriate departments.
• Contributes to successful transition of post-rehab members into ongoing wellness programs.
• Supports measurable member improvements in strength, balance, mobility, endurance, or confidence based on pre/post assessments.
• Contributes to new or improved wellness initiative.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk hear, and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus as well as work on a computer for extended periods of time.  The employee must be able to communicate verbally with other on the phone or in person.