Cardio Strength Instructor

Countryside YMCA is seeking a warm, knowledgeable Cardio Strength Instructor to lead the Cardio Strength Center at Otterbein's Life Enrichment Center. In this role, you'll work almost exclusively with senior adults, helping them build and maintain functional fitness while creating a space where members genuinely enjoy showing up. You'll be as much a motivator and connector as you are a fitness expert — someone who knows members by name, celebrates their wins, and helps this community stay active, engaged, and social.

This is a great opportunity for someone who's passionate about senior wellness and wants a role built around relationship-building as much as exercise instruction.

What You'll Do

• Guide members through safe, effective fitness routines tailored to a senior population, drawing on your fitness knowledge and hands-on expertise.
• Keep a close eye on how members move through their workouts, offering hands-on corrections, encouragement, and motivation along the way.
• Field questions from members and offer thoughtful support that helps them work toward their personal health goals.
• Build real, lasting relationships with members — and help connect them with one another and with the broader YMCA community.
• Read the room: adjust your coaching style based on each participant's ability, physical condition, health status, and background.
• Recognize and celebrate wins, whether that's a new skill, a personal milestone, or overall progress in health and wellness.
• Handle daily cleaning duties for the space and keep members informed about what else the Life Enrichment Center has to offer.
• Follow all YMCA policies and procedures, and respond appropriately if an emergency arises.

What You'll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Prior experience working with senior adults, along with solid knowledge of fitness programming for that age group
• Basic computer skills
• Background in customer service and/or health & wellness

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• A clear understanding of the YMCA's mission and the ability to bring that mission into your classes and programs
• Strong team collaboration skills
• Comfort and confidence communicating with adults, seniors, and special populations
• Current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications
• Reliable, punctual attendance

Physical Requirements

This role involves carrying, kneeling, pushing, sitting, climbing, lifting, running, stooping, crouching, pulling, standing, and walking throughout a shift. You'll need to be physically able to demonstrate exercise techniques to participants and to properly apply lifesaving techniques if needed.

A Few Notes on Accommodations

We're committed to making sure qualified candidates with disabilities have what they need to succeed in this role — reasonable accommodations are available to support performance of the essential job functions.

Our Commitment to Safety

Countryside YMCA takes the safety of children and vulnerable individuals seriously. We use thorough screening, ongoing staff training, and clear behavioral standards to prevent abuse, and we hold a zero-tolerance policy for any violations. Every employee is expected to follow our child protection policies, complete required training, and report any concerning behavior right away.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Countryside YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive cons