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Exercise Assistant Jobs in Minneapolis, MN (NOW HIRING)

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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 cities near Minneapolis, MN are hiring for Exercise Assistant jobs?

Cities near Minneapolis, MN with the most Exercise Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Exercise Assistant job openings in Minneapolis, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Water Exercise Instructor

Rosemount, MN โ€ข On-site

Independent School District 196
Elementary and Secondary Schoolsย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$19 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Position Type:
Community Education/Water Exercise Instructor
Date Posted:
12/3/2025
Location:
Community Education
Closing Date:
Accepting ApplicationsDescription:
Hourly
Location can vary between middle school pools at District 196
Black Hawk, Dakota Hills, Falcon Ridge, Rosemount, Scott Highland, Valley- STEM Middle Schools
Effective Date of Employment:
ASAP
Job Summary:
Water Exercise Instructors motivate and teach students in water exercise courses according to current exercise standards and in accordance with the goals of the District 196 Community Education Aquatics Program.
Qualifications:
Water Exercise Instructors:
  1. Must have the ability to relate to adults in a professional manner.
  2. Must have strong leadership and public relations skills.
  3. Must have sound decision-making skills.
  4. Must have the ability to maintain self-control in stressful situations.
  5. Are strongly recommended to have professional certifications in the area of exercise science (AEA, ACE, AFAA, ACSM, NDEITA, MEITA, and YMCA), CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certifications.

Responsibilities:
Water Exercise Instructors must:
  1. Know, understand and follow all rules, policies and chain of command of the District 196 Community Education Aquatics Program.
  2. Be responsible for safety of students.
  3. Communicate with customers in a professional manner. Refer any unresolved issues to the Aquatic Coordinator.
  4. Conduct classes in keeping with current exercise principles and in keeping with the needs of the participants.
  5. Incorporate a variety of exercises and equipment in classes.
  6. Arrive on deck 15 minutes prior to the start of the first class and have all necessary equipment ready before class.
  7. Start and end classes on time.
  8. Meet state health department requirements for being in the pool. If injuries or open wounds prevent entering the water a substitute will be necessary.
  9. Notify the Aquatic Coordinator as to the reason for an absence and provide the name of the qualified staff person who will substitute.
  10. Take ownership of substitute shifts. If unable to work once committed to a substitute shift, take responsibility to find another substitute.
  11. Be responsible for maintenance and storage of equipment.
  12. Maintain a professional appearance at all times. Swimsuits for females must be one piece and for males must be trunk style.
  13. Have a full working knowledge of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and assist when necessary.
  14. Document all accidents and incidents immediately.
  15. Notify the Aquatic Coordinator when a potentially serious problem is noticed.
  16. Attend all instructor in-services. Notify the Aquatic Coordinator if unable to attend Make-up responsibilities must be completed in a timely fashion.
  17. Provide the Aquatic Coordinator with Intent to Work information as requested.
  18. Complete all required employment records, including time sheets, in an honest and timely manner.
  19. Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned.
  20. Instructors are not permitted to recruit participants in the District 196 Community Education Aquatics Program for personal business purposes.

Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
Water Exercise Instructors must be able to:
  1. Observe all areas of the pool with clear vision.
  2. Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic environment.
  3. Communicate effectively with people in normal, loud and stressful situations, including projecting one's voice across distance.
  4. Be in water ranging from 80-90 degrees.

Application Procedure:
Apply Online at http://www.district196.org/
Responsible To:
Aquatics Coordinator, Lifeguard Supervisor / Swim Lesson Manager
Compensation:
Water Exercise Instructor - not certified $19.00 - $19.75, depending on qualifications
* Certification Required: CPR and First Aid
Water Exercise Instructor - certified $21.00- $21.75, depending on qualifications
* AEA, ACE, NETA, YMCA certification, CPR and First Aid
Our team of dedicated educators is committed to the mission of Educating, developing, and inspiring our students for lifelong success. Our core values are student-centered, based in empathy and integrity to support the wellbeing of the whole person, and learning with high expectations for all. Our culture of collaboration fosters an environment of inclusivity, engagement and belonging for all students, and inspires a love of learning for all ages. Our vision is to provide the experiences that our students, families and employees desire by developing the whole student and honoring diverse needs and cultures; engaging students with opportunities in academics, arts and athletics (Triple A philosophy), and living our mission to prepare students for lifelong success.
District 196 is a Minnesota public school district of choice, serving more than 29,000 students and 160,000 residents in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Empire, Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville, and Vermillion Township. District 196 is the third largest school district in Minnesota and among the largest employers in Dakota County, with more than 4,000 full- and part-time employees. District 196 has been named to Forbes' list of America's Best-in-State Employers multiple times based on a survey asking employees to rate their employers and how likely they would be to recommend them to others.
District 196 has 20 elementary schools (grades K-5); six middle schools (grades 6-8); four high schools (grades 9-12); an optional School of Environmental Studies for juniors and seniors; an Area Learning Center high school program; a K-12 special education school, and a special education program serving young adults ages 18-22. The district also operates three learning centers that provide early childhood and Adult Basic Education services, and offers extensive community education programs and classes for learners of all ages.
Equal Opportunity Employer
As required by Title IX and other state and federal nondiscrimination laws, District 196 does not discriminate in employment or in any of its education programs and activities, including vocational opportunities, on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status,* disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, membership or activity in a local human rights commission,* age or genetic information.* District 196 provides equal access to designated youth groups.
The Director of Human Resources, Joel Milteer (651-423-7859 - joel.milteer@district196.org) is the designated Title IX Coordinator and has also been designated to respond to employment-related inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies. The Director of Elementary Education, Jeremy Sorenson (651-423-7782 - jeremy.sorenson@district196.org) and the Director of Secondary Education, Eric Hansen (651-423-7712 - eric.hansen@district196.org) have been designated to respond to student-related inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies. The Director of Special Education, Janet Fimmen (651-423-7629 - janet.fimmen@district196.org) has been designated to respond to inquiries concerning the rights of a student with a disability. The mailing address for all directors is 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068. Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the Assistant Secretary of the US Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
*Asterisked categories are limited to employment-related discrimination and harassment.