Group Fitness Instructor Job Description and Performance Expectations
Our Group Fitness Program gives us one of the most visible sources of fun and energy in our club. We offer a variety of classes to meet the different fitness needs of our members. As a Group Fitness Instructor, you are responsible for creating and presenting each class in a way to deliver the best possible experience. You are in a position to have a major impact on our ability to attract and retain members. Your professionalism and personality are qualities that our members value most. All classes must be led in a way that encompasses all levels: not too hard, not too soft but just right. You have the opportunity to be the host of the party, connect members to new members and inspire them to keep coming back over and over again. We are looking for someone with evening and weekend availability.
Teaching Standards
- Seek to make each class a fun and safe experience that will keep members coming back.
- Change music and movements frequently.
- Always begin and end on time. Note the exact length of your class as it appears on the group fitness schedule (i.e. 55 minutes instead of 1 hour). Plan on being at the club 10 minutes before your class begins, staging the room and music if the schedule allows.
- Display professional conduct at all times. Show respect for members and fellow professionals during any/all conversations and interactions.
- Do your part to keep the room clean. Make sure all equipment is properly put away.
- Record your class participation number.
- Be prepared with a thought-out plan. Teach the specific format of the class on the schedule;
- Provide visual and verbal instruction on proper body mechanics and include modifications that would allow a workout for all fitness levels.
- Monitor the intensity of the workout by taking heart rate checks, rating of perceived exertion and observing individuals in class.
- Watch for new participants who gravitate to the back of the class and create connections.
Member Experience
- Always interact with members in a friendly, courteous manner. Be available for members before and after each class. Learn and use the members’ names each time you teach.
- Welcome back existing participants by name; be mindful of new members and make them feel comfortable.
- Coach and Compliment. Give positive feedback and encouragement. Focus on their workout, not your workout.
- Smile. Face class members whenever possible; eye contact is essential.
- Responsible for finding coverage when you are sick or on vacation. Strive to have a maximum of one substitute per class every two months to ensure member and class consistency.
- Do the little things to help create a positive experience for our members, such as straightening out the locker room, lending a hand at the front desk, answering member questions and promoting upcoming events.
Communication
- Make announcements before and after you teach promoting other departments and upcoming special events.
- Check in with the Front Desk to build Team Member relationships.
- View the club communication board, sub request area and personal mailbox before you begin teaching.
- Read the WAC Connections announcements and your home club’s Group Fitness weekly update
- In case of a crisis (i.e., car accident, plane flight canceled, family crisis), call the club to notify the Group Fitness Team Lead, General Manager or Manager-On-Duty.
- Increase participation by inviting members and non-members, inside and outside the club, to join your class.
- Be available for regular communication with instructors, Team Lead and Programming Manager.
Requirements
- Maintain current CPR certification.
- Dress appropriately and in good taste.
- It is our goal for all Instructors to teach a minimum of two classes per week; have a flexible attitude toward teaching at multiple locations.
- All Instructors are required to substitute a minimum of six times per year. It is expected that you return all phone calls and emails to those contacting you to cover.
- Evaluations occur three months from your date of hire and each year during the month of your anniversary date.
- All Instructors should seek professional certification in their field within one year of being hired.
- Continue to increase your job knowledge by attending WAC Mania, WAC University workshops, reading articles and keeping up with the trends.
- Attend department-specific meetings.
- Be a team player strive to help out wherever and whenever possible.
Safety
- Know Safety Plan and Emergency Action Plan.
- Own and immediately resolve problems to ensure member and guest safety.
- Follow all insurance, liability and incident report procedures.
- Report broken equipment and building concerns immediately to GM and Maintenance department.
