Water Fitness Instructor
Objective: To instruct fitness classes, develop class participation, and support and enhance the aquative program and American Family. To provide class instruction at club and industry standard levels, serving members as role models, teachers, coaches, and motivators, making a special effort to reach individual participants on a personal level.
Reports to: Aquatic Coordinator/Water Fitness Coordinator and Aquatic Director
Game plan:
1. Keep CPR current. Maintain a strong knowledge base and awareness of emerging trends by attending all mandatory meetings, participating in training workshops, and being certified through a national certifying body as a water fitness instructor.
2. Know club emergency response protocols and know club rules as shown in the company policy manual and the aquatic manual.
3. Communicate with Aquatic Coordinator as required and in a timely manner for scheduling and other issues concerning classes.
4. Pick up your schedule prior to the beginning of the month and double check the schedule for any problems. You are required to teach any classes for which you are scheduled.
5. To keep substitutions to a minimum, teach all classes for which you are scheduled unless there is an emergency. Keep a current phone list at your disposal in the event that it might be needed. It is your responsibility to find a sub and to inform the Aquatic Coordinator and the Front Desk of the change.
6. Scan pool area to be sure that policies are being followed, checking for safety as well as anything that might disrupt class (children in the pool). Enforce any pool rules politely and by explaining the reason behind the rules. Avoid engaging in any dispute with members (call in management if necessary).
7. Wear appropriate attire including any uniform as required.
8. Active 5 to 10 minutes prior to class start time to greet members, set up music, equipment, log-i sheets and "Class in Progress" signs.
9. Introduce class type and self. Make any special announcements and address any special concerns.
10. Set example for others by showering prior to entering pool.
11. Start class on time.
12. For aerobic level classes, check heart rate (bpm or perceived exertion) at beginning, middle, and end of class.
13. Provide appropriate instructions per class format & guidelines. Must be able to recognize the need to modify class format to accommodate temperature variations , class population, etc.
14. Choose a variety of appropriate exercises per class type. Making sure they are safe and effective.
15. Provide appropriate and timely cueing: visual, vocal, and directional. Instruct the class by giving explanations about the exercises when appropriate.
16. Demonstrate individual exercises both on deck and again water as is appropriate for the class, personal safety, and effectiveness. Use and cue for correct alignment.
17. Use safe and effective application of water physics, water fitness principles and correct terminology.
18. If music is used, choose music that is appropriate per class type for both context and bpm. Adjust music volume at an acceptable level and check with class to be sure that the volume is acceptable for them.
19. Motivate the participants. The classes should be fun and enjoyable as they exercise.
20. Periodically scan pool area for safety hazads and enforce pool rules.
21. End class on time, encourageing participant feedback. Be available for questions and/or comments after class.
22. Put away all equipment appropriately and make sure equipment closets, bins, and music cabinets are locked.
23. Complete log sheets and timesheets.
24. Make sure the pool is presentable and inviting fo rour members prior to leaving.
25. Check skimmers and maintain tiles around inside of the rim of pool.
26. Be aware of pool chemistry reporting any problems to management.
Freqently Asked Questions
In Glen Allen, certifications like the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) Water Fitness Instructor and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor are highly regarded. Holding these credentials enhances trust among members and aligns with local aquatic facility standards, improving job prospects at places like American Family Fitness.
Water fitness instruction demands mastery of aquatic exercise principles such as buoyancy and resistance unique to water. Unlike land fitness trainers, instructors must adapt workouts to pool conditions, ensure safety in a wet environment, and effectively cue participants both visually and vocally amidst water’s acoustic challenges.
Daily routines often include preparing class equipment, leading diverse aquatic workouts, monitoring participant exertion, enforcing pool safety, and maintaining cleanliness. Instructors also engage in scheduling communication, adapting exercises to class dynamics, and documenting attendance and feedback to enhance future sessions.
Glen Allen’s growing wellness community and family-oriented fitness centers like American Family Fitness have increased demand for qualified water fitness instructors. Seasonal trends peak during warmer months, yet stable membership bases sustain year-round opportunities, making it a viable career location for aquatic exercise professionals.
Water fitness instructors in Glen Allen typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on certification level, experience, and employer. Competitive wages at facilities such as American Family Fitness reflect local living costs and industry standards in aquatic and group fitness instruction.
American Family Fitness emphasizes a supportive aquatic program with structured coaching and safety protocols, often fostering close member-instructor relationships. Compared to other gyms, it may offer more comprehensive aquatic training resources and community engagement, enhancing instructor development and job satisfaction.
Instructors at American Family Fitness can expand skills through mandatory workshops, certifications, and direct collaboration with aquatic coordinators. The focus on personalized member interaction and program development provides avenues for leadership roles within aquatic fitness and potential cross-training in other group fitness modalities.
Yes, maintaining current CPR certification is mandatory, ensuring instructors can respond effectively to emergencies. This requirement aligns with American Family Fitness’s commitment to member safety and adheres to aquatic industry best practices widely recognized in Glen Allen’s fitness community.
Success hinges on dynamic communication, safety vigilance, and adaptability in class design. Proficiency in cueing techniques, understanding water physics, and motivating participants are crucial, alongside staying updated with emerging aquatic fitness trends to keep sessions engaging and effective.
Instructors modify intensity using exercise variations and water resistance adjustments, closely monitoring heart rates and perceived exertion. They provide clear instructions and demonstrations to ensure safety and inclusivity, allowing beginners and advanced participants to benefit fully within the same session.
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