YMCA·Redwood City, California
The instructor leads energizing and safe group fitness classes while building authentic relationships with members to support their health goals. They are responsible for maintaining class records, ensuring safety, and adapting instruction to meet the diverse needs of all participants.
This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Instructs group classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that welcomes people of all skill and fitness levels. Effectively builds community within the class. Modifies class as needed to meet varied health, ability and cultural needs.
$25.00 - $37.00/hour
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 of specific skills or overall health and well-being.
Keeps accurate class attendance records.
Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations.
Attends all staff meetings
Performs other duties as assigned.
Visual and auditory ability to observe and to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
Ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Ability to climb, push, and pull.
Ability to lift and carry objects up to 20 pounds.
Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community.
Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y's work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.
Secures resources and support to advance the Y's work.
Engages volunteers and promotes social responsibility at all levels of the organization.
Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.
Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause.
Values all people for their unique talents and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.
Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgement.
Manages the Y's resources responsibly and sustains the Y's nonprofit business model.
Executes superior technical skills for the role.
Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's work and impact in the community.
Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.
Develops self and supports others (e.g.: staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.
Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.
Candidates must hold current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, along with a national group fitness certification such as ACE, NETA, AFAA, or NASM. At least one year of experience teaching group wellness classes is preferred.
Market context
In California, aqua fitness instructor roles are often competitive because employers look for current CPR, First Aid, AED, and recognized group fitness credentials, along with teaching experience in wellness classes. Requirements and benefits on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review the role faster. Before applying, confirm your certifications are current and tailor your application to show class instruction experience and comfort leading water-based group exercise.