Are you passionate about fitness and inspiring others? We're looking for new, motivated instructors to lead a variety of group exercise classes! Whether you're young or seasoned, energetic or experienced, we want you to help us strengthen our community’s wellness programs.
Why Become a Group Exercise Instructor?
No Experience Necessary! If you have a love for fitness and a passion for helping people, we will train you! The Y offers a variety of fitness certifications and trainings, so don’t let a lack of experience hold you back from applying.
Gain Beneficial Skills:
- Build Confidence: Enhance your public speaking and customer service skills while developing lasting relationships with participants.
- Develop New Skills: Learn to create engaging exercise classes and deepen your understanding of health and wellness, including anatomy and physiology.
Diverse Class Formats:
Choose from a huge variety of class formats that suit your interests, such as:
- Seniors
- Water aerobics
- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
- Strength training
- Dance
- Mind/Body classes
- Chronic disease prevention
Earn While You Inspire:
- Get Paid to Workout: Enjoy competitive wages starting at $19/hour for trainees and up to $27/hour with experience and certifications.
- Flexible Hours: Work around your schedule with opportunities to substitute or expand your hours.
- On-site Childcare: Available for a small fee while you work.
YMCA Employee Benefits
- Free Y membership
- Up to 60% discount on Y programs, camps, and classes for yourself, family, and siblings
- Paid training, including the YMCA Group Exercise Certification
- Tuition reimbursement for school
- Paid CPR/AED/First Aid maintenance
Additional Benefits as a Instructor:
- Access discounted education and certifications through our partner organization, ACE (American Council on Exercise).
- Enjoy reduced fees for MOSSA, AEA, and other specialty certifications.
- Participate in annual training opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.
Apply To Be A Group Exercise Instructor Today
If you’re ready to inspire others and bring fresh energy to our group exercise programs, we’d love to hear from you! Join us in making a positive impact in our community.
Upcoming Training Opportunities at the YMCA of Honolulu
We’re looking to hire healthy lifestyles staff interested in participating in one or more of the following training sessions, with opportunities to teach regularly or serve as substitutes.
Aqua Exercise Training
February 23, 2025
Location: Mililani Y
“Aqua Fitness 101” 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Join us for a transformative 1-day training to become a certified POUND instructor, where you'll learn to combine drumming and exercise for an inclusive fitness experience. Participants will receive valuable resources, a teaching license, and continuing education credits to support their journey as POUND pros. Cost is $40 YMCA Staff & AEA Members / $50 non-Staff & non-AEA Members
“Stride & Stretch” 10:00 am – 11:30 am
This Water Walking class focuses on proper water techniques while improving posture, balance and flexibly. Instructors will learn effective coaching and cueing to ensure success. No CECs offered because this training is targeted towards new instructors. Cost is $40 YMCA Staff & AEA Members / $50 non-Staff & non-AEA Members.
“Aqua Circuit without Equip” 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm 4.0 AEA CECs
This workout allows individuals to work within their fitness level while in a group setting. Instructors will learn how to effectively incorporate both high and low impact aquatic
exercises to maintain an effective cardiovascular and strength conditioning aqua class. Cost is $80 YMCA Staff & AEA Members / $100 non-Staff & non-AEA Members.
S’wet Aqua Certification & Workshops
Dates TBA for February/March 2025
Location: Kaimuki & Mililani Y Pools
Join us for four aqua workshop options across 2 Sundays. Workshops include: Turf to Surf (for land instructors looking to learn how to teach in water), Aqua Bootcamp, Aqua Depth, and Hydroburn.
Aqua Exercise Training
February 23, 2025
Location: Mililani Y
“Aqua Fitness 101” 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Join us for a transformative 1-day training to become a certified POUND instructor, where you'll learn to combine drumming and exercise for an inclusive fitness experience. Participants will receive valuable resources, a teaching license, and continuing education credits to support their journey as POUND pros. Cost is $40 YMCA Staff & AEA Members / $50 non-Staff & non-AEA Members
“Stride & Stretch” 10:00 am – 11:30 am
This Water Walking class focuses on proper water techniques while improving posture, balance and flexibly. Instructors will learn effective coaching and cueing to ensure success. No CECs offered because this training is targeted towards new instructors. Cost is $40 YMCA Staff & AEA Members / $50 non-Staff & non-AEA Members.
“Aqua Circuit without Equip” 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm 4.0 AEA CECs
This workout allows individuals to work within their fitness level while in a group setting. Instructors will learn how to effectively incorporate both high and low impact aquatic
exercises to maintain an effective cardiovascular and strength conditioning aqua class. Cost is $80 YMCA Staff & AEA Members / $100 non-Staff & non-AEA Members.
S’wet Aqua Certification & Workshops
Dates TBA for February/March 2025
Location: Kaimuki & Mililani Y Pools
Join us for four aqua workshop options across 2 Sundays. Workshops include: Turf to Surf (for land instructors looking to learn how to teach in water), Aqua Bootcamp, Aqua Depth, and Hydroburn.