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Group Fitness Instructor Jobs in Park Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

Energetic group fitness instructors and performance-minded coaches Key Focus: Functional strength, metabolic conditioning, and team-based workouts Required: Strong leadership presence and ability to ...

Position Overview As a Group Fitness Instructor, you will be expected to motivate and engage participants while leading scheduled group fitness classes. The core responsibility is to provide an ...

Position Overview As a Group Fitness Instructor, you will be expected to motivate and engage participants while leading scheduled group fitness classes. The core responsibility is to provide an ...

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Group Fitness Instructor information

See Park Ridge, IL salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do group fitness instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for group fitness instructor in Park Ridge, IL is $24.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a group fitness instructor?

Group Fitness Instructors are fitness professionals who lead exercise classes for groups of people. They design and implement workout routines that cater to various fitness levels, ensuring safety and motivation for all participants. Classes may include formats such as aerobics, cycling, yoga, strength training, or dance-based workouts. Instructors also provide guidance on proper technique, offer modifications, and foster a supportive and energetic class environment.

What does a group fitness instructor do?

As a group fitness instructor, your responsibilities are to lead a group exercise class at a gym, private studio, or another public space. Your duties are to teach your clients or the gym members who participate in your classes skills like good posture, proper technique for different activities, such as weightlifting, cycling, or swimming, and how to coordinate their exercise activities with other aspects of their lives. Some group fitness instructors work freelance and have gigs at many locations, while others are full-time employees of a gym or club.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a group fitness instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Group Fitness Instructor, you need expertise in exercise science, class programming, and instruction, typically backed by certifications such as ACE, NASM, or AFAA. Familiarity with fitness equipment, music systems, and class management software is often required. Outstanding communication, motivational skills, and adaptability help instructors engage diverse participants and create an inclusive environment. These skills are crucial for ensuring participant safety, fostering motivation, and delivering effective group workouts.

What are some common challenges faced by group fitness instructors, and how can they be managed effectively?

Group fitness instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse fitness levels within a single class, keeping participants motivated, and ensuring safety during exercises. To address these, instructors can offer exercise modifications, foster an inclusive atmosphere, and stay up to date on best practices for group exercise safety. Building strong communication skills and maintaining flexibility in class planning are also key to creating a positive experience for all participants.

What is the difference between Group Fitness Instructor vs Personal Trainer?

AspectGroup Fitness InstructorPersonal Trainer
CertificationsCPR/AED, group fitness certifications (e.g., ACE, NASM)CPR/AED, personal training certifications (e.g., NASM, ACE)
Work EnvironmentGroup classes in gyms, studios, community centersOne-on-one or small group training, gyms, private settings
Job FocusLeading group exercise classes, motivating multiple participantsCustomized fitness plans, individual client goals
Employer & Industry UsageFitness clubs, gyms, recreation centersGyms, personal training studios, private clients

While both roles require CPR/AED and fitness certifications, a Group Fitness Instructor primarily leads group classes and motivates multiple participants simultaneously. In contrast, a Personal Trainer focuses on personalized training plans tailored to individual clients. Both roles are vital in the fitness industry but differ in their work environment and client interaction style.

Are group fitness instructors in demand?

Yes, group fitness instructors are in demand due to the growing popularity of group exercise classes and wellness programs. Employers seek certified instructors with strong communication skills and knowledge of fitness techniques, often offering flexible schedules in gyms, community centers, and corporate wellness settings.

What kind of group fitness instructor makes the most money?

Experienced group fitness instructors who hold advanced certifications, specialize in high-demand formats like cycling or HIIT, and work in upscale gyms or private settings tend to earn higher salaries. Instructors with strong client bases, additional training, or those who lead personal training sessions can also increase their income. Typically, those with a combination of expertise, certification, and a premium environment earn the most.

What qualifications do I need to be a group fitness instructor?

To become a group fitness instructor, you typically need a nationally recognized certification in group fitness instruction, such as those from ACE, NASM, or AFAA. Additionally, CPR and first aid certifications are often required, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are important for leading classes effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Group Fitness Instructor jobs in Park Ridge, IL?

For Group Fitness Instructor jobs in Park Ridge, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Group Fitness Instructor jobs in Park Ridge, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Group Fitness Instructor jobs in Park Ridge, IL are:

What cities near Park Ridge, IL are hiring for Group Fitness Instructor jobs?

Cities near Park Ridge, IL with the most Group Fitness Instructor job openings:

Infographic showing various Group Fitness Instructor job openings in Park Ridge, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,866 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Group Fitness Instructor

Life Time, Inc.

Romeoville, IL • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Life Time rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 63 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.

Pay
This position pays a class rate between $35.00 and $70.00, based on experience, qualifications, and duration of the class. The class rate compensates for all working time associated with teaching classes (including without limitation, all time spent in class as well as all pre- and post-class working time).
Benefits
All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:
  • A fully subsidized membership
  • Discounts on Life Time products and services
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older)
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid sick leave where required by law

Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
  • Short term and long term disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans
  • Parental leave and adoption assistance
  • Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave
  • Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold

Life Time may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in connection with various aspects of its recruitment and hiring functions. Ultimate employment decisions are subject to human review and oversight. Life Time does not use AI in a manner that would have the effect of subjecting applicants to discrimination on the basis of protected classes or proxies or for engaging in any protected activity under applicable law.
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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