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 Chester, VA, employers like American Family Fitness highly regard certifications from nationally recognized bodies such as the Aquatic Exercise Association or the American Red Cross. Holding current CPR certification alongside these specialized credentials enhances your chances of securing water fitness instructor roles.
Chester shows moderate growth in aquatic fitness roles due to community wellness initiatives and local club expansions. Compared to larger cities nearby, competition is less intense, offering water fitness instructors more opportunities to establish themselves in clubs like American Family Fitness.
Besides guiding water workouts, instructors handle safety monitoring, equipment setup and storage, member engagement, and maintaining pool hygiene. They also manage attendance logs, communicate scheduling changes, and ensure compliance with facility aquatic protocols for a seamless class experience.
Exceptional instructors combine expertise in water exercise science with motivational communication and quick adaptability to class needs. Mastery of aquatic physics, effective cueing methods, and consistent safety vigilance enhances participant experience and instructor reputation.
Progression often leads to roles like aquatic coordinator, program developer, or senior fitness coach. Gaining diverse certifications, expanding teaching styles, and leadership abilities open doors to management or specialized aquatic health positions within clubs or community centers.
American Family Fitness encourages continuous learning through mandatory workshops and certifications. They foster open communication with aquatic leadership, provide scheduling stability, and offer opportunities to engage with new class formats, promoting skill advancement and career development.
The company emphasizes personalized interaction by having instructors adapt class intensity and exercises to participant needs. They also focus on community engagement and safety, ensuring that aquatic sessions in Chester align with local member preferences and facility standards.
Water fitness instructors in Chester, VA typically earn between $25,000 and $38,000 annually, depending on experience and certification level. American Family Fitness offers competitive wages within this range, complemented by opportunities for additional income through class bonuses and referrals.
Yes, instructors must modify exercises based on pool temperature changes, class demographics, and facility policies. Flexibility ensures safety and effectiveness while adhering to American Family Fitness's aquatic program standards, enhancing participant satisfaction throughout the year.
Candidates should assess commute options as Chester’s layout affects accessibility to fitness centers. Understanding regional certification preferences and the competitive yet community-focused aquatic fitness scene can inform preparation and improve hiring chances.
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