AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Group exercise classes run on trust: participants arrive expecting a knowledgeable instructor who can read a room, adjust intensity on the fly, and keep movement safe for bodies at every fitness level. When that expertise is absent, injury risk rises and member retention drops. The Aerobic Instructor fills that gap, owning class design and in-session delivery across a fitness facility's scheduled programming. AFAA Group Exercise Instructor certification and current CPR/BCLS credentials are standard entry requirements for the role, reflecting its direct responsibility for participant safety.

As the Aerobic Instructor, you plan and lead group exercise sessions spanning multiple formats, from cardio and cycling to aquatic and senior-focused classes, while applying exercise physiology principles to keep participants moving safely within target heart rate zones. You report to a Group Exercise Coordinator or Fitness Promotions Manager and serve a member population that includes beginners, individuals with physical limitations, and experienced exercisers.

Career Impact: Holding concurrent AFAA, ACE, or ACSM certification alongside active CPR credentials builds a portable professional profile recognized at fitness facilities, hospital wellness centers, and community programs nationwide.

Business Impact: Every class you lead directly affects member retention rates and facility reputation, because participants who feel safe, challenged, and well-coached renew memberships and refer others.

Growth Opportunity: Experience across multiple class formats, aquatic, senior citizen, high-intensity cycling, and functional movement, broadens your scope toward Group Exercise Coordinator or specialty program director roles.

• Design class routines across multiple formats, rotating content at least every four to six weeks to maintain participant engagement.
• Select exercises appropriate to each class format, adjusting intensity and modifications for participants with injuries, pregnancy, or limited fitness experience.
• Apply target heart rate formulas, including age-predicted maximal heart rate calculations, to guide participants through safe cardio zones during each session.
• Cue movements clearly and continuously so participants can follow patterns with correct form throughout the class.
• Monitor participant technique in real time, identifying and correcting unsafe movement patterns before injury occurs.
• Coordinate class coverage and communicate scheduling changes across fitness locations to support uninterrupted group exercise programming.
• Maintain facility cleanliness and equipment sanitation in exercise areas before and after each session.
• Complete mandatory certifications, annual competency requirements, and department-specific training within established timeframes.

• High school diploma or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of experience leading group exercise classes, with demonstrated ability to instruct multiple class formats.
• Active certification from the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) as a Group Exercise Instructor, or equivalent from ACE, ACSM, AEA, or USWFA.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification, with the ability to obtain or maintain BCLS as required by the employing facility.
• Working knowledge of exercise physiology and anatomy, including application of heart rate monitoring methods during cardio instruction.
• Ability to provide real-time modifications for participants with physical limitations, including orthopedic injuries and pregnancy.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage professionally with a diverse member population.

• Specialty certification in aquatic exercise, senior fitness, or group cycling through a nationally recognized body.
• Experience in instructing senior citizen populations, including familiarity with age-related movement limitations and fall prevention.
• Background in a health system or medically affiliated fitness environment, including familiarity with universal precautions and infection control standards.
• Bilingual communication ability or demonstrated experience serving culturally diverse community fitness populations.

• Participant retention rate per class format, reflecting consistency in safe and engaging instruction.
• Rate of documented exercise modification requests fulfilled, measuring responsiveness to members with physical limitations.
• Certification compliance rate, tracking active standing of AFAA, CPR, and any facility-required credentials.
• Class coverage fill rate indicates reliability across scheduled programming when absences occur.
• Incident and near-miss count per quarter, measuring the frequency of in-class safety events requiring intervention.

• Base Salary Range: $32,000 to $46,000 annually; hourly roles range from $15 to $22 per hour
• Bonus: Performance or attendance bonuses are uncommon; some facilities offer per-class stipends
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level
• Health Benefits: Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision for full-time positions; part-time eligibility varies
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually for full-time; part-time accrual varies by employer
• Common Perks: Complimentary facility membership, discounted personal training, continuing education reimbursement for certification renewal

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check, and positions in fitness facilities serving vulnerable populations may require drug screening. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Aerobic Instructor II owns the full cycle of safe, effective group exercise delivery from designing class routines and cueing movements to fielding client feedback across all fitness locations. Working within established program guidelines, this role builds client health outcomes by ensuring instructors meet licensing, certification, and annual competency requirements throughout the fiscal year.

