POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. A Personal Trainer is responsible for planning and leading a range of individualized exercise sessions for clients in the fitness center and weight room areas. To provide a safe, enjoyable and positive environment that is educational and motivational. The essential functions will be carried out in keeping with the Goals and Mission of the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA.

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide excellent member service by exceeding member expectations; greet and acknowledge all members to encourage wellness participation.
2. Monitor all wellness areas as fitness members set the equipment to ensure their general safety and equipment function; enforces all member codes of conduct, rules and policies including, but not limited to, age restrictions, dress codes, language and proper use of YMCA equipment and facilities.
3. Demonstrate correct stances, posture, alignment and technique during wellness consultation and training sessions; shows safe, effective ranges of motion and exercise control, demonstrates strength & endurance maintaining role-model form throughout.
4. Help maintain a neat, clean and pleasant environment in all Wellness areas.
5. Take professional initiative to offer information and to promote personal training and additional YMCA health & wellness services & programs.
6. Integrate the mission of the YMCA and follow the core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility into the healthy living aspect of job responsibilities.
7. Understand the prevention, detection, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, basic emergency procedures, and the legal and professional responsibilities of personal trainers.
8. Assist the Health & Wellness Director with administrative tasks that include keeping accurate records of scheduled, rescheduled and cancelled appointments.
9. Attend continuing education trainings as required by your specific accreditation in order to maintain your Personal Training Certification and ensure it always stays active.
10. Administer/evaluate health history questionnaires and other pre-participation documentation with regard to individual exercise programs.
11. Administer health & fitness assessments and be able to interpret and explain the results.
12. Develop and implement individualized exercise programs including cardiovascular, strength training, flexibility, balance/stability, and postural components.
13. Demonstrate and instruct clients on proper exercise technique and use of equipment.
14. Track client progress and maintain appropriate documentation for each participant.
15. Ensure all safety guidelines are followed.  
16. Maintain required CEC’s, National certifications and CPR/First Aid/AED certifications that are needed for your specific accreditation in order to maintain an active personal trainer status.
17. Adhere to all facility guidelines and expectations.
18. Performs other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES:

Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y’s work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit

Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y’s cause

Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence 

Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y’s work and impact in the community

Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Degree in exercise science, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Bachelor’s degree in exercise science is highly preferred.
2. Minimum of 1 year experience in personal training
3. Active CPR/First Aid/AED certification
4. Nationally-accredited personal training certification such as: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
5. Knowledge of and the ability to demonstrate all exercise equipment.
6. Excellent customer service skills and verbal communication skills.
7. Ability to work with all age groups and ability levels.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions, including demonstrating exercise techniques. May require lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.