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Exercise Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... hours. * Assist in delivering community education programs and organizing special events ... All group exercise class participants, regardless of skill or experience, will be greeted and feel ...

... hours. * Assist in delivering community education programs and organizing special events ... All group exercise class participants, regardless of skill or experience, will be greeted and feel ...

... hours. * Assist in delivering community education programs and organizing special events ... All group exercise class participants, regardless of skill or experience, will be greeted and feel ...

... hours. * Assist in delivering community education programs and organizing special events ... All group exercise class participants, regardless of skill or experience, will be greeted and feel ...

... hours. * Assist in delivering community education programs and organizing special events ... All group exercise class participants, regardless of skill or experience, will be greeted and feel ...

Attend internal and external client meetings. * Assist Sales with the Account Plan and Situational Analysis (annual exercise). * Assist the Director of Client Success in mentoring and coaching Client ...

Lead and instruct group exercise classes with energy and enthusiasm. * Find a substitute instructor ... Ability to assist patrons in equipment use while sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, stooping ...

Coordinate exercise related issues with TC, Combatant Commands (CCMD), AMC, Numbered Air Forces (NAF), developers, and other organizations as required * Assist in developing AMC exercise materials ...

Showing results 21-40

Exercise Assistant information

What is an exercise assistant?

Exercise Assistants are professionals who support fitness instructors, physical therapists, or exercise programs by helping clients perform exercises safely and effectively. Their responsibilities often include setting up equipment, demonstrating exercises, monitoring participants, and providing encouragement or basic guidance. Exercise Assistants commonly work in gyms, rehabilitation centers, or community wellness programs. They play a key role in ensuring a safe and motivating environment for individuals working towards their fitness or recovery goals.

What are some common challenges exercise assistants face when supporting clients during fitness sessions?

Exercise Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting workouts to meet individual client needs, especially for those with injuries or limited mobility. They must balance providing encouragement while ensuring safety and proper technique. Additionally, they may need to adjust to varying energy levels and motivation among clients, requiring strong communication and observation skills. Collaborating closely with trainers and other staff is essential to deliver effective support and a positive experience for all participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Assistant, you need a basic understanding of exercise science, human anatomy, and fitness instruction, usually supported by a relevant certification such as CPR/AED and sometimes a fitness-related qualification. Familiarity with gym equipment, fitness assessment tools, and client management software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation, and the ability to communicate clearly help create a positive environment and encourage client participation. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring client safety, promoting effective workouts, and supporting overall wellness goals.

What is the difference between Exercise Assistant vs Physical Therapy Aide?

AspectExercise AssistantPhysical Therapy Aide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; certification often preferredHigh school diploma; on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentGyms, fitness centers, rehabilitation facilitiesPhysical therapy clinics, hospitals
Employer & Industry UsageFitness and rehab industryHealthcare and rehabilitation industry
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in fitness/rehabAssisting physical therapists in patient care

Exercise Assistants and Physical Therapy Aides often work in similar environments, supporting fitness and rehabilitation activities. While both roles require basic certifications and involve assisting clients or patients, Exercise Assistants focus more on fitness and general rehabilitation, whereas Physical Therapy Aides work directly under physical therapists in clinical settings. The choice depends on your career interest in fitness versus healthcare support roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Exercise jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Exercise Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Exercise Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Exercise Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA

Rock Island, IL • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,988 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

579th of 781 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

Join our team! We are looking for hard working, dedicated instructors who have a passion and drive to help others no matter of fitness level, achieve their fitness goals and become a part of our Y community!
Some classes do require specific certifications prior to hire, including all Les Mills and Zumba classes. Other classes may require a Y Group Exercise Certification upon hire.
Summary: The Group Exercise Instructor is responsible for the overall member experience when participating in group-based exercise programs. In general, this includes providing and offering cutting-edge workout routines that bring people together to meet their health, fitness and wellness goals. This person must demonstrate high energy with the ability to lead with both initiative and efficiency.
The Group Exercise Instructor is expected to have extensive knowledge of current fitness trends, and have the desire and ability to bring diverse groups of people together, and have good communication, coordination, and training. The individual must be committed to embracing philosophies such as Listen First, LIVESTRONG and continue to identify enhanced means of incorporating both in our group exercise programs.
Hours: Maximum weekly hours (Mon-Sun) may not exceed 28 hours total within the Y, with at least one scheduled class time.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Ensure all members and guests are welcomed in every class and treated in a manner such that they enjoy the best possible experience at the Two Rivers YMCA.
  • Offer only programs that address all three sides of the YMCA triangle; spirit, mind, and body. Continue developing new, tangible means of offering all three in every class.
  • Find subs when unable to teach classes, and do so in a timely manner.
  • Interpret YMCA policies and procedures to all in a positive manner. Ensure all staff complete appropriate trainings and certifications.
  • Attend quarterly instructor trainings as planned in advance by supervisor.
  • Encourage class participants to complete evaluations at the end of each session.
  • Report all member and participant inquiries and complaints to supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Implement new and improved choreography and music as decided upon with supervisor.
  • Maintain equipment, supplies, and cleaning supply inventory. Communicate maintenance needs immediately with supervisors to ensure all equipment is fixed or replaced in 24 hours.
  • Assist in delivering community education programs and organizing special events.
  • Understand and implement basic risk management principles under supervisor's direction.
  • A neat and clean personal appearance will be kept at all times. Maintain an acceptable level of physical fitness as necessary to complete essential duties and responsibilities.

Effect and End Results:
  • All group exercise class participants, regardless of skill or experience, will be greeted and feel welcome in any Two Rivers YMCA group exercise program.
  • Every group exercise program will provide the opportunity to develop ones' spirit, mind, and body.
  • Programs will be enhanced through regular training, evaluation, and communication between participants, instructors, and other YMCA staff.
  • Instructor and their names will be easily identifiable during all programs.
  • Group exercise programs will only use state of the art, well maintained equipment.
  • The overall quality of the YMCA and its programs and services will be viewed as excellent by more members and guests, leading to higher satisfaction and participation rates.

Instructor Responsibilities: Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include taking class attendance, storing equipment in proper places, unlocking and locking studio and storage rooms, attending required trainings under direction of the Group Exercise Coordinator, finding substitute instructors in a timely manner, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Requirements
Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
General requirements include self-motivation to members and the community. The ability to communicate effectively in a positive manner by telephone and in person. Quick learner with attention to detail. Computer and keyboarding skills. Patience to deal with high volumes of people. Sound judgment for dealing with daily issues. Always cognizant of member, community, and staff safety.
Education and/or Experience: High school diploma; at least two years of experience leading other employees and group exercise/fitness programs in a diverse environment.
Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, curriculum, policy/procedure manuals, and financial documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from members and non-members of the YMCA. Ability to speak effectively before groups of parents, students, administrators, and staff.
Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages. Ability to compose and interpret a department budget and basic statistics.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: CPR/AED Certification, Bloodborne Pathogen Training, and any certification necessary for instructing and leading specific fitness classes (I.e. LIVESTRONG, Yoga, AEA, Pilates, Les Mills, Personal Training).
Other Skills and Abilities: Must have competence on a computer.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Wage: $16/hr
Benefits: Part Time employees receive:
  • YMCA Membership & Program Discounts: Free YMCA membership for employees and their families plus basic program discounts.

Salary Description
$16/hour

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