GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR

Job Title: Group Exercise Instructor

Reports To: Health and Wellness Director

Work Location: Southwest YMCA

FLSA: Non-exempt – Part-time

Work Schedule: Varies

Salary Range: $15.00-$20.00/hour

A Career with a Cause:

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. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Y strengthens the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus; youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility and our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We are committed to this cause because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values.

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow.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.

General Functions:

Under the supervision of the Health and Wellness Director, the Group Exercise Instructor will assist in ensuring that the members of the YMCA of Greater Syracuse receive the appropriate guidance in their pursuit to achieve their health and wellness goals. The Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for creating a safe and enjoyable exercise experience in the Group Exercise, Mind/Body and/or Cycle Studio of the YMCA of Greater Syracuse. To achieve this environment, the Group Exercise Instructor must be able to deliver a safe, fun, dynamic and effective group exercise programs, enforce all group exercise program policies and rules, maintain the cleanliness of Group Exercise, Mind/Body and/or cycle studio and equipment and ensure that the needs of all members are met through constant attention to detail. The incumbent accepts, demonstrates and teaches the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Per Onondaga Community College, proof of the Covid-19 vaccination is required for this position.

YMCA Health & Wellness Department Quality Service Theme:

By encouraging healthy lifestyles, we make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Deliver and lead a safe & effective Group Exercise program(s):
• Expected to maintain and keep all certifications current when instructing at the YMCA.
• Maintain all YMCA character values and regulations in and out of the Group Exercise and Cycle Studio.
• Plan routines following standards and guidelines set forth by National YMCA of USA in regards to warm-up, cool down, overall class structure and music selection.
• Leads group exercise classes following standards and guidelines set forth by National YMCA of the USA.
• Modify all wellness classes and routines to meet the varying wellness levels of our members.
• Continually strive to obtain the most recent Health and Wellness Industry information and/or studies.
• Maintain attendance records for classes.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to and work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Responsible for obtaining substitute instructor from sub instructor list provided for all classes.
• Educate members on current health and wellness issues and trends.

Relationship Building Skills:

• Make members feel comfortable and at ease.
• Be open, friendly and approachable to members.
• Seek to learn members’ names and welcome them personally.
• Initiate interaction with and between members, recognize when members are not using the facility and contact them.
• Ask members if there is any way we can help, listen to members’ suggestions – be empathic and show interest in their concerns.
• Ask about their goals, progress and satisfaction.
• Introduce members to other members and staff.
• Be passionate about impacting and transforming the health and well being of members and our community.

Experience and Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience in a health and wellness related field preferred.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old to work in the Wellness Department.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in an outgoing, friendly, assertive, professional and mature manner.
• Demonstrate a sincere desire to improve the health and wellness of YMCA Health and Wellness program, staff and program participants.
• Ability to lead and motivate others.
• Ability to effectively communicate information on YMCA of Greater Syracuse program components to members.
• Demonstrates excellent planning and organizational skills, ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills, as well as the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with Members, Directors and Staff.
• Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice and dispensing or endorsing any and all commercial health products.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including some weekends and holidays.

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must complete online Bloodborne Pathogens, Employee Safety and Youth Protection Series trainings prior to initial assignment to position.
• Must hold and maintain current CPR, AED, 02 Oxygen Supplement Administration certifications or successfully complete no later than 30-days after employment begins.
• Must complete online Hazard Communication training within the first 90-days of employment.
• Must complete the following online Health & Wellness trainings within the first 90-days of employment:
• Orientation to Healthy Living at the Y
• Foundations of Listen First
• Principles of Member Health & Wellness
• Wellness Center At The Y
• Must hold and maintain an active certification while teaching Group Exercise at the YMCA. This certification can be a National certification (ACSM, ACE, NETA, AFAA or NASM) in group fitness instruction, or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise Instruction.

Effect on End Results:

Successful implementation of the program will result in quality Health and Wellness programs that meet or exceed the needs of our members and the community at large.

Physical Demands:

Ability to actively demonstrate exercise moves, communicate with class, aerobic capacity to perform class motions. Hear noises and distress signals in a Health & Wellness environment with background noise and perform all needed rescues skills. Operate alone as Group Exercise Instructor without other instructors for support. Project voice across Group Exercise/Cycle Studio. Ability to frequently stand, sit, walk, talk, hear, swim, type, run, jump, kick, catch, throw, climb, kneel, bend, reach, balance, crouch or crawl, climb and/or balance, reach with hands and arms, handle or feel, stoop, perform step, floor, kickbox aerobics, cycle for approximately 60 minutes, climb a minimum of two flights of stairs (approximately every ½ hour), lift/move and carry approximately 45 pounds, spot members lifting weight in excess of 50 pounds and use hands and fingers. Ability to occasionally run in case of an emergency. Specific vision abilities required close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment:

Work is normally performed in a typical YMCA facility environment. At times, the employee may be exposed to situations where injuries may occur. Frequently exposed to loud noise and background music. Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions in conducting certain Health & Wellness programs. Frequently exposed to OSHA approved cleaning solutions.

Americans with Disabilities Specifications:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.