The Exercise Instructor Level I will help members see the value in sharing their YMCA experience, involvement and vision with others in their community.  As a result, members will progressively report casual to connected to committed feelings toward the YMCA goal to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.  The Group Exercise Instructor Level II will be part of the team helping The Metro Atlanta YMCAs become the leader in providing health benefits to adults, youth and children by engaging them in physical activity.

GENERAL FUNCTION:

Under the direct supervision of the wellness director or group exercise coordinator, the group exercise instructor shall be part of a staff team, responsible for conduct of YMCA fitness classes. The instructor is responsible for appropriate music selection, class set up and take down, education of class members in THE COACH APPROACH-An Exercise Support Process®, fitness-related issues and in forwarding the Mission and Values of the YMCA.

KNOW HOW:

• One year or more of experience in Group Exercise participation.
• YMCA Healthy Lifestyles Principles, Foundations of Group Exercise, YMCA Specialty certifications (depending on what you teach  i.e. YMCA Group Cycling, YMCA Pilates, YMCA Water Fitness Instructor, Arthritis Foundation for Arthritis and Fibro.) within 6 months of employment.
• CPR/AED required.
• Pass the State of Georgia Criminal Background check.

• Metro Atlanta YMCA Orientation CD.
• Knowledge of group exercise equipment, sound system, general weight lifting, health and wellness and the ability to demonstrate, is a must. 

• Instructors must be knowledgeable about fitness-related issues including but not limited to aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise, nutrition, benefits of exercise, injury prevention and rehabilitation and THE COACH APPROACH-An Exercise Support Process.
• Instructors must have current CPR certification.
• High degree of human relations skills and be able to facilitate class interaction and socialization and be considered a team player by members, co-workers and management staff.
• Exemplify YMCA ideals and leadership qualities

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• The exercise instructor is expected to keep certifications current when teaching at the YMCA.
• The exercise instructors shall agree to be ready for class to start on time, finish on time and shall agree to schedule his/her time for set up and take down necessary for efficient class performance.  In addition to maintaining accurate time cards.
• Exercise instructors are expected to exemplify the mission and values of the organization, teach and communicate those to the membership. Included in this expectation is dress appropriate for a family friendly atmosphere.
• Exercise instructors are expected to find their own substitutes if they are not able to teach a YMCA class and communicate the substitute to the supervisor in a timely manner.
• Exercise instructors are expected to attend mandatory staff meetings and trainings as scheduled throughout the calendar year. 
• Exercise instructors are responsible for their own music and agree to use music suitable for a family setting.  Exercise instructors further agree to dress in a manner appropriate for working in a family setting.
• Inform your supervisor if you cannot work and find a pre-qualified sub.
• Follow strength training and nutrition guidelines, complying with the National YMCA and ACSM guidelines.
• Remain alert to the condition of the equipment and promptly report any concerns to supervisor.
• Follow Metro Atlanta, Y Mutual and YMCA USA risk and safety guidelines/best practices.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive, safe, nurturing, non-threatening membership experience.
• Seek to learn members names and welcome them personally.
• Perform team assignments in Annual Partner with Youth campaign.
• Maintain certifications by meeting continuing education requirements (YMCA certifications require 15 CECs every 3 years; 8 of these must be YMCA CECs) and keep current with trends in the field/industry.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to actively demonstrate exercise moves, communicate with class, aerobic capacity to perform class motions.