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Exercise Science Wellness Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Wellness Coach

Warsaw, VA

$13.75 - $18.75/hr

... years college level exercise science. 5.Must obtain YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles and ... Engage YMCA members through coaching on wellness activities. 6.Provides member training ...

Wellness Coach

Hampton, VA

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

... exercise science. 5. Must obtain YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles and Foundations of Strength and Conditioning within first 6 months of employment. 6. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required ...

Wellness Coach

Hampton, VA ยท On-site

$12.77 - $16.75/hr

... exercise science. 5. Must obtain YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles and Foundations of Strength and Conditioning within first 6 months of employment. 6. Certification in CPR/First Aid/AED/O2 required ...

Wellness Coach

Yorktown, VA ยท On-site

$12.77 - $15/hr

... level exercise science. 3. Must obtain YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles and Foundations of ... Carry out other related duties as deemed necessary by the Wellness Department and center operations ...

Fitness Director

Rocky Mount, VA ยท On-site

$40K - $43K/yr

Lead our wellness team! Join the Y as a Fitness Director and help inspire healthy living in our ... Master's degree in exercise science, or a related field from an accredited college or university a ...

Showing results 41-60

Exercise Science Wellness information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$28

$47

How much do exercise science wellness jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for exercise science wellness in Virginia is $28.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $33.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Exercise Science Wellness vs Personal Trainer?

AspectExercise Science WellnessPersonal Trainer
CredentialsDegree in Exercise Science or related field, certifications like ACSM or NSCACertification from NASM, ACE, or similar organizations
Work EnvironmentHealthcare settings, wellness programs, research facilitiesGyms, fitness centers, private training
Industry UsageHealth promotion, rehabilitation, researchPersonal fitness coaching, client-specific training

Exercise Science Wellness professionals focus on health promotion, rehabilitation, and research, often requiring degrees and advanced certifications. Personal Trainers primarily work in fitness centers, providing individualized training. While both roles promote physical activity, Exercise Science Wellness has a broader scope including health sciences, whereas Personal Trainers focus on fitness coaching.

What are common challenges faced by exercise science wellness professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Exercise Science Wellness often encounter challenges such as motivating clients with varying fitness levels, staying updated with evolving evidence-based practices, and balancing administrative duties with hands-on client work. To address these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong communication skills, pursue ongoing professional development, and leverage technology for scheduling and client tracking. Building a supportive network with colleagues can also foster knowledge sharing and provide practical strategies for client engagement and program adherence.

What jobs can you do as an exercise science wellness professional?

Exercise science wellness professionals can work as personal trainers, fitness instructors, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness coaches, or health educators. They often work in gyms, fitness centers, corporate wellness programs, or healthcare settings, utilizing certifications and knowledge of exercise programming and anatomy. These roles typically require knowledge of exercise techniques, client assessment, and motivation skills.

What is an exercise science wellness professional?

Exercise Science Wellness professionals are experts who use scientific principles to improve physical fitness, health, and overall well-being. They design and implement exercise programs, conduct fitness assessments, and educate individuals or groups on healthy lifestyle habits. These professionals often work in settings like gyms, wellness centers, healthcare facilities, or corporate wellness programs. Their goal is to help people prevent illness, recover from injuries, and achieve optimal health through movement and exercise.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an exercise science wellness professional?

To thrive as an Exercise Science Wellness professional, you need a solid background in human physiology, kinesiology, and health promotion, typically supported by a degree in exercise science or a related field. Familiarity with fitness assessment tools, exercise prescription software, and certifications such as ACSM or NASM is common in the industry. Strong interpersonal skills, motivation techniques, and the ability to educate and inspire clients are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial for safely guiding clients toward their wellness goals and ensuring effective, evidence-based interventions.

What can I do with an exercise science and wellness degree?

An exercise science and wellness degree prepares individuals for careers such as personal trainers, fitness instructors, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness coordinators, and health educators. These roles often involve working in gyms, community health settings, or corporate wellness programs, and may require certifications like CPR or personal training credentials. The degree provides knowledge of human physiology, nutrition, and exercise programming essential for promoting health and fitness.
What job categories do people searching Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Science Wellness jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Wellness job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,468 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

