Fitness Instructor

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As a Group Exercise Instructor, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

Under the guidance of the Fitness Coordinator, the Group Exercise Instructor teaches group classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that welcomes people of all skill and fitness levels. The Group Exercise Instructor builds community within the class and modifies class as needed to meet varied health, ability, and cultural needs.

• Lead energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
• Ask and answer questions from program participants and members to support them in achieving their goals related to health and well-being.
• Maintain working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support to members.
• Build effective, authentic relationships with members; help members and program participants connect with each other and the YMCA.
• Observe and adjust approach to support all participants' capabilities, physical conditions, health, and culture.
• Celebrate achievement of program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering of specific skills or overall health and well-being.
• Keep accurate class attendance records.
• Follow YMCA policies and procedures; respond to emergency situations.

• Required certifications: CPR, First Aid, AED, national certification (ACE, NETA, AFAA, NASM) in group fitness instruction or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification.
• Certification in areas of expertise.
• YMCA Healthy Lifestyles certification within 60 days of hire.
• The ability to communicate verbally to individuals and small groups.
• At least one year of experience teaching group wellness classes preferred.

• Accepts and demonstrates the Y's values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.
• Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person's point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
• Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

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.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The YMCA does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, or other terms or conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, ethnicity, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military status, or any other basis protected by state, federal, or other applicable law.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our programs. We hold all staff, regardless of position, to the highest possible standards. We require all staff to be screened regularly and sign a code of conduct. All staff will be monitored when interacting with program participants. We take any inappropriate interactions between program participants and with staff very seriously and will fully cooperate with authorities in any case of abuse.