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Exercise Instructor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Group Fitness Instructor provides cutting-edge group fitness instruction ... AMP blurs the lines between exercise and entertainment, creating an immersive experience where the ...

Instructors are directly accountable to the Public Wellness Manager and adjunctly accountable to ... Educates participants on proper and safe exercise form. Each employee is expected to continually ...

Group Fitness Instructors are directly accountable to the Public Wellness Manager and adjunctly ... Educates participants on proper and safe exercise form. Each employee is expected to continually ...

Instructors are directly accountable to the Public Wellness Manager and adjunctly accountable to ... Educates participants on proper and safe exercise form. Each employee is expected to continually ...

We are currently looking for instructors who are confident working with clients of all fitness ... exercise cues • Support clients in improving overall health, posture, strength, and muscle tone ...

We are currently looking for instructors who are confident working with clients of all fitness ... exercise cues • Support clients in improving overall health, posture, strength, and muscle tone ...

We are currently looking for instructors who are confident working with clients of all fitness ... exercise cues • Support clients in improving overall health, posture, strength, and muscle tone ...

We are currently looking for instructors who are confident working with clients of all fitness ... exercise cues • Support clients in improving overall health, posture, strength, and muscle tone ...

Specialty certification as personal trainer, exercise specialist, fitness instructor, health and fitness specialist or similar area, preferred. * Background in exercise and activity training with ...

Specialty certification as personal trainer, exercise specialist, fitness instructor, health and fitness specialist or similar area, preferred. * Background in exercise and activity training with ...

Provides physical therapy and exercise programs. Assists with communication skills based on needs ... Must satisfactorily compete Program Instructor and Crisis Prevention Intervention training course ...

Program Instructor

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$18.46 - $23.12/hr

Provides physical therapy and exercise programs. * Assists with communication skills based on needs ... Must satisfactorily compete Program Instructor and Crisis Prevention Intervention training course ...

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Exercise Instructor information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$24

$38

How much do exercise instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise instructor in Iowa is $24.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Exercise Instructor do?

An Exercise Instructor leads individuals or groups in physical activity sessions, such as aerobics, strength training, yoga, or dance classes. They demonstrate exercises, monitor participants' performance, and provide guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. Exercise Instructors also develop workout routines, motivate participants, and may offer advice on healthy lifestyles. Their goal is to help clients improve their fitness levels, achieve personal health goals, and enjoy exercising.

Can you make good money as a fitness instructor?

Fitness instructors can earn varying salaries depending on factors such as location, experience, certifications, and the type of facility they work in. On average, they earn a median annual wage that can range from entry-level pay to higher earnings for specialized or experienced professionals, with opportunities for tips and bonuses in some settings. Income potential increases with additional certifications, client base, and working in high-demand areas or private settings.

What are some common challenges Exercise Instructors face when leading group classes, and how can they overcome them?

Exercise Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing participants with varying fitness levels, maintaining motivation and engagement, and ensuring correct technique to prevent injuries. To overcome these, instructors typically offer modifications for different abilities, use positive reinforcement, and demonstrate proper form throughout the class. Building strong communication skills and staying current with fitness trends also help instructors create inclusive and effective sessions that keep clients motivated and safe.

How do I become an exercise instructor?

To become an exercise instructor, you typically need to obtain relevant certifications such as CPR and fitness instructor certifications from recognized organizations. Gaining experience through training, developing strong communication skills, and understanding exercise techniques are also important for working in gyms, fitness centers, or community programs.

What qualifications do I need to be a fitness instructor?

To become a fitness instructor, you typically need a relevant certification from a recognized organization, such as ACE, NASM, or ACSM. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, along with good communication skills and knowledge of exercise techniques. Some positions may also require CPR/AED certification.

Is $400 a month a lot for a personal trainer?

