Title: Personal Trainer
Location: John W. Lindsay YMCA
Program: Health, Fitness, and Recreation department
Position Status: Part-Time Evenings and Weekends
Compensation: $18.00 - $27.00 per hour
There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.
Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.
We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.
With us at their side, they can Shine On.
As part of your total compensation:
- Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
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Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
About the role:
We are growing and the demand for evening personal training services downtown is high. To serve our members we are looking to increase our front-line staff who supervise and care for the fitness centre and offer customized programs to clients looking to hit their fitness goals.
As a Personal Trainer, you play a vital role with direct member support within our fitness facility. Personal Trainers are YMCA Ambassadors who provide outstanding customer service, personalized, safe programs for clients, and act as a motivating presence to help clients and members move steadily towards their goals. This position also supports within the Health, Fitness, and Recreation department in other ways such as giving tours, orientations, teaching fitness classes (if certified to do so), and helping to maintain a clean and safe environment for all members and staff.
In this role, you will:
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Provide consultations for members interested in personal training to establish fitness goals and discuss personal health concerns.Personal Trainers will be expected to promote personal training packages that best suit the needs of their potential client.
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Develop customized programs for clients that help them achieve their fitness goals and that are tailored to their unique needs, keeping in mind physical limitations and the scope of the personal trainer and their current certifications.
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Keep accurate files for each client including the tracking of their goals, workouts, progress, and any other important notes.
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Ensure that each client has paid for their Personal Training packages before engaging in sessions and that used sessions are accounted for in as they occur.
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Build your clientele through accepting new clients to your schedule, seeking new clients through orientations, group fitness class instruction, or other means, and retaining current ones.
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Maintain a clean and well-organized weight room and cardio floor. Personal Trainers take ownership to maintain clean and tidy spaces not only in their immediate work area, but throughout the facility, as needed.
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Provide a safe culture for YMCA members and staff through proper usage of fitness centre equipment and proper gym etiquette. Personal Trainers ensure YMCA equipment and facilities are in good repair and resolve or report any issues promptly.
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Uphold all YMCA policies, procedures, and best practices including safe working protocols and the accurate filling out of reports, when needed.
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Supervise the weight room floor and be willing to give corrective feedback, coaching tips, and support to members as needed.
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Display strong customer service by greeting members within 5 feet and acknowledging members within 10 feet. Personal Trainers take action to support members who are waiting or need assistance.
Education and skills qualifications:
- Current Personal Training certification (or equivalent) through the YMCA, Nova Scotia Fitness Association, canfitpro, CSEP or other recognized organization.
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Current CPR Level C and Intermediate Workplace First Aid certification.
- 1-2 years' experience working in the fitness industry or other form of movement instruction (i.e. coach) preferred.
- Kinesiology degree (or similar schooling) preferred but not required.
- Strong customer service, with demonstrated ability to build relationships and establish rapport with clients.
- Experience generating internal and external leads and building a business/clientele.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work with clients in the evenings (after 4pm) and weekends (any time).
- Bilingual or multilingual is an asset.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated, with strong attention to detail.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
To apply:
Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by August 17, 2026
Please note that the successful candidates are required to provide:
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A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
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A valid Intermediate First Aid and CPR-C certification
Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.
At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.
