Group fitness instructor job description

The standard qualification is a Certificate III in Fitness (group exercise) or equivalent, along with current first aid and CPR certification and working rights in Australia. Format-specific accreditations — such as Les Mills, spin, yoga or pilates — are advantageous for those class types.

Yes, current first aid and CPR certification is a standard requirement because instructors lead participants through physical activity. Track expiry dates so certifications stay current — HR software makes this easy to manage across a team of instructors.

Mandatory requirements usually include a Certificate III in Fitness, current first aid and CPR, and working rights in Australia. Preferred qualifications include AUSactive registration and format-specific accreditations. Avoid over-qualifying the role, as it can narrow your candidate pool unnecessarily.

Yes. Many instructors specialise in particular formats such as yoga, pilates, spin or HIIT. Specify the required accreditations for each format in the job description, and use scheduling that matches instructors to the classes they are qualified to teach.

This depends on your timetable. Casual instructors offer flexibility for variable class schedules but attract a 25% casual loading under the Fitness Award. Permanent part-time staff provide timetable consistency and stronger retention. Many studios use a mix — permanent staff for core classes and casuals for peaks and cover.

Under the Fitness Award (MA000094), full-time and part-time staff receive Saturday at 125%, Sunday at 150% and public holidays at 250%. Casual staff instead get a 25% loading on weekday hours and a flat rate of about 130% of the base for ordinary hours on weekends and public holidays. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Broken shifts are common in fitness — for example, a morning and an evening class block. Under the Fitness Award, a broken shift allowance of about $18.07 per day (plus about $2.15 for excess fares) applies on top of the rates for the hours worked. Confirm the current amount in the Fitness Award pay guide.

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual, part-time or full-time), pay rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties and required certifications such as Certificate III in Fitness and first aid. For casuals, include the 25% loading. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Award and agreement rostering rules vary, so confirm the notice period that applies to your business. As a general practice, providing timetables at least 7 days in advance gives instructors visibility of their classes. Using rostering software helps ensure compliance and reduces last-minute changes.

Build reusable roster templates for your weekly timetable, then match qualified instructors to each class format and timeslot. Use rostering tools to track hours, monitor coverage and adjust when instructors are unavailable. See our guide on how to roster fitness staff.

Set a clear policy that swaps only happen between instructors qualified for that class format, and require manager approval. Use rostering software with swap and approval workflows so cover is always suitably qualified and hours are tracked accurately for payroll.

Collect availability preferences during onboarding and update them regularly. Use HR software and rostering tools to track when each instructor can work and which formats they teach. Clear availability policies simplify timetable planning and reduce gaps in coverage.