Group Exercise Instructor

Group Exercise Instructor I

Join the YMCA of Metro Atlanta as a Group Exercise Instructor I. In this role, you will provide high-quality group exercise classes on land and in water, ensuring a safe, fun, and educational environment for participants.

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non‑profits serving in Atlanta. We provide high‑quality literacy and STEAM‑infused learning to children and youth, sports, leadership, and wellness programs to over 200,000 members and engage thousands of volunteers.

Under the supervision of the Wellness Director, the Group Exercise Instructor works with a team of staff to conduct YMCA group exercise classes both on land and water. Responsibilities include music selection, class set‑up, take‑down, and education about the Coach Approach and other health and wellness‑related issues.

• Carry out daily program tasks related directly to the position's scope and responsibilities.
• Stay updated on current issues regarding group fitness/wellness programs.
• Promote, monitor, evaluate, and ensure that group exercise classes run smoothly with a high level of service to participants.
• Maintain branch and association certifications in CPR/AED and any other certifications/training required by the Metro Atlanta YMCA.
• Maintain all wellness certifications by meeting continuing education requirements. YMCA Health & Well‑Being certifications require 10 CECs every two (2) years.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings.
• Secure personal music and select music that is suitable for a family setting.
• Assist as needed in all aspects of the YMCA and its community.
• Partner with wellness cabinet activities.
• Ensure the follow‑through of incident/accident reporting procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Log class attendance in Group Ex PRO by 11:59 p.m. of the night that the class is taught.
• Log in to Group Ex PRO at least two times per week.
• Secure a substitute instructor if unable to teach a class.
• Know, understand, and consistently apply Metro Atlanta YMCA risk and safety guidelines, best practices, and branch emergency procedures.
• Adhere to strength training and nutrition guidelines in alignment with Metro Atlanta YMCA standards.
• Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, or endorsing commercial health products.

• High school or GED degree required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• May have less than one year of experience teaching group exercise classes or one or more years of group exercise participation.
• Land instructors must obtain YMCA/ACE online Group Exercise Instructor Certification (or equivalency) and supplemental courses required within 60 days of hire date. If teaching group strength and/or conditioning classes, YMCA Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certification is also required.
• Water instructors must obtain all YMCA/AEA online certification and supplemental courses required, including the Y‑Metro Atlanta Water Fitness Specialty Course (Prerequisite: YMCA Group Exercise Instructor Certification) or the AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional (AFP) Certification within 60 days of hire date.
• Must obtain/maintain full access to Y‑Link and to the Metro Atlanta YMCA Workday account.
• Must maintain certifications by uploading continuing education credits via Y‑Link prior to expiration.
• Must possess current CPR/AED certification and renew every two years prior to expiration.
• Must obtain and maintain specialty certifications (e.g., Y‑Metro Atlanta Pilates, Group Cycling, Active Older Adult) or outside certifications approved by Metro Atlanta Y.
• Must pass a group exercise audition based upon the format(s) of group exercise instruction for which the instructor is being hired.
• Must be knowledgeable about fitness‑related issues including aerobic/anaerobic exercise, nutrition, injury prevention, and the Coach Approach.
• Must obtain the Coach Approach Orientation within 30 days of hire date.
• Must possess a high degree of human‑relations skills, facilitate class interaction and socialization, and be a team player.
• Exemplify YMCA ideals and leadership qualities.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work…