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?
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.
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!
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
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
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