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YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

Non-profit delivering youth development, health, service

Group Exercise Instructor 1 - Tai Chi

Part-Time
No salary listed
Entry
Stone Mountain, GA, USA
In Person
TrainingFitness & Sports Instruction
No H1B Sponsorship

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or GED is required.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • May have less than one year of experience teaching group exercise classes or one or more years of group exercise participation.
  • Land instructors must obtain YMCA/ACE online Group Exercise Instructor Certification or an equivalent, plus supplemental courses required by Y-USA/Y-Metro Atlanta, within 60 days of hire. Instructors teaching group strength or conditioning classes must also obtain YMCA Strength and Conditioning Instructor Certification.
  • Water instructors must obtain all YMCA/AEA online certifications and supplemental courses required by Y-USA/Y-Metro Atlanta, including the Y-Metro Atlanta Water Fitness Specialty Course (prerequisite: YMCA Group Exercise Instructor Certification) or the AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification, within 60 days of hire.
  • Must obtain and maintain full access to Y-Link and a Metro Atlanta YMCA Workday account.
  • Must maintain certifications by uploading continuing education credits via Y-Link before expiration.
  • Must possess current CPR/AED certification and renew it every two years before expiration; updated licenses must be uploaded via Y-Link.
  • Must obtain and maintain specialty certifications, such as Y-Metro Atlanta Pilates, Group Cycling, or Active Older Adult, or approved outside certifications such as TRX, Barre, Zumba, or Pound, before teaching the designated format.
  • Must pass a group exercise audition based on the formats for which the instructor is being hired.
  • Must be knowledgeable about fitness-related issues, including aerobic versus anaerobic exercise, nutrition, benefits of exercise, injury prevention, and THE COACH APPROACH®.
  • Must obtain THE COACH APPROACH® Orientation within 30 days of hire.
  • Must pass a criminal background and drug-screening check.
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment criminal record, drug screening, motor vehicle record, and reference checks according to company policy.
  • Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct YMCA exercise classes on land and/or in water under the direct supervision of the Wellness Director.
  • Select appropriate music, set up and take down classes, and educate class members about THE COACH APPROACH® and other health and wellness-related issues.
  • Perform program responsibilities in accordance with YMCA of Metro Atlanta policies, organizational competencies, mission, and values.
  • Carry out daily program tasks within the position’s scope and responsibilities.
  • Stay updated on current issues regarding group fitness and wellness programs.
  • Promote, monitor, and evaluate group exercise classes and ensure they run smoothly with a high level of service to participants.
  • Maintain branch and association CPR/AED certifications and any other certifications or training required by Metro Atlanta YMCA.
  • Maintain wellness certifications by meeting continuing education requirements, including 10 continuing education credits every two years for YMCA Health & Well-Being certifications through approved YMCA/ACE or recognized national group exercise certifying organizations’ courses.
  • Attend required staff meetings and training courses.
  • Secure appropriate music and select music suitable for a family setting.
  • Assist as needed in all aspects of the YMCA and its community.
  • Participate in and partner with wellness cabinet activities.
  • Follow incident and accident reporting procedures.
  • Log class attendance in GroupEx PRO by 11:59 p.m. on the night the class is taught, using the app or website.
  • Log in to GroupEx PRO at least twice per week to check facility updates, substituting opportunities, and other important information.
  • Secure a substitute instructor in a timely manner when unable to teach a YMCA class, and ensure the substitute request is accepted and approved before being relieved of responsibility.
  • Know, understand, and consistently apply Metro Atlanta YMCA risk and safety guidelines, best practices, and branch emergency procedures.
  • Adhere to strength training and nutrition guidelines.
  • Refrain from diagnosing injuries, offering medical advice, or dispensing or endorsing commercial health products, especially nutritional supplements, vitamins, performance-enhancing substances, and pain relievers.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

About the company

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YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

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The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is a nonprofit that offers programs and services for people of all ages to develop youth potential, promote healthy living, and strengthen communities. It operates community facilities where people can join as members or volunteer; programs include fitness classes, child care, camps, swimming, and community services, guided by caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The organization differentiates itself through a community-based, volunteer-driven approach with a clear triple focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, while prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all. Its goal is to strengthen metro Atlanta communities by nurturing children’s potential, improving overall health, and supporting neighbors in need.

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Atlanta, Georgia

Founded

1858

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • PNC Foundation gave $100,000 for Arthur M. Blank Family YMCA early learning space.
  • Atlanta Hawks partnership expands youth sports access and citywide brand visibility.
  • Praesidium Accreditation in March 2026 strengthens child-safety credibility through 2029.

What critics are saying

  • A 2024 lifeguard retaliation lawsuit remains a reputational scar over workplace culture.
  • The 2025 NLRB bargaining charge signals labor friction at Early Childhood Development Corporation.
  • YMCA Atlanta's 2026 headcount fell to 717, threatening service capacity and staff continuity.

What makes YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta unique

  • Lauren Koontz launched the 2026-2028 Catalyst for Connection plan.
  • The Vine City Leadership & Learning Center anchors early learning, training, and headquarters operations.
  • The Atlanta Hawks made YMCA Metro Atlanta their official jersey patch partner in 2026.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

  • Professional Development Budget
  • Wellness Program

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

8%

1 year growth

8%

2 year growth

8%
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