Fitness Specialist - Altoona, IA

FOX Rehabilitation is hiring a Fitness Specialist to lead group exercise and personal training for older adults at a Senior Living Community in Altoona, IA. This role is ideal for a personal trainer, exercise science graduate, or certified fitness professional passionate about healthy aging, fall prevention, and functional fitness for seniors.

About this role

This is a part‑time position (approximately 5 hours per week) with a clear path to grow your caseload and hours. You will serve as the primary wellness professional embedded within a Senior Living Community, delivering evidence‑based fitness programming to older adults through group classes, one‑on‑one personal training, and partner training sessions.

What you'll do

• Grow the wellness program Drive engagement among residents to increase group class participation and build a 1:1 and partner training client base. Growth is fueled by your relationship‑building efforts and reinforced by referrals from FOX's skilled therapy team as patients transition out of rehabilitation.
• Collaborate with a therapy team Work alongside FOX Physical and Occupational Therapists and Speech Language Pathologists at the Senior Living Community. Build trust with clinicians who refer patients to wellness, a direct pipeline that supports your schedule growth.
• Educate and connect Confidently communicate the benefits of wellness programming to residents, family members, and power‑of‑attorney contacts to increase participation and program awareness.
• Expand your reach Travel to patient residences for house call sessions and expand into additional communities as your territory grows.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or Exercise Physiology; OR Certified Personal Trainer through a nationally accredited organization (ACSM, NSCA, NASM, ACE, ISSA preferred); OR prior fitness training experience with willingness to obtain CPT certification
• Experience or strong interest in working with older adults in a proactive, wellness‑focused setting
• Comfortable presenting and educating residents and families on wellness program benefits
• Ability to travel between Senior Living Communities and patient residences as needed
• Current CPR certification
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; responsive to email, Teams, text, and phone
• Basic computer skills for documentation and scheduling

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements The physical demands below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. The strength classification for this position is medium, defined as: Exerting 25–50 lbs. of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) Exerting 10–25 lbs. of force frequently (up to 2/3 of the time) Exerting up to 10 lbs. of force constantly

Additional physical requirements include:

• Ability to perform CPR
• Moderate to maximum assists with patient transfers and bed mobility
• Able to reposition a bed‑bound patient independently
• Required to stoop, sit, bend, pull, climb, reach, kneel, crouch, and climb stairs
• Stand for extended periods of time
• Prolonged periods of intense physical exertion including running, lifting, and stretching
• Perform repetitive movements of the upper extremities
• Extensive walking throughout the shift
• Fit to drive (required for House Calls setting)
• Regularly required to talk and hear; specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to feel, and reach with hands and arms

Why Join FOX Rehabilitation?

FOX Rehabilitation is a clinician‑operated practice rooted in meaningful relationships, evidence‑based care, and a mission to abolish ageism. You’ll be supported by leaders who understand client and senior living community engagement, because they’ve lived it.

Why fitness specialists love working with FOX

Opportunities to practice in both in-home and senior living community settings

Potential telehealth / virtual care components that expand flexibility and access

Opportunity to autonomously drive growth of FOX Wellness and be the SLC’s “go to” for all things Wellness

A collaborative, interdisciplinary environment (PT, OT, SLP, Fitness Specialists)

Work within a community‑based practice that supports independence, wellness, and longevity

A culture that invests in your growth and values provider‑driven decision‑making

FOX Rehabilitation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. FOX is a high‑growth, entrepreneurial private practice of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and exercise physiologists. FOX was built on the strong clinical foundation of Geriatric House Calls, and has stayed true to its mission of rehabilitating lives by believing in the strength of people. FOX provides evidence‑based rehabilitation services in the acute, post‑acute, home, senior living community and outpatient settings. Our clinicians provide clinically excellent care and are given the autonomy they need to help clients to achieve what they once thought impossible. Within FOX, our culture is one of respect and hard work. Our private practice is built around support systems to give clinicians the tools they need to succeed while achieving clinical excellence and professional fulfillment. Every employee is equally important to the success of FOX; it is this philosophy and culture that create a supportive atmosphere where employees are valued.