YMCA of Greater Boston·Boston, Massachusetts
The instructor leads energizing and safe aqua group exercise classes while building authentic relationships with members to support their health goals. They are also responsible for maintaining class records, ensuring pool safety, and providing emergency care when necessary.
Description Instructs aqua group exercise classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that welcomes all skill and fitness levels.
Effectively builds community within class.
Modifies class as needed to meet varied health, ability and cultural needs.
The YMCA is actively seeking an aquatics exercise instructor who can be a leader in developing sound healthy habits with our members through engaging leadership in our classes.
We are currently accepting applicants for all varieties of group exercise offerings as we continue to build the offerings to meet the needs of our growing members.
The qualified candidate will have the ability to lead a group of participants through a series of movements and exercises in a safe and effective manner. Also the candidate must hold a current certification in Group Exercise from a nationally certifying body. AFFA and ACE are preferred. Accepted Specialty Certs include: Aqua Zumba, Aqualogix, Aqua Body Strong, Aquastrength, Glide Fit, Hydro Pilates, Aqua Drums, Hydro Pole, Hydro Rider, Lablast Splash, Wet Barre.
· Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes, as directed by the supervisor, to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
· Asks and answers questions from program participants and members to support them in achieving their goals related to health and well-being.
· Maintains working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support to members.
· Builds effective, authentic relationships with members; helps members and program participants connect with each other and the YMCA.
· Observes and adjusts approach to support all participants’ capabilities, physical conditions, health, and culture.
· Celebrates achievement of program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering specific skills or overall health and well-being.
· Keeps accurate class attendance records.
· Follows YMCA policies and procedures.
· Recognize emergencies or potential incidents and address them immediately.
· Know and activate the branch and pool EAP when needed.
· Perform assists or rescues as needed.
· Provide care such as, CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen as needed.
· Other duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
· At least two years of experience in Group Exercise settings.
· Experience in personal training, and health and wellness programming.
· Physically and verbally able to interact with members and staff.
· Must be able to scan the pool visually.
· May be required to sit or stand for extended period of time.
· At times, be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Required training/certifications: · Child Abuse Prevention (within first four weeks of employment)
· Respect in the Workplace (Sexual Harassment Prevention)
· Degree in exercise Science or Physical Education preferred
· ACE,AFAA,FRA,NSCF or ACSM personal trainer certification
· CPR/AED and First Aid certifications
· A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in fitness.
Candidates must hold a current nationally recognized Group Exercise certification and possess at least two years of experience in group exercise settings. A degree in Exercise Science or Physical Education is preferred, along with current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
Market context
In Massachusetts, other support roles often draw steady interest because employers look for candidates who meet basic age, education, and background-check requirements while bringing relevant experience. These roles can be competitive when schedules, workplace culture, and access to benefits like wellness events or fitness memberships matter, and this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits help you review the original posting faster. Before applying, confirm your education and experience match the stated minimums and prepare any documentation needed for the state-mandated screening.