Personal Trainer

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. At the Hartman YMCA, a first-of-its-kind accessible and inclusive YMCA, with a focus on creating an exceptional, welcoming experience for individuals of all abilities, this position works closely with individuals with disabilities, families, caregivers, and effectively builds community within the class. Under the direction of the Health & Wellness or Member Engagement Director, the Personal Trainer helps members achieve wellness goals, develop self-management skills, and maintain healthy behaviors through YMCA-approved programs while upholding the YMCA of Greater San Antonio’s mission, policies, and goals.

OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Conduct personal training sessions for YMCA members, as assigned by supervisor.
2. Conduct individualized personal training sessions that support members’ goals, abilities, and interests.
3. Adapt exercises, equipment, and instructions to support safe, accessible participation for individuals of all abilities.
4. Work respectfully with members, families, and caregivers, as appropriate, while honoring each member’s autonomy, dignity, and preferences.
5. Provide clear instruction, encouragement, and progress feedback to help members build confidence, healthy habits, and exercise adherence.
6. Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment and build positive relationships and community among members.
7. Follow YMCA fitness guidelines, policies, and safety procedures; monitor equipment and the exercise area, report concerns, and complete accident reports as required.
8. Maintain required records, clean equipment, and submit program data as requested.
9. Attend required meetings, training, and continuing education; maintain certifications and stay current with relevant fitness practices.
10. Promote the YMCA mission and values, collaborate with colleagues, assist other departments when needed, and participate in team assignments.
11. Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice and dispensing or endorsing any and all commercial health products, especially nutritional supplements, vitamins, performance enhancing substances and pain relievers.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Communication & Influence
• Inclusion & Belonging
• Developing Self & Others
• Engaging Community

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A four-year college degree in a health-related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
2. Experience working with individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, or disability-serving organizations is strongly preferred, along with a demonstrated commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and creating welcoming experiences for people of all abilities.
3. Requires 1-2 years experience in the health and wellness field.
4. Current national personal training or strength training certification from ACE, ACSM, NSCA, IDEA, NETA, AFAA, Cooper’s IAR, ISSA, NASM, NPTI, NFPT, AFPA, IFPA, NSCF, NESTA, or another certifying body accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or National Fitness Board of Examiners (NFBE) is required. Certification must be current and active.
5. Knowledge of fitness research, exercise programming, basic anatomy and physiology, exercise principles, and behavior-change methods.
6. Ability to adapt exercises and communicate instructions in ways that support participation by individuals with different abilities, needs, and learning or communication styles.
7. Demonstrates patience, empathy, flexibility, professionalism, and a person-centered approach; respects individual choice, dignity, privacy, and independence.
8. Ability to collaborate respectfully with members, families, caregivers, and YMCA colleagues while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
9. Certifications required within the first week of hire: Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazardous Communications.
10. Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: YMCA approved basic life saving skills such as CPR, First Aid, AED, and Emergency Oxygen.
11. Must obtain YMCA certifications within 6 months of employment, these include, but are not limited to, YMCA Principles of Healthy Lifestyles and YMCA Foundations of Strength & Conditioning.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed in a fast-paced wellness floor/office environment, supporting individuals with a range of abilities and needs.
• Must be able to move throughout the fitness area, remain alert to participant and equipment safety, and respond appropriately to changing activity.
• Standing and walking for extended periods and demonstrate or adapt exercises as needed.
• Occasional stooping, bending, reaching, and lifting or moving equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to communicate instructions and information effectively using appropriate verbal, visual, or demonstrated methods, and respond to members’ communication needs.
• Use visual and auditory attention to monitor exercise, equipment, and surroundings.
• Use a computer, telephone, or other tools to maintain records and communicate with members and staff.