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Group Exercise Director Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Offer exercise options frequently. Change music and movements frequently. Seek to make each class ...

Trinityhealth

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Offer exercise options frequently. Change music and movements frequently. Seek to make each class ...

Trinity Health

Group Exercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to ... Offer exercise options frequently. Change music and movements frequently. Seek to make each class ...

Trinity Health

Group Excercise Instructor

Melrose Park, IL · On-site

$18.16 - $28.14/hr

... with safe exercise guidelines. * Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes as directed by Fitness Manager to accomplish Center mission and goals. Builds effective, authentic ...

City of Elgin

Group Fitness Instructor

Elgin, IL · On-site

... group exercise classes. Knowledge of fitness equipment and exercises. Attend all monthly mandatory meetings - when scheduled. Communication to direct supervisor regarding cancelled classes and ...

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Group Exercise Director information

What is a group exercise director?

Group Exercise Directors are fitness professionals responsible for overseeing group exercise programs at gyms, health clubs, or fitness centers. They hire, train, and schedule group exercise instructors, develop class schedules, and ensure that classes are safe, engaging, and effective. They may also teach classes themselves, handle member feedback, and stay current on fitness trends to enhance class offerings. Their role is crucial in creating a positive and motivating group fitness environment for participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a group exercise director?

To thrive as a Group Exercise Director, you need expertise in fitness instruction, group class programming, and a recognized fitness certification such as ACE or AFAA. Familiarity with fitness management software, scheduling platforms, and safety protocols is typically required. Leadership, motivational abilities, and strong interpersonal communication are crucial soft skills for building an engaged team and fostering member participation. These skills ensure effective program delivery, member retention, and a positive, safe exercise environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a group exercise director, and how can they be managed effectively?

Group Exercise Directors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including scheduling classes, managing instructor teams, and ensuring the quality and safety of group fitness programs. A common challenge is balancing the needs and preferences of participants with available resources and instructor availability. Effective communication, proactive planning, and regularly soliciting feedback from both staff and members can help address these challenges while maintaining high program standards and team morale.

What is the difference between Group Exercise Director vs Group Fitness Instructor?

AspectGroup Exercise DirectorGroup Fitness Instructor
CertificationsACE, AFAA, or NASM Group Fitness CertificationACE, AFAA, or NASM Group Fitness Certification
Work EnvironmentLeads and manages group classes, oversees instructors, plans programsTeaches group classes, interacts directly with participants
Employer & Industry UsageGyms, fitness centers, wellness programsGyms, fitness centers, community centers

The main difference is that a Group Exercise Director oversees the entire group fitness program, manages instructors, and plans class schedules, while a Group Fitness Instructor primarily focuses on leading individual classes. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the Director has additional responsibilities related to program management and staff supervision.

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

The most popular types of Group Exercise jobs in Illinois are:

Group Exercise Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Group Exercise Director job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Group Exercise Instructor

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory

Chicago, IL • On-site

$25/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Salvation Army rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

600th of 786 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Ray and Joan Kroc Corp Community Center

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Group Exercise Instructor

PEOPLE MANAGER: No

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Reports to (Title): Fitness Center Manager

PAY GRADE: 203

PAY RANGE: $25.00

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors

KROC CENTER CHICAGO VISION: Kroc Center Chicago is a community center where families, individuals and relationships thrive in the name of Jesus.

JOB SUMMARY

Group Exercise Instructors will provide specialized group exercise instruction that contributes to each member's fitness goals. Classes developed and instructed will be fun, energetic and highly motivational exercise classes for all fitness and skill levels.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Provide instruction in assigned subject/area.
    1. Be on time and prepared to teach your class.
    2. Provide state of the art group exercise instruction that contributes to each member's fitness goals.
    3. Develop and instruct fun, energetic and highly motivational exercise classes for all fitness and skill levels.
    4. Teach beginners through advanced learners in the fitness programs.
    5. Provide individual and group guidelines for the development in fitness programs.
    6. Critique and give feedback to participants regarding their work and performance level.
    7. Develop, implement and evaluate group exercise programs according to desired outcomes and goals.
    8. Maintain a professional demeanor and attitude with students of all ages, patrons, customers, staff and upper management.
    9. Ensure that any classroom changes or modifications are communicated to all classroom participants in an efficient manner.
    10. Carry out program evaluations as directed.
  2. Maintain a safe learning environment.
    1. Implement safety measures for group exercises classes to insure the health and safety of group exercise participants.
    2. Report all harmful problems with facilities to the proper supervisor.
    3. Adhere to all Safe From Harm Policies and Procedures as established by The Salvation Army.
    4. Generate legible and accurate accident and incident reports as required and immediately rectify or notify appropriate personnel of all accidents or potentially unsafe conditions.
  3. Communication
    1. Maintain an open communication with the Fitness Manager in regards to class development and scheduling.
    2. Ensure customer service standards are met; improved upon issues that arise with direct follow-up with unsatisfied members and/or guests.
    3. Attend all staff meetings.
  4. Maintain the Code of Ethics Policy, which has been established for the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.
  5. Recognize the spiritual need of individuals, which may require referral to the pastoral team.
  6. Perform other assignments/duties as directed.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

  • Associate or BA in Sports/Physical Education, or related field of study preferred
  • Two or more years experience teaching various or specific group exercise classes and working with fitness equipment.
  • Must have current credentials and/or certificates and /or license, if required.
  • Experience with a computer based work environment.
  • CPR, First Aid, and AED required

What Salvation Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Salvation Army logo

About Salvation Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US

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