Personal Trainer - Chinatown Y

Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and

communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization

dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and

social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we

offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your

community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing

some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim

to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth &

Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a

safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to

participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we

respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity &

Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent

dignity in all individuals.

Position Summary

The Personal Trainer fosters a supportive and inclusive member experience by exemplifying

the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, while upholding the

Commitment to Community and Wellness Pledge. As an integral member of the Health &

Wellness team, the Personal Trainer works closely with individuals and small groups to

support members in achieving their health and fitness goals.

This role is responsible for creating safe, effective, and personalized exercise programs

tailored to each client’s needs, fitness level, and personal goals. Trainers lead one-on-one,

semi-private, and small group sessions, delivering high-quality instruction, and applying

evidence-based practices to promote physical wellness. The Personal Trainer also conducts

initial consultations, supports member engagement, helps maintain a clean and safe facility,

and models a high standard of customer service and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Delivery

• Conduct initial consultations (PAR-Q, medical history, goal setting).
• Create individualized, semi-private or small-group workouts aligned with current exercise science and YMCA guidelines.
• Track clients’ progress and maintain accurate records.
  
  

Member Engagement & Growth

• Build relationships on the wellness floor to generate and retain clients.
• Promote YMCA wellness offerings and educate members on available programs, schedules, and virtual tools.
• Assist in developing new training activities for prospective and existing clients.
  
  

Professional Standards

• Respond to client communication within 24 hours and to internal communication within 48 hours.
• Maintain all required certifications and complete YMCA onboarding modules within 90 days.
• Follow all ethical guidelines and stay within the certified scope of practice.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment aligned with YMCA cleaning and safety protocols.
  
  

YMCA Leadership & Values

• Demonstrate the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Promote participants’ confidence in YMCA wellness programs and staff.
• Model a positive and professional YMCA image at all times.
  
  

Qualifications

• 18 years or older (due to safety and liability regulations)
• Flexible schedule availability (minimum 10 hours/week), including evenings and weekends
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Proficiency in exercise techniques using strength and cardio equipment
• Current nationally recognized Personal Training certification (e.g., NASM, NSCA, ACSM, ACE, or equivalent NCCA-accredited certification)
• YMCA-approved CPR/AED and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Commitment to completing mandatory YMCA trainings within 90 days of hire
  
  

Preferred:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or related field
• At least one year of experience coaching in a fitness setting
• Sales or customer service experience
• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, and/or Mandarin
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a fitness center environment with regular exposure to gym equipment, cleaning chemicals, and ambient noise.
• Physical demands include:
• Standing or walking for extended periods (up to 4 hours or more)
• Frequent bending, kneeling, twisting, and reaching
• Lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds
• Demonstrating exercises and assisting clients with equipment
• Visual and auditory abilities are required to monitor safety, form, and emergency cues.
• Occasional outdoor exposure when supporting programs outside the facility.
• Must maintain energy and enthusiasm during consecutive client sessions.
  
  

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.
• As part of the interview process for the Personal Trainer position, candidates may be invited to participate in a practical demonstration. This exercise provides an opportunity to showcase your coaching approach, including cueing, safety awareness, communication style, and ability to adapt exercises in a simulated client session.
• Participation in the practical demonstration is voluntary and will be conducted in a manner consistent with California employment law, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). The YMCA of San Francisco is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations upon request to ensure a fair and accessible hiring process for all candidates. Requests for accommodation can be made confidentially at any stage of the process.
  
  

Salary Description

The Personal Trainer position offers a competitive salary ranging from $31.60-$50.00 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.