The instructor is responsible for conducting land and water exercise classes, including music selection and equipment set-up. They must educate members on health and wellness while adhering to YMCA policies and safety guidelines.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old. Required certifications include CPR/AED and specific YMCA/ACE or AEA certifications depending on the instruction format.
high schoolprofessional certificateCustomer ServiceTime ManagementProblem SolvingClass ManagementGroup Exercise InstructionCPR/AED CertificationHuman RelationsFitness EducationSafety Guidelines ComplianceHealth and Wellness Coaching
Job description
As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta.
Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state.
At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.
In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.
NATURE AND SCOPE: Under the direct supervision of the Wellness Director, the Group Exercise Instructor-Level I Land and/or Water shall be part of a staff team who is responsible for conducting YMCA exercise classes both on land and water.
The Level I Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for appropriate music selection, for class set-up and take-down, and for class members’ education about THE COACH APPROACH® and other health and wellness-related issues.
The Level I Group Exercise Instructor must perform program responsibilities in accordance with the policies, organizational competencies, mission, and values established by the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.
The Level I Group Exercise Instructor will have a key leadership role in YMCA of the USA initiatives to “strengthen the foundations of community” through healthy living.
RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to): 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 from YMCA/ACE continuing education courses or other courses provided by/approved by national group exercise certifying organizations, which are recognized by Y of the USA, e.g., ACE, ACSM, AFAA, or NETA per Y-Link (link.ymca.net).
Location
Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA BkHd The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, with programs and services which build spirit, mind, and body. The Y believes in strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. When you join our team, you become part of a legacy over a century in the making, where passionate individuals work together to create meaningful change. Whether you're coaching future leaders, supporting wellness initiatives, or fostering connections, your work will have a lasting impact. Explore your potential, grow your career, and make a difference with the Y. Become a part of something bigger today! If you require an accommodation, please click HERE to send an email.
Attend all required staff meetings and training courses.
Secure his/her own music and select music that is suitable for a family setting.
Assist as needed in all aspects of the YMCA and its community.
Participate in and partner with wellness cabinet activities.
Ensure the follow-through of incident/accident reporting procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Must log class attendance in GroupEx PRO by 11:59 p.m. of the night that the class is taught.
Classes may be logged via the GroupEx PRO App or GroupEx PRO website.
Must log in to GroupEx PRO a minimum of two times/week to check for facility updates, subbing opportunities, and other important information.
Must secure his/her own substitute instructor in a timely manner (using the GroupEx PRO App or other process outlined by supervisor) if he/she is unable to teach a YMCA class.
Substitute request must be accepted and approved before the instructor is relieved of responsibility for the class.
Must 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 Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, and dispensing or endorsing all commercial health products, especially nutritional supplements, vitamins, performance-enhancing substances, and/or pain relievers.
The Group Exercise Instructor knows, understands, and consistently applies Metro Atlanta YMCA risk and safety guidelines, best practices, and branch emergency procedure.
REQUIRMENTS: High school or GED degree required Must be at least 18 years of age or older May have less than one year of experience in 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 by Y-USA/Y-Metro Atlanta within 60 days of hire date.
If teaching group strength and/or conditioning classes, the YMCA Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certification is also required Water instructors must obtain all YMCA/AEA online certification and supplemental courses required by Y-USA/Y-Metro Atlanta, 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 (link.ymca.net) and to the Metro Atlanta YMCA Workday account: https://www.myworkday.com/wday/authgwy/ymcaatlanta/login.htmld. Must maintain certifications by uploading continuing education credits via Y-Link (link.ymca.net) prior to date of expiration Must possess current CPR/AED certification and renew it every two years prior to date of expiration.
Updated licenses shall be uploaded via Y-Link (link.ymca.net) 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 (e.g., TRX, Barre, Zumba, Pound) prior to teaching the designated format Must pass 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 but not limited to aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise, nutrition, benefits of exercise, 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, must be able to facilitate class interaction and socialization, and should be considered a team player by members, co-workers, and management staff Exemplify YMCA ideals and leadership qualities Possess ability to handle multiple tasks, to work independently, and to solve problems.
Possess effective time-management skills Possess strong customer-service skills and personal commitment to service and hospitality Pass a criminal background and drug-screening check ERGONOMICS: Sitting, bending, stooping, standing, 15% repetitive keyboard work, seeing, verbal communications, lifting up to 25 pounds, and exposure to noise levels at an average of 90 decibels (music) over an eight-hour day.
Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.
Employment Requirement: Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy.
Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.
This job posting is subject to change at any time.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence.
The opportunities to serve are vast, and we’re looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Market context
Georgia group exercise roles stay competitive
Group Exercise Instructor I roles in Georgia are often competitive because employers look for candidates who can lead safe, engaging classes and quickly complete required YMCA/ACE or AEA certifications after hire. This role typically appeals to applicants with strong communication skills, a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to pass an audition. Review the class formats and certification timeline before applying, and note that the job requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you research time.
