Group exercise instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position Summary

We’re seeking passionate, certified fitness professionals to join our team and deliver Life Time’s premier Signature Group Training format(s). Whether your expertise lies in sprint coaching, Olympic lifting, bootcamp-style conditioning, Reformer-based athletic training, or mind-body performance, we offer a role that empowers you to lead an exceptional member experience aligned with your background.

As a Signature Format Coach, you’ll inspire and empower members through high-energy, results-driven programming while cultivating a strong sense of community and belonging. You’ll lead with presence, purpose, and a deep understanding of your chosen format’s unique identity.

General Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, effective, and inspiring workouts specific to your Signature format
• Provide coaching cues, progressions, and modifications to support all fitness levels
• Create a motivating, inclusive, and high-energy group environment
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional training space
• Promote Life Time’s Signature programming and brand culture
• Participate in brand trainings, teach backs, and ongoing coaching development

Signature Format Opportunities

Ultra Fit – Sprint-Based Conditioning
Best Fit For: Performance coaches or track specialists
Key Focus: High-intensity treadmill intervals, explosive movement, and all areas that improve sprint performance—including agility, balance, power, and mobility
Required: Background in sprint coaching and sprinting biomechanics
Preferred: Experience leading group-based athletic conditioning classes

Alpha Strength – Olympic Lifting & Strength Coaching
Best Fit For: Strength coaches and certified personal trainers
Key Focus: Olympic barbell lifts, progressive strength cycles, and small group performance training
Required: Olympic lifting certification (USAW L1, CF-L1, or equivalent)
Preferred: Experience with goal-oriented athlete development and periodized programming

Alpha Conditioning & GTX – Group Strength & Cardio
Best Fit For: Energetic group fitness instructors and performance-minded coaches
Key Focus: Functional strength, metabolic conditioning, and team-based workouts
Required: Strong leadership presence and ability to coach across all fitness levels
Preferred: Experience in bootcamp-style formats and heart rate-based training

CTR (Core Tone Reform) – Athletic Reformer Training
Best Fit For: Pilates professionals and fitness instructors who enjoy working with music
Key Focus: Full-body athletic movement on the Reformer, core integration, mobility, and rhythmic flow
Required: Reformer Pilates experience or certification
Preferred: Background in Barre, Yoga Sculpt, Warrior Sculpt, Pilates Mat Fusion, or rhythm-based fitness formats

MB – Mind-Body Mobility & Conditioning
Best Fit For: Yoga and fitness instructors, mobility specialists, and holistic coaches
Key Focus: Strength, flexibility, mindfulness, mobility, meditation, and functional movement
Required: Background in yoga, mobility, and/or strength training
Preferred: Strong motivational presence; ideal for yoga teachers, yoga sculpt, barre, or fitness instructors looking to create meaningful, impactful class experiences that go beyond exercise

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• CPR/AED Certification
• At least one nationally recognized certification related to your chosen format
• 1+ year teaching or coaching experience in your area of expertise
• Ability to physically demonstrate and effectively teach your format
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, or a related field
• Experience teaching across multiple fitness modalities
• Familiarity with heart rate training tools and performance data coaching
• Proven ability to build strong member relationships and community engagement

Pay

This position pays a class rate between $60.00 and $95.00, based on experience, qualifications, and duration of the class. The class rate compensates for all working time associated with teaching classes (including without limitation, all time spent in class as well as all pre- and post-class working time).

Benefits

All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:

• A fully subsidized membership

• Discounts on Life Time products and services

• (k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older)

• Training and professional development

• Paid sick leave where required by law

Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage

• Short term and long term disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans

• Parental leave and adoption assistance

• Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave

• Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold

Life Time may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) in connection with various aspects of its recruitment and hiring functions. Ultimate employment decisions are subject to human review and oversight. Life Time does not use AI in a manner that would have the effect of subjecting applicants to discrimination on the basis of protected classes or proxies or for engaging in any protected activity under applicable law.

Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.