YMCA Alexandria Wellness Coach

YMCA of Metropolitan Washington

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$12/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is one of the largest charities in the DC area. The Y serves as an anchor in the community offering programs and services encompassing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Position: Wellness Coach Salary: $12.00 per hour
The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a leading nonprofit organization that has a strong commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The Y is a cause driven organization that offers tremendous opportunities to make a difference. We invite you to join us in this amazing work to develop your skills, to realize your leadership potential and discover a career that is so much more than a job.
About the Job
Provides fitness programs advice, and assistance to members through proper demonstration and utilization of every piece of fitness equipment, as well as provides each member with an applicable and basic workout program for all machines.
Some of the exciting tasks you will do as a Wellness Coach include but are not limited to:
  • Effectively explains to members, the benefits of working out along with orientating and motivating members to take part in additional wellness services: Equipment Orientation Process, Fitlinxx or Fitness Advisor Process, Fitness Evaluation Process, Personal Training, Group Exercise classes, Wellness socials
  • Identifies potentially dangerous situations and responds proactively whenever possible
  • Provides members with information regarding: YMCA mission, group exercise schedule, branch services.
  • Support our members throughout all stages of their healthy living journey.

Qualifications and Skills:
  • Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma or GED. BA/BS is exercise science or related field preferred.
  • CPR/First Aid and AED.
  • Must display an outgoing personality, enabling him/her to relate well to members.
  • Must be a team player helping out in other areas as required, incorporating the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to bend, sit, stand, or pick-up at least 35 pounds

We offer the following benefits:
Compensation for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington provides progressive employee benefits. 10% employer-funded retirement plan with vesting after two years of service; 403(b) savings plan; high quality and affordable healthcare; free YMCA membership for employee, spouse and dependents; paid time off, numerous professional development opportunities, an exciting and collaborative work environment, and the ability to work with creative, talented and diverse individuals!
Basic Function and Scope of Responsibility:
  • Provides fitness programs, advice, and assistance to members that are free of medical concerns and are in generally good health

Supervisory Responsibility:
X No Supervisory responsibility
ยจ Provides guidance, leadership, or training to other employees (no direct supervision)
ยจ Directly responsible for supervising non-exempt, clerical, or office administration personnel
ยจ Directly responsible for supervising exempt, professional, or technical employees
ยจ Directly responsible for supervising supervisory/managerial employees
Organizational Structure:
Job title to which this position reports: Wellness Director. Assistant Wellness Director
Job titles directly reporting to this position: None
Job titles indirectly reporting to this position: None
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrates the proper utilization of every piece of fitness equipment, as well as provides each member with an applicable and basic workout program for all machines
  • Identifies potentially dangerous situations and responds proactively whenever possible
  • Obtains and maintains all certifications to perform their job to the standards and ideals of the YMCA

  • Creates connections to members and encourages members to connect to other members and staff
  • Provides members with information regarding: YMCA Mission Program Guide, Group Exercise Schedule, Branch Services, Building Bridges
  • Effectively explains to members, the benefits of working out along with orientating and motivating members to take part in additional wellness services: Equipment Orientation Process, Fitlinxx or Fitness Advisor Process, Fitness Evaluation Process, Personal Training, Group Exercise classes, Wellness socials
  • Follows all YMCA policies and procedures, and display interest and enthusiasm
  • Actively promotes, supports and participates in the YMCA wellness center activities and functions

  • Maintains a positive, safe, nurturing, non-threatening enviorment
  • Tracks assigned participants' after members join and take appropriate action to ensure member retention and participation, including but not limited to phone calls, follow-up appointments, post cards, etc
  • Attends all staff meetings
  • Other duties as required

Customer Service Standards:
Staff Engagement:
  • Be in proper uniform with name tags to be easily identified
  • Engage members with new workout tips and techniques that are appropriate for them

Facility Excellence:
  • I will be informed on programs and offerings from the other service areas.
  • I will ensure that all equipment is clean and functional. Repairs will be made within 24 hours with related communication posted.

Show:
  • I will recognize all members' personal accomplishments in an appropriate fashion
  • I will help members to stay engaged and follow-up with members that are at risk

Education, Certification, Skills, and Experience:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • BA/BS is exercise science or related field preferred

  • CPR/First Aid
  • AED
  • YMCA Healthy Lifestyles
  • YMCA Personal Training
  • OSHA

  • National certification in strength training (ACE; ACSM; YMCA; Etc...)
  • Must be able to communicate clearly with participants
  • Knowledge of equipment maintenance
  • Must display an outgoing personality, enabling him/her to relate well to members
  • Must be a team player helping-out in other areas as required, incorporating the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility

YMCA Leadership Certification:
Position requires ongoing progress towards Leader Certification
Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to bend, sit, stand, or pick-up at least 35 pounds