Personal Trainer Jobs in Illinois

GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Part-Time Non-Exempt

Reports to: Group Fitness Coordinator / General Manager

We’re seeking a Group Fitness Instructor who is passionate about becoming part of our club members’ fitness journey and providing a great class experience.

This role is offered by JEM Wellness Brands, a proud franchise operator of Crunch Fitness—the “No Judgment Gym” known for fun, effective workouts. Crunch serves over 3 million members across 500+ locations and ranks #1 in fitness and #32 overall on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 (2025), featuring its new Crunch 3.0 design.

JEM Wellness Brands is growing rapidly and committed to your future. Since 2022, we’ve acquired six Northern California Crunch locations, partnered with Atticus Franchise Group, and set a goal to open 75 new gyms by 2032. This year, we celebrated a Brookfield, WI opening with NBA star Trae Young and JEM leadership. Our mission is to empower people to feel good in their bodies, confident in their choices, and connected to a lifestyle of wellness. We operate with core values of Resilience, Service, Transformation, and Excellence—building a movement of self-improvement through purpose-driven work and a people-first culture.

Position Overview

The Group Fitness Instructor will deliver a superior class and fitness experience. The Instructor will get to know our members and become a part of their journey to ensure that their class experience and fitness expectations are met.

Group Fitness Instructor Responsibilities

Class Instruction & Member Engagement

• Deliver safe, effective, and motivational group fitness classes
• Help members achieve their fitness goals through engaging instruction
• Provide a positive and professional experience during every class

Compliance & Professional Standards

• Maintain all mandatory education certifications
• Follow instructor sign-in/sign-out procedures
• Understand and adhere to all club policies, procedures, and standards
• Model behavior consistent with the Crunch brand and mission statement
• Maintain a professional disposition at all times

Communication & Member Support

• Respond promptly and professionally to member concerns related to group fitness
• Facilitate member requests or escalate to a manager when necessary
• Communicate updates and participate in weekly emails, monthly Zoom calls, and quarterly meetings

Administrative & Operational Duties

• Accurately track and report class attendance numbers
• Stay engaged with the instructor portal and social media for updates and brand promotions
• Attend monthly or weekly department meetings, employee training sessions, and quarterly staff meetings for new class rollouts

Required Skills & Experience

Certifications

• Nationally Accredited Group Fitness Certification (AFAA, ACE, or NASM preferred)
• CPR/AED certification (required; may be obtained within 30 days of hire)

Instructional Experience

• Proven experience teaching exercise classes for clients of all fitness levels
• Ability to lead a variety of formats (e.g., Bootcamp, Kickboxing, Zumba, TRX, Sculpt, Yoga, Pilates, Cycle, POUND, HIIT)
• Ability to create a high-energy, motivating class environment

Communication & Customer Service

• Strong verbal communication skills
• Excellent customer service orientation

Preferred Experience

• Specialty certifications (e.g., Spinning, Yoga Alliance, PMA, TRX)
• Experience in managing class platforms and updating social media/portals
• Previous success in member engagement or class retention initiatives

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift or move up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Physical effort required for daily duties include prolonged standing and walking

Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required

Schedule Requirement

This position is designated as a day-shift role. Employees must be available and flexible to work any day of the week, Monday through Sunday, as scheduled by the Company. Work schedules may vary based on business needs.

Compensation (Hourly)

• $16.60/hour Admin Rate

• $20.00 - 30.00 Class Rate

Benefits

• Retirement Savings – 401(k) plan with employee contribution options, available to all employees after six months of service available for full-time and part-time employees.
• Wellness Perks – Complimentary Crunch gym membership for all employees.
• Safety & Certification Support – Free CPR/AED re-certifications provided by the company for all employees.

Disclaimer

It is the responsibility of the candidate to obtain and maintain all required certifications at their own expense, including but not limited to Personal Training Certification, Group Fitness Certification, and CPR/AED Certification, as a condition of employment.

Conditional Employment Statement – Group Fitness Instructor Roles

Employment in this position is contingent upon meeting the following certification requirements:

If you do not currently hold a Nationally Accredited Group Fitness Certification, you must obtain one within 90 days of your hire date.

Accepted Certifications (one or more required):

• AFAA – Group Fitness Instructor
• ACE – Group Fitness Instructor
• NASM – Group Fitness Instructor

Failure to meet this requirement within the specified timeframe may result in termination of employment.

About JEM Wellness Brands

Founded in 2022, JEM Wellness Brands is a first-in-class health and wellness franchisee platform and an official franchise partner of Crunch Fitness. Our mission is simple: to empower people to feel good in their bodies, confident in their choices, and connected to a lifestyle of wellness. Through our portfolio of industry-leading brands, we do good by doing well.

We envision a world where wellness is accessible, inclusive, and deeply personal—where fitness, beauty, and recovery are not just services, but a way of life. Guided by our core values of Resilience, Service, Transformation, and Excellence, we strive to create meaningful experiences for our community, team members, and customers.

At JEM, culture is our heartbeat. We’re a team of passionate leaders and purpose-driven professionals who celebrate wins, support growth, and put people first—always.

Additional Requirements & Equal Opportunity Statement

All employees at JEM Wellness Brands must be 18 years of age or older.

Crunch Fitness Powered by JEM Wellness Brands provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Please note: Crunch Fitness Powered by JEM Wellness Brands does not offer visa sponsorship or support visa transfers for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Crunch Fitness Powered by JEM Wellness Brands