For an exercise instructor working as a personal trainer, earning $400 a month is generally considered low, as many trainers charge hourly rates ranging from $30 to $100 or more, depending on experience and location. Income can vary based on client base, certifications, and whether the trainer works independently or for a gym, with full-time trainers often earning significantly more than this amount monthly.

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

To thrive as an Exercise Instructor, you need a solid understanding of exercise science, anatomy, and fitness programming, often supported by a relevant certification such as ACE, NASM, or ACSM. Familiarity with fitness equipment, group class management software, and heart rate monitoring tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, motivational skills, and the ability to adapt workouts for diverse participants are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safety, maximize client engagement, and support positive health outcomes for clients.
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Instructor jobs in IA? For Exercise Instructor jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Exercise Instructor job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,538 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Group Fitness-Instructor

Group Fitness-Instructor

Life Time

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Life Time rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 388 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 61 rated gym and leisure clubs


Job description

Position Summary

The Group Fitness Instructor provides cutting-edge group fitness instruction through a variety of entertaining, educational, and fun classes promoting fitness and positive self-esteem in a safe environment. They act as a fitness resource for class participants and maintain positive relationships with members to encourage continued class attendance. The Group Fitness Instructor is responsible for consistently meeting daily class attendance goals as well as effectively promoting Life Time programs, products, and services.

As a Group Fitness Instructor at Life Time, you have the opportunity to instruct a variety of group fitness formats.

STRENGTH:

LIFT: Build Strength: Build Muscle

Strength training classes that bring muscles and music together period music has the power to take athletic activities to a completely new level period music motivates our members to lift more, lift longer, and develop a life-long love and joy in lifting.

SHRED: Strength Circuits for Lean Muscles

This is the no excuses, full body strength and endurance workout. Workouts are fun, simple, timed, and consistent so that members can move at the pace they need to get the results they want. To keep the workout short and efficient, we squeeze as much as possible in our short time together, with every major muscle group worked and cardio drills crushed.

MAXOUT: Maximize your muscles. Minimize your limits.

Life Time's strength and conditioning brand that combines the use of heavier weights, super sets, and a community building, high energy max out challenge. This class is designed to push athletes to muscle MAXOUT and reach the point of muscle burnout so they can increase their strength capacity, fire up their metabolism, and build confidence in their weight lifting abilities.

CARDIO:

XTREME: Conditioning Challenges to HIIT your Goals.

Life Time's ultimate conditioning brand where every class delivers a heart pumping, High Intensity Interval Training or 'HIIT' workout. Xtreme is perfect for members looking for a challenge that will continue to raise their personal best.

REMIXX: Feel Good, Heart Pumping Cardio.

Breaking the mold on high energy cardio fitness REMIXX is the celebration of all things that get your heart pumping. Whether a cardio junkie or looking for a fresh challenge, REMIXX classes offer an electrifying workout experience. From the moment our members walk into the studio, it feels like they have entered a nightclub. Time flies by as they step, jump, and groove to the hottest remixes of new jams and throwback favorites.

BOXING/KICKBOXING:

STRIKE: Strike with Precision, Box with Passion.

A cardio class with more grit and attitude to get members moving and dominate their workout. These classes teach our members to jab, cross, hook, and uppercut their calories AND problems away.

BARRE:

LIFE BARRE: Strength & Grace Align.

LIFE BARRE classes are rooted deeply in ballet with movements that stem from traditional ballet form. The high reps of precise isometric movements on and off the bar engage muscles in a way that our other strength classes can't. Our LIFE BARRE classes will help our members to stand taller and activate their full range of motion.

CYCLE:

AMP: Ride to the Rhythm, Sweat to the Beat.

AMP blurs the lines between exercise and entertainment, creating an immersive experience where the beat sets the pace of the pedals and energy in the room fuels choreographed movement.

