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Home » IDEA Answers » Do you work at a YMCA or have you worked at a YMCA? What do you like about working at the Y? What do you not like?
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Question asked by Sergio Armenta 297 days ago

Do you work at a YMCA or have you worked at a YMCA? What do you like about working at the Y? What do you not like?

YMCAFitness FacilitiesGyms

Do you consider it being the best place to start working at the beginning of your personal training career? Why or why not?

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Answers (7)

Answered by Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali 297 days ago
ExpertMemberVerified
830 Questions Answered, 55 Questions Asked
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I have had the opportunity of not only training at the London Central YMCA but also earning a fitness credential through the YMCA 19 years ago.

I have only positive things to say regarding my experience with the London Central YMCA. At the YMCA in London, I learned how to become a proficient Exercise to Music Instructor. (That what it was called in London, England 19 years ago). 8))

When I think about my experience, to this day, I am left impressed with the emphasis the YMCA put upon teaching a SAFE and EFFECTIVE classes. If there is any one place, I would say unequivocally, that one can be sure that they will be trained in a safe manner, I would without hesitation say the YMCA.

If the same standard exists today throughout all the YMCA's globally as it did 19 years ago, I believe it will be much more difficult to land a job at the YMCA than any other gym.

The expectation is that their fitness professionals have the knowledge, skills, abilities and be able to demonstrate such as a proficient level.
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Answered by Kristy Cameron 296 days ago
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2 Questions Answered, 0 Questions Asked
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I started working at the local YMCA 8 years ago as a part-time fitness staff/certified personal trainer. At the YMCA, only administrative/management staff were full-time. Through hard work and enthusiasm about my job, I was recommended to the fitness director position when my supervisor moved out of state.

The YMCA is a great place to learn and to work with diverse groups. I love the fact that membership was available to all regardless of income through the YMCA's scholarship programs. Good health and fitness should not just be for those who can afford it! I have worked in private sector fitness centers and they don't compare to a YMCA. If you want to make a lot of money and have status, go to the private sector. If you truly want to help ALL people, the YMCA is for you!
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Answered by Nickie Carrigan 294 days ago
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4 Questions Answered, 2 Questions Asked
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I liked working for the YMCA. I worked there as a Group Fitness Instructor, Aqua Fitness Instructor, and as a Personal Trainer. The Y offered valuable trainings, and a flexible schedule.
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Answered by Jason Martuscello 291 days ago
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263 Questions Answered, 4 Questions Asked
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I was an independent contractor a YMCA facility in upstate NY for a bit. The experience was a great educational journey into my fitness career. I learned a lot, met a lot of new people, it was an excellent atmosphere, and elevated my passion for fitness. Couple downsides were that funding for this particular YMCA was a little on low side - equipment was very old school (Chain Driven Nautilus). However - overall - Great and well worth it!

Fuel the Movement,
JM
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Answered by LaRue Cook 73 days ago
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661 Questions Answered, 1 Questions Asked
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Hi Sergio. I've had the pleasure of working at a Y at one point in my career. What I truly enjoyed about that experience is the opportunity to help "regular people." I also love the family atmosphere there, and am fully supportive of the organization's mission. I found most people at the Y very friendly and family-oriented.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
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Answered by Allison Reinhardt 36 days ago
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I have been employed by a YMCA for almost 6 years and have truly enjoyed my experience. If your goal in fitness is to help reach "health-seekers" vs. Hans and Frans the Y is the right place for you. In my years there I have been able to move from 100% direct delivery to more administrative (though I still train and teach too!) and have have excellent support for my career via the Executive Director. The rewards at the Y definately do not end at a paycheck, it is sooooo much more!
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Answered by Harris Sophocleous 22 days ago
Member
43 Questions Answered, 2 Questions Asked
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Hi Sergio,

I started my career at the Y almost 20 years ago. I earned my first PT credentials there and it was a great opportunity for me to learn and practice my first steps as a trainer. I always recommend the Y to new trainers because it's a great place to start a career in the fitness industry.
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