Personal Trainer Tier 1: McCorey YMCA

Under the direction of Healthy Living Leadership and in accordance with the Christian mission of the YMCA, the Tier 1 Personal Trainer provides goal-based, individualized fitness instruction to YMCA members. Trainers at this level use foundational exercise science knowledge and certified training practices to develop safe and effective programs. They are responsible for helping members adopt healthier lifestyles while promoting YMCA wellness services.

Culture Statement:

The culture of the Y is rooted in our Christian mission and core principles. We strive every day to collectively embody our purpose to love, serve and transform lives. Every day we show up to Lead with Love and Serve with Purpose.

We Love unconditionally – showing genuine care and concern for everyone, making each interaction meaningful and personal and ensuring every person feels valued, seen and welcomed. We elevate Hope – promoting optimism by offering encouragement and practical solutions to challenges. We act with Care & Compassion – listening attentively without judgment, responding with empathy, and creating a sense of belonging by uplifting and supporting those around us. We demonstrate Generosity – sharing our time, skills, and resources freely and with joy.

We walk in Grace – showing patience and kindness, even in difficult moments. We ignite Faith – staying grounded in our mission, principles and purpose, inspiring others to trust in what is possible. Demonstrating consistency in our actions, helping others see how their efforts align with a greater purpose. We treasure Honesty – communicating openly and truthfully, admitting mistakes when they occur, and honoring commitments. We honor Humility – leading with a servant's heart by prioritizing the needs of others above our own.

We live with Joy – celebrating small and big wins alike, inspiring connection and shared joy. We offer Respect – addressing everyone by name and honoring diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We value Responsibility – performing every task timely with diligence and excellence and holding ourselves accountable by openly evaluating our performance. We engage in Service – going above and beyond in serving others by anticipating needs and delivering exceptional experiences.

Essential Functions:

• Provide personalized fitness training for clients, based on individual goals, using safe and appropriate exercise prescriptions (minimum 2 sessions/week).
• Complete 4–8 hours per week of supervised floor time during the first 90 days to build familiarity with YMCA systems, equipment, and member engagement.
• Conduct client assessments and monitor progress, offering consistent guidance and motivation throughout the training journey.
• Demonstrate correct equipment usage and educate clients on exercise safety and form.
• Build relationships with members through engagement and promotion of YMCA fitness services.
• Track session attendance, maintain documentation, and report safety issues to the Fitness Director.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and branch fundraising campaigns (e.g., Annual Giving)
• Stay current on health and fitness trends by attending workshops, continuing education courses, and industry events.
• Maintain professional appearance and behavior in alignment with YMCA uniform and service standards.
• Adhere to all departmental and organizational policies, including safety, scheduling, and member service protocols.

Performs other duties and tasks as assigned by leadership.

Required Qualifications: 

• Must hold a nationally accredited personal training certification (e.g., ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA).
• One or more of the following required: at least 1 year of experience (2 hours/week), graduation from a personal training program, a 2- or 4-year degree in a health-related field, or an advanced-level fitness certification.
• Completion of all YMCA of Greater Charlotte mandatory trainings by required deadlines.
• Strong communication, customer service, and interpersonal relationship skills.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and enthusiastic about helping others improve their health.
• Professional appearance, flexible availability (including evenings/weekends), and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Basic computer proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel) and ability to learn YMCA platforms.

All YMCA team members are expected to maintain a current and active status for all safety, risk, and programming certifications defined by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, and lift throughout a shift, including demonstrating exercises.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including equipment or training materials.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond quickly and safely in emergencies.
• Physical ability to “spot” participants and assist with movement and positioning.
• Exposure to exercise environments, equipment, bodily fluids, and communicable diseases.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and use digital systems for tracking and communication.

Competencies: 

1. FUNCTIONAL EXPERTISE: Executes superior technical skills for the role
2. DEVELOPING SELF & OTHERS: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
3. EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.
4. COMMUNICATION & INFLUENCE: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause

To learn more about our Y-USA Leadership Competencies, please click here: