ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Group Exercise Director Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

Under the direct supervision of the Wellness Director, the Group Exercise Instructor-Level I Land and/or Water shall be part of a staff team who is responsible for conducting YMCA group exercise ...

YMCA

Group Ex Instructor - Botetourt

Daleville, VA

Direct movement in a clear, loud voice, making adaptations for participants of varying fitness levels. * Maintain all group exercise equipment. * Check the facility for safety and cleanliness. Report ...

Gold's Gym - Lowell Group

Cycle Instructor

Lorton, VA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Secure a qualified substitute if unable to teach and notify the Group Exercise Director if a substitute is unavailable. * Maintain consistency and reliability in class scheduling. * Attend required ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsGroup Exercise JobsGroup Exercise Director JobsGroup Exercise Director Jobs in Virginia

Group Exercise Director information

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Group Exercise jobs in Virginia?

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Group Exercise Director jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Group Exercise Director job openings:

Group Exercise Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Group Exercise Director job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Group Fitness Instructor (Yoga/Strength/Barre/Pilates)

Gold's Gym - Lowell Group

Woodbridge, VA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Group Exercise Instructor
The Group Exercise Instructor will lead members, in a group environment, through a pre-arranged format of exercises designed to enhance overall fitness, strength and endurance, while ensuring that the safety of the members is not compromised. The Group Exercise Instructor will also serve as a resource to educate members on various aspects of fitness.
Classes available:
Les Mills formats - BodyPump, RPM, SPRINT, Strength Development, Body Balance, CORE, Functional Strength
Strength training formats
Yoga/Barre/Pilates
Silver Sneakers
BARRE & Pilates instructors needed!!
We offer cycle classes, but we are not looking for cycle instructors at the moment.
 
Pre-class Preparation:
Arrive at class location 10 to 15 minutes ahead of scheduled start time to be available to interact with members, answer questions, inquire about their fitness progress, introduce and orient new participants. Group Exercise Instructors should know their participants on an individual basis and have a good sense of their fitness capabilities. 
Clothing should be appropriate fitness attire. It should not prohibit participants from seeing proper form, alignment and movement of the body. However, clothing should not be revealing in an inappropriate manner. When possible, Group Exercise Instructors should wear Gold’s Gym branded attire. Proper footwear should be worn at all times. 
Ensure all equipment is functioning correctly and have microphones ready.
During Class Responsibilities:
  • Introduce yourself and the format of the class. 
  • Inquire if there are any “first-timers” in the group and if so, assess their fitness level in as private a manner as possible. 
  • Make sure all verbal instructions are clear and that the volume, tempo of music and overall atmosphere is conducive to hearing, teaching, learning and having fun. 
  • Continually monitor participants to ensure all participants are using correct form. Offer variations of the routine to accommodate all fitness levels. 
  • Create a motivational and fun environment for all participants.
After Class Responsibilities:
  • Remove all music and return microphone to proper place. 
  • Make sure room is in order for the next class to begin. 
  • Answer any questions/concerns participants may have. 
  • Solicit feedback from participants about the class.
Additional Responsibilities:
  • Make sure that class begins and ends promptly. If necessary, make adjustments to the flow of the class to ensure adherence to the schedule. 
  • If the Group Exercise Instructor is teaching the last class of the day, please follow proper closing procedures as outlined by the Group Exercise Director for the individual facility. 
  • In the event that a Group Exercise Instructor cannot fulfill a scheduled class, it is his/her responsibility to find a qualified/approved substitute and notify the Group Exercise Director if there is a problem finding a substitute. 
  • Group Exercise Instructors must be dependable and consistent in their class schedules. Anyone committing to teach a class should make all arrangements so that substitutes or cancellations are a rare occurrence. 
  • Attend all required staff meetings as necessary. 
  • Ensure that proper time recording procedures are followed correctly and in a timely manner. 
  • Prepare any incident and/or witness reports as necessary in the event of accidents. 
  • Maintain a positive and professional attitude towards his/her responsibilities, fellow employees, and members. 
  • Promote Gold’s Gym and GGX as much as possible.
Qualifications & Requirements:
 
  • Knowledge of safe exercise technique and group exercise principles. 
  • Knowledge of basic physiology and body mechanics. 
  • Performance of a variety of exercise routines. 
  • Positive and effective interpersonal communication skills. 
  • Ability to operate and troubleshoot audio equipment 
  • Instructors having a specialized skill such as Yoga, Pilates, Body Pump, Body Attack, etc. must provide verifiable proof of education. 
  • Minimum of 6 months teaching in a group environment. 
  • Group fitness certification by ACE, AFAA, ACSM or Personal Training Certification (Specializes in training groups/bootcamps)
  • Current CPR certification and basic first aid training is required. 
  • Physical demands include, but are not limited to the ability to lift light weights, bending, squatting, jumping, running, reaching, walking, hopping, spinning and kicking.