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 Ashland, VA, maintaining certification from nationally recognized bodies like the Aquatic Exercise Association or American Red Cross is highly valued. These credentials ensure instructors meet safety and instructional standards, boosting employability and confidence when leading water fitness classes.
Ashland's growing health-conscious community has increased the need for water fitness instructors, but competition remains moderate due to several local gyms and aquatic centers. Demonstrating current CPR certification and adaptability to class needs can provide a competitive edge in this market.
A water fitness instructor uniquely blends aquatic safety with exercise coaching, involving tasks like monitoring pool safety, tailoring exercises to water resistance, and motivating participants through engaging, low-impact workouts, differing from traditional gym-based fitness roles.
Progression often involves specializing in therapeutic aquatic programs, obtaining advanced certifications, or moving into coordinator roles overseeing aquatic activities. Developing skills in class design and participant engagement also opens pathways to leadership within aquatic fitness.
Water fitness instructors in Ashland, VA, typically earn between $30,000 and $42,000 annually, depending on experience and certification levels. Part-time roles at facilities like American Family Fitness may offer hourly rates around $15 to $20, with opportunities for bonuses tied to class participation.
At American Family Fitness, water fitness instructors are integral in fostering an engaging aquatic environment, ensuring safety, and delivering classes that align with club standards. They collaborate closely with aquatic coordinators to maintain high-quality programming and member satisfaction.
Beyond certifications, American Family Fitness prioritizes instructors who exhibit motivational skills, demonstrate safety vigilance, and show flexibility to adjust class activities. A personal connection with members and adherence to club protocols are essential for success in their aquatic teams.
Instructors may navigate fluctuating class sizes and varying participant abilities, requiring on-the-spot exercise modifications. Additionally, maintaining strict adherence to pool safety rules while keeping sessions enjoyable demands attentive multitasking and clear communication.
Many underestimate the instructor’s role in safety monitoring and pool maintenance duties, which are critical components alongside teaching. The job also involves administrative tasks like logging class activities and promptly communicating scheduling changes, extending beyond just leading exercises.
Ashland’s manageable traffic and accessible public transit options make commuting relatively convenient for instructors. However, scheduling classes during peak hours may require extra time consideration, so proximity to facilities like American Family Fitness can be a deciding factor for many applicants.
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