The West Cook YMCA has made a commitment to providing premiere fitness programming that enhances individuals’ health and well-being while also fostering connections and building community. Fitness Experts are the frontline staff in this movement. They provide instruction for group fitness classes onsite and offsite, conduct one-on-one and small group personal training (PT) sessions, offer fitness consultations and Wellness Center orientations, and assist with other Healthy Living programming and special events. Fitness Experts play a crucial role in helping participants to advance their workout efficiency, improve their fitness level, and most importantly, make strides towards achieving a greater sense of health and well-being.
- Model the YMCA’s commitment to improving health and well-being.
- Conduct a minimum of 8-10 PT sessions, 8-10 group fitness classes, and 8 fitness consultations per week.
- Design and implement biomechanically sound PT programs and progressions directly related to the client’s level and goals; document the client’s progress and maintain client files.
- Consistently indicate availability, projecting a minimum of 6-8 weeks into the future, using YMCA scheduling software (Appointment King)
- Allow adequate time pre/post class to engage with participants in order to help build a greater sense of community and provide opportunities for health literacy.
- Be knowledgeable of and enforce YMCA procedures and protocols related to fitness programming
- Respond immediately to emergency situations in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures
- Adhere to all guidelines and procedures set forth in the West Cook YMCA Handbook.
- Assist the Healthy Living Department in finding substitutes when unable to attend a scheduled group fitness class or PT session.
- Attend and contribute to all mandatory staff meetings, workshops, and in-services.
- Keep the facility areas and equipment organized, clean, and inviting.
- Knowledge of exercise physiology, kinesiology, safe training procedures, exercise program implementation, and proper cardiovascular, resistance, free weight, and related fitness equipment.
- Ability and willingness to respond to critical situations and act swiftly in an emergency.
- Understanding of the ACSM/ACE safety guidelines of contraindications.
- Professional and friendly customer service skills and clear verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work with all age groups and fitness levels.
- Strong planning and organizational skills.
- Willingness and ability to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Required Certifications
- Group exercise certification from one of the following certifying bodies: AFAA, ACSM, ACE, YMCA, ADAA, NSCA, or another reputable national organization.
- Current personal training certification through a national organization (ACE, NASM, ACSM, AFAA, NSCA, etc.).
- Certification in CPR/AED, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
- Certification or willingness to receive certification in Child Abuse Prevention.