EDG: Find your EDG with Music and Metrics

EDG is where rhythm meets results for the ultimate fusion of music, metrics, and technology. Intentional sets of work are synced to a heart pounding soundtrack, challenging your speed, strength, and stamina while you are coached and inspired on a journey to peak performance. Riders can expect exhilarating classes that help them unleash their inner athlete and push them to their EDG.

PWR: Athletic endurance on the bike.

Through the intentional application of specificity, progression, and individualization you can unlock your personal potential on the bike while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded athletes.

DANZE: Move unapologetically to the beat.

Dance knows no boundaries and neither do we. Our dance classes celebrate diversity in all its forms. From Hip Hop to Latin Fusion to musical theater and everything in between. With multiple classes that make up the DANZE brand members and instructors get to choose the groove that moves them the most.

YOGA: Learn to Control the Reactions of the Mind.

SURRENDER YIN

A slow, meditative, yin-yoga practice to create greater mobility in your joints while you mindfully stress your body's connective tissues and challenge the calmness of your mind. You will be guided through a sequence of yin poses as you concentrate on your breath.

ROOT HATHA

Learn to master the reactions of your mind by focusing on radical self-acceptance and utilizing the union of opposites. This Hatha yoga experience will help you feel more grounded and inspire acute muscle engagement to create greater stability in the joints of your body. With a heavy focus on your body and a slow, complete breath you will learn to mindfully engage your muscles to support your body with integrity.

FLOW VINYASA

This breath centered Vinyasa Flow class takes you through a series of yoga poses and opportunities to celebrate yourself through the empowerment and freedom of movement. Sequences are designed to get you moving, then set you free. This energizing class promotes physical strength, mobility, and mental clarity, drawing on your breath as your inner source of focus.

ARORA: ACCOUNTABILITY. COMMUNITY. ALL SORTS OF POSSIBILITY.

These comprehensively programmed classes provide a variety of options to support healthy aging, new beginnings and reigniting an active lifestyle - from AQUA to DANZE, GENTLE YOGA to TOTAL BODY. ARORA's promise is to deliver safe, effective workouts designed to help older adults establish the fundamental actions to living a healthier, happier life, in a fun and social environment.

SGT:

GTX: Cardio. Strength. Results.

The ultimate 50/50 cardio & strength guided training experience. With heart-rate based interval training, resistance coaching, and a comprehensive weekly plan, you'll always have the right formula of ULTRA FIT: Achieve Extraordinary.

Get faster, stronger and mentally sharper. Ultra Fit alternates between short bursts of maximum effort sprinting on the treadmill and strength and balance-based movements on the floor. Every week builds upon itself so that you can build confidence to achieve your maximum sprint potential. Expect to sweat, burn calories, and achieve all the metabolic benefits as you compete against yourself.

ALPHA: Competitive Grit.

Full-body strength and conditioning programs that empower individuals to reach their peak physiological and psychological potential through community, resilience, and discipline - this includes challenging movements performed at relative intensities alongside the guidance of a coach. Workouts are built to challenge one's self-imposed limits through progressive strength and conditioning, alongside a group of athletes driven to do the same.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develops positive relationships with class participants by teaching a variety of challenging and entertaining classes.

  • Educates class participants on correct form and alternative moves during the fitness routine.

  • Attentively listens to members, answer questions, and engage in conversation before and after classes.

  • Cleans and organizes studio space after each class.

  • Provides current music for each class that entertains and motivates while ensuring appropriate language.

  • Promotes Life Time promotions, programs, products, and services while specifically encouraging participation for the Classes at Life Time

Position Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • 1 or more years of fitness instructor work experience

  • CPR/AED Certification

  • Minimum of one of the following Group Exercise Certifications: National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM), American Council of Exercise (ACE), American Fitness Aerobic Association (AFAA), Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA)

  • Ability to perform an aerobic activity for duration of a class, which may include, but not limited to, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, running, crawling, and kneeling.

  • Ability to routinely lift 50 pounds and occasionally 100 pounds.

  • Ability to perform exercises specific to the assigned class.

Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.


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