Fitness Instructor

JOB TITLE: FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the supervision of the Coordinator/On Site Manager, the Fitness Instructor, through the use of the principles of exercise physiology, kinesiology and adult education, contribute to the disease prevention and fitness development of wellness clients.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

• RESPONSIBLE TO: Coordinator/On-Site Manager
• REPORTS TO: Coordinator/On-Site Manager

INTERRELATIONSHIPS: 

• Works with Fitness and Wellness Center staff, medical directors, clients, families if needed, physicians, and other departments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs the initial assessment of the client through a review by the physician referral, medical history, fitness testing results, health risk appraisal, and other pertinent data.
• Administers fitness tests and/or stress tests.
• Educates clients regarding the accepted scientific principles of cardiorespiratory, strength and flexibility conditioning.
• Devises a creative exercise prescription according to the principles outlined in the ACSM Guidelines For Exercise Testing and Prescription and initial assessment, fitness testing, and client goals and preferences.
• Makes appropriate referrals based on client goals, i.e. dietary needs, stress management, and smoking cessation.
• Leads the client through several one-on-one exercise sessions to ensure a thorough understanding of the exercise prescription.
• Monitors BP, HR, and RPE closely as deemed necessary by referral, physician, or cardiac rehab medical director.
• Monitors exercise sessions of the general client population through observation and utilization of metabolic data (BP, HR, and RPE, and respiratory rate).
• Collaborates with other staff, medical directors, or referring physician regarding inappropriate responses to exercise.
• Ensures safety in exercise by thorough knowledge of the client's medical history, by proper supervision of client activity, and by proper demonstration and explanation of all exercises prescribed.
• Reevaluates, revises and varies exercise prescription on a regular basis or as desired by the client.
• Motivates clients to pursue exercise as a lifetime goal.
• Serves as a role model for clients, employees, and the community through a personal fitness program, prudent heart living and participation in hospital and community projects that promote health and fitness.
• Organizes work by establishing priorities so that assigned responsibilities are completed in a time frame acceptable to the immediate supervisor.
• Maintains current and inactive patient files.
• Is supportive and understanding towards clients regarding needs and goals and offers assistance to others assigned.
• Is courteous and considerate to clients, families, visitors, and other staff.
• Promptly completes the necessary forms and informs the immediate supervisor when incidents/accidents occur.
• Voices opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the care of clients and the wellness program to the immediate supervisor.
• Demonstrates initiative in professional growth and development by staying current with new methods and innovations and by attending all in-service sessions, as requested by the immediate supervisor.
• Notifies supervisor if unable to come to work.
• Evaluates and maintains adequate supplies and equipment necessary for safe, quality service to all clients.

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Displays an enthusiastic, optimistic attitude, patience, understanding and a pleasant disposition.
• Non-smoker who practices prudent heart living.
• Adaptability, able to function under stress or in a crisis situation.
• Ability to read, write, and converse with the English language.
• Ability to motivate wellness clients.
• Possesses integrity, professional ethics, and the ability to reason logically and use good judgment.
• Philosophy compatible with that of the rehab and wellness programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: B.S. or M.S. in Health and Physical Education,
• Exercise Science, or related field.

CERTIFICATION: 

• BCLS is strongly recommended and ACSM Certification preferred (can be obtained through the hospital after start date).

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND KNOWLEDGE: 

• No experience necessary, but 1–2 years is preferred. Orientation to hospital, cardiac rehab, and a wellness program are required. Knowledge of exercise physiology and scientific principles related to cardiovascular conditioning and fitness programming is required.

Shift is 8:30–5. Monday—Friday.