Key Responsibilities

• Arrive early and stay after classes to answer participant questions.
• Select safe, effective, and appropriate exercises for each class.
• Analyze client exercises and offer modifications as necessary.
• Follow the scheduled class format and maintain the proper intensity level.
• Select appropriate music speed and type for each session.
• Cue movements and patterns so that clients can successfully perform them in a smooth and continuous manner.
• Demonstrate genuine interest in and dedication to improving client health and fitness.
• Change the class routine a minimum of every four to six weeks, unless following the guidelines of a licensed program.
• Cover classes and assist with group exercise coordination across all fitness locations.
• Pick up the exercise area before and after class.
• Receive complaints, comments, and suggestions from clients and promptly take appropriate action.
• Attend mandatory meetings, training sessions, and department meetings, and remain accountable for all shared information.
• Complete mandatory education, annual competencies, department-specific education, and annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintain licensure, certifications, and registrations in good standing throughout the fiscal year.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification through the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) as a Group Exercise Instructor is required.
• Additional certification through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), United States Water Fitness Association (USWFA), or a similar approved body is required to teach specific aerobics classes.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/CPR) certification required, along with any other certifications required by the position or department.
• Minimum three years of experience as an aerobics instructor, including experience designing and teaching aerobics classes, required.
• Knowledge of and adherence to universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques required.
• Knowledge of and compliance with regulatory agency requirements, organizational policies, and department-specific policies required.

Embedded within San Juan College's fitness and wellness programming, the Aerobic Instructor leads a diverse slate of group exercise classes, including step, kickboxing, cycling, and senior citizen formats, in service of public health and campus community well-being. Working closely with participants of varying abilities and backgrounds, this role delivers heart rate-monitored, modification-ready instruction that reflects the college's commitment to equity and inclusiveness.

Core Functions

• Lead a variety of group exercise classes, including step, kickboxing, group cycling, power pump, and senior citizen formats.
• Identify and correct exercises performed incorrectly by participants.
• Provide exercise modifications for participants with specific needs, including back and shoulder injuries, pregnancy, and new exercisers.
• Teach participants to monitor heart rate during exercise sessions, including the use of the Karvonen Formula and the Age Predicted Maximal Heart Rate Formula to determine target heart rate zones.
• Take heart rate checks at appropriate intervals during the cardio portion of class and before floor work to confirm rates are within safe limits.
• Provide music that is appropriate in nature and speed for the class format.

Qualifications & Experience

• CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Basic fitness knowledge and experience leading a variety of group exercise classes required.
• Experience working with senior citizens required.
• Outstanding communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to work positively and professionally with community and college members is required.

Reporting to the Fitness Promotions Manager, the Aerobic Instructor I leads quality group exercise classes under the guidance of the Group Exercise Coordinator, serving a diverse clientele across fitness areas and facilities. Partnering with facility staff to uphold safety, sanitation, and emergency protocols, this role supports a welcoming and well-maintained environment that sustains member health and facility standards.

Primary Duties

• Conduct quality group exercise classes under the guidance of the Group Exercise Coordinator.
• Interact effectively with a diverse group of clients, staff, members, and facility users in a professional, courteous, and sincere manner.
• Provide a tour of fitness areas and facilities, if needed.
• Maintain safety, sanitation, and disinfection standards.
• Properly clean and sanitize products, rooms, tools, and equipment.
• Handle emergencies with urgency and discretion.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification through the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) as a Group Exercise Instructor is required.
• Additional certification through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), United States Water Fitness Association (USWFA), or a similar approved body is required to teach specific aerobics classes.
• CPR certification required, or arrangements to obtain certification within the first three months of employment required.
• Technical knowledge and application of basic exercise physiology and anatomy required.
• Knowledge of aerobic exercises for clients is required.
• Leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills necessary.
• Ability to work flexible hours required.