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Group Exercise Director Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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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.

Group Exercise Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Group Exercise Director job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Group Exercise Instructor

YMCA of Greater Boston

Needham, MA

$30 - $40/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

YMCA Of Greater Boston rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

647th of 786 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Group Exercise Instructor Job Description
 
Reporting to the Health and Wellness Director and working with other Wellness staff, the Group Exercise Instructor instructs group exercise classes in a safe, enjoyable, and positive environment that welcomes all skill and fitness levels. Effectively builds community within class. Modifies class as needed to meet varied health, ability and cultural needs. The YMCA is actively seeking a group exercise instructor who can be a leader in developing sound healthy habits with our members through engaging leadership in our classes.  We are currently accepting applicants for all varieties of group exercise offerings as we continue to build the offerings to meet the needs of our growing members.

 The qualified candidate will have the ability to lead a group of participants through a series of movements and exercises in a safe and effective manner.  The candidate must hold a current certification in Group Exercise from a nationally certifying body.  NCCA accredited certifications are preferred.

 Schedule:  Part Time Hours

 Hourly Rate:  $30 - $40 

 
Essential Functions:
  1. Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes, as directed by the supervisor, to provide high quality experiences for our members and guests.
  2. Asks and answers questions from program participants and members to support them in achieving their goals related to health and well-being.
  3. Through YUSA courses and external training, maintains working knowledge of wellness trends to provide effective information and support to members.
  4. Builds effective, authentic relationships with members; helps members and program participants connect with each other and the YMCA.
  5. Observes and adjusts approach to support all participants' capabilities, physical conditions, health, and culture.
  6. Celebrates achievement of program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering of specific skills or overall health and well-being.
  7. Keeps accurate class attendance records through our online Group Exercise Management software. (MotionVibe)
  8. Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations
  9. Resolves member issues professionally and in alignment with YMCA values.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  
  1. At least one year of experience in Group Exercise setting.
  2. NCCA accredited certification. Ex. ACE, AFFA, NASM, NSCA, ISSA etc.
  3. If teaching a specific group exercise format, current certification required. Examples: Yoga, Spin, Les Mills Body Pump and Body Combat
  4. Experience in health and wellness programming and group instruction.
  5. Understanding of internal and external marketing/special events.

 SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES/KNOW HOW:
  1. Understand the relationship of the public to the association, of staff to volunteer, and of staff to staff, and be able to effectively enhance and cultivate those relationships.
  2. Ability to interpret, carry out and implement into classes/programs, the mission and goals of the YMCA.
  3. Demonstrates commitment to creating an inclusive environment for participants of all backgrounds, abilities and experience. 
  4. Work as an integral member of a staff team.
  5. Ability to communicate effectively with adults, youth, teens, seniors and special populations.
  6. Degree in Exercise Science or Physical Education preferred but not required.
  7. CPR/AED and First Aid certifications
  8. A minimum of 1 year of experience in fitness.
 
Why work at the Y? 
The YMCA of Greater Boston is an incredible place to have a fulfilling career or enjoy part-time employment - all while we are supporting and strengthening our communities, because our community is our cause. When you join us in your career here, you can look forward to:  
  • Developing your leadership skills in a caring, challenging & diverse working environment. 
  • Exploring a wide range of opportunities as you learn new skills and functions. 
  • Shaping the future of young children while making a difference each day for our communities and each other. 
  • Engaging in YMCA career training programs and working alongside those who have the same passion. 
  • A healthy work/life balance 
  • Comprehensive benefits including: 
  • FREE YMCA Membership for you. 
  • Discount on Specialty Programs like Personal Training and Swimming Lessons. 
  • Discounted or FREE family membership. 
  • Robust Retirement Plan up to 10%. (see eligibility requirement) 
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Benefit Package. 
  • Vacation and Sick Time (PT receive sick time) 

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