Fitness Specialist

Goodwin Living is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace in the greater Washington, D.C. region by The Washington Post every year since 2019 — and now nationally by USA Today. Since 2022, we’ve also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the Top Virginia Employers for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered through an annual third-party survey. Here’s what they say makes us stand out:

• Embracing Diversity: Our strength is in our diverse team from over 65 countries, fostering an inclusive and vibrant culture that values every voice. 
• Growth and Opportunities: We bolster personal and professional development, offering myriad opportunities, from on-the-job training to mentorship programs and financial support, to help you reach your full potential. 
• Valuing Our Team Members: By prioritizing team member satisfaction, we create a fulfilling work environment with competitive benefits, work-life balance, and recognition programs, ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued. 

The Fitness Specialist is primarily responsible for working under the direction of the Fitness Manager to develop and implement a comprehensive physical fitness program. Responsibilities include overseeing the fitness center, conducting exercise classes, performing physical assessments, monitoring individual exