OPT Group Exercise Instructor Jobs
Group Exercise Instructor jobs on OPT are available at gyms, university recreation centers, and corporate wellness programs. Most positions are part-time, so confirm your employer will authorize OPT for hourly or contract roles. A kinesiology, exercise science, or health promotion degree typically supports the specialty occupation requirement.
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OUR STORY:
Equinox Group is a high growth collective of the world's most influential, experiential, and differentiated lifestyle brands. We restlessly seek what is next for maximizing life - and boldly grow the lifestyle brands and experiences that define it. In addition to Equinox, our other brands, SoulCycle and Equinox Hotels are all recognized for inspiring and motivating members and employees to maximize life. Our portfolio of brands is recognized globally with locations within every major city across the United States in addition to London, Toronto, and Vancouver.
OUR CODE:
We are passionate about high performance living and we practice what we preach – investing time in our own health and fitness. We believe that everyone has untapped potential within them and it takes a disruptive approach to unleash it. We dream big and don’t settle for the status quo. We sweat the details. We never accept less than 110% to help each other deliver the Equinox experience and enable our members to get great results. We are obsessed with what’s new, what’s now, what’s next. Never following, always leading, living ahead of the moment in fashion, culture and consumer behavior. We aren’t just a company; we’re a community vested in each other’s success. We value humility and a team approach at every level of the company.
If you are a high performing individual who is passionate about winning and inspiring others then we are excited to discuss career opportunities with you.
Job Description
Equinox's location in Plano, TX is currently seeking Group Fitness Instructors. The position entails the following responsibilities. This is not a complete description, and certain responsibilities may additionally be presented along the course of employment:
- Deliver the Equinox Experience to our members in each class;
- Adhere to the description of the class and modify the intensity for participants when necessary;
- Continuously monitor the exercise intensity throughout the duration of the class;
- Ensure class begins and ends on time;
- Teach respective classes on a regular basis and keep subbing to a minimum;
- Communicate with Group Fitness Manager on member feedback, equipment and operational status, scheduling, and subbing;
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have the following experience and qualifications:
- Must possess a current Group Fitness Certification (ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM are acceptable) or a degree in a related field;
- Have experience teaching Group Fitness classes in a related discipline;
- Must possess and maintain current CPR/AED certification;
- Must be well-versed in basic anatomy, kinesiology, contraindicated exercises, exercise modifications for all populations and ACSM Guidelines for frequency, intensity, duration, and mode;
- Must be eager to learn and continue professional development and education;
- Must be friendly, vibrant, and outgoing; and
- Must have access to regular email and phone communication.
Additional Information
AS A MEMBER OF THE EQUINOX TEAM YOU WILL RECEIVE:
- We offer competitive salary, benefits, and industry leading commission opportunities for club employees
- Complimentary Club membership
- Perks and incentives with our products and services including Personal Training, Pilates, Spa and Shop
This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.
Equinox is an equal opportunity employer. For more information regarding our career opportunities, please visit one of our clubs or our website at https://careers.equinox.com/
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Must have a legal right to work in the United States.
Company Description
OUR STORY:
Equinox Group is a high growth collective of the world's most influential, experiential, and differentiated lifestyle brands. We restlessly seek what is next for maximizing life - and boldly grow the lifestyle brands and experiences that define it. In addition to Equinox, our other brands, SoulCycle and Equinox Hotels are all recognized for inspiring and motivating members and employees to maximize life. Our portfolio of brands is recognized globally with locations within every major city across the United States in addition to London, Toronto, and Vancouver.
OUR CODE:
We are passionate about high performance living and we practice what we preach – investing time in our own health and fitness. We believe that everyone has untapped potential within them and it takes a disruptive approach to unleash it. We dream big and don’t settle for the status quo. We sweat the details. We never accept less than 110% to help each other deliver the Equinox experience and enable our members to get great results. We are obsessed with what’s new, what’s now, what’s next. Never following, always leading, living ahead of the moment in fashion, culture and consumer behavior. We aren’t just a company; we’re a community vested in each other’s success. We value humility and a team approach at every level of the company.
If you are a high performing individual who is passionate about winning and inspiring others then we are excited to discuss career opportunities with you.
Job Description
Equinox's location in Plano, TX is currently seeking Group Fitness Instructors. The position entails the following responsibilities. This is not a complete description, and certain responsibilities may additionally be presented along the course of employment:
- Deliver the Equinox Experience to our members in each class;
- Adhere to the description of the class and modify the intensity for participants when necessary;
- Continuously monitor the exercise intensity throughout the duration of the class;
- Ensure class begins and ends on time;
- Teach respective classes on a regular basis and keep subbing to a minimum;
- Communicate with Group Fitness Manager on member feedback, equipment and operational status, scheduling, and subbing;
Qualifications
The successful candidate should have the following experience and qualifications:
- Must possess a current Group Fitness Certification (ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM are acceptable) or a degree in a related field;
- Have experience teaching Group Fitness classes in a related discipline;
- Must possess and maintain current CPR/AED certification;
- Must be well-versed in basic anatomy, kinesiology, contraindicated exercises, exercise modifications for all populations and ACSM Guidelines for frequency, intensity, duration, and mode;
- Must be eager to learn and continue professional development and education;
- Must be friendly, vibrant, and outgoing; and
- Must have access to regular email and phone communication.
Additional Information
AS A MEMBER OF THE EQUINOX TEAM YOU WILL RECEIVE:
- We offer competitive salary, benefits, and industry leading commission opportunities for club employees
- Complimentary Club membership
- Perks and incentives with our products and services including Personal Training, Pilates, Spa and Shop
This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the position. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Other duties not listed here may be assigned as necessary to ensure the proper operations of the department.
Equinox is an equal opportunity employer. For more information regarding our career opportunities, please visit one of our clubs or our website at https://careers.equinox.com/
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Must have a legal right to work in the United States.
See all 3,706+ OPT Group Exercise Instructor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Group Exercise Instructor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Group Exercise Instructor
Confirm the role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Group Exercise Instructor positions must require a bachelor's degree in a specific field to qualify under OPT. Roles tied to kinesiology, exercise science, or sports medicine programs at universities are stronger fits than general gym floor positions.
Target employers who understand OPT authorization
University recreation centers, hospital wellness programs, and corporate fitness facilities are more familiar with work authorization than independent gyms. These employers typically have HR teams equipped to process OPT Employment Authorization Documents correctly and on time.
Get your certifications before applying
ACE, NASM, or ACSM group fitness certifications signal professional credibility and strengthen your application. Employers in regulated wellness settings often require at least one active certification, and having it ready removes a common barrier during the hiring process.
Track your OPT employment start and end dates carefully
Your Employment Authorization Document has firm validity dates. If you're working part-time or across multiple employers simultaneously, document each authorization carefully to stay compliant and avoid gaps that could jeopardize your status with your designated school official.
Clarify employment classification with your employer
Some fitness facilities classify instructors as independent contractors rather than employees. For OPT purposes, self-employment is permitted but requires specific documentation. Confirm your classification early so your DSO can verify the arrangement meets SEVP reporting requirements.
Apply during semester breaks to maximize your options
Recreation centers and fitness programs often hire ahead of fall and spring semesters. Submitting applications two to three months before peak hiring periods gives your OPT paperwork time to process and your employer time to complete any required onboarding steps.
Group Exercise Instructor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Group Exercise Instructor job qualify for OPT?
It depends on the employer and how the role is defined. OPT requires that your job be directly related to your degree. If your degree is in kinesiology, exercise science, or a related field and the employer requires that background, the role can qualify. Positions at university recreation centers or medically affiliated wellness programs are stronger fits than hourly gym floor roles with no degree requirement.
Can I work as a Group Exercise Instructor for multiple gyms on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows multiple concurrent employers as long as each job is related to your degree and you work at least 20 hours per week in total. You must report each employer to your DSO so they can update your SEVIS record. Keep written documentation of your role, hours, and how each position relates to your field of study.
Where can I find Group Exercise Instructor jobs that work with OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa-friendly employers. Searching there helps you focus on employers already familiar with OPT authorization rather than spending time on applications where work authorization will be an obstacle. University job boards and campus recreation departments are also worth checking directly.
Can I work as an independent contractor Group Exercise Instructor on OPT?
Yes, self-employment is permitted on post-completion OPT. You can teach classes as an independent contractor, but you must document your business activity, keep records of clients and income, and report the self-employment to your DSO for SEVIS updates. Self-employment on STEM OPT extension is not permitted, so plan your timeline carefully if you intend to apply for an extension.
What happens if my Group Exercise Instructor job is part-time? Does that affect my OPT?
Part-time work of at least 20 hours per week counts as authorized employment under post-completion OPT. Working fewer than 20 hours per week is considered unemployment and counts toward your 90-day unemployment limit. If you're combining multiple part-time roles to meet that threshold, each position must still be related to your degree and reported to your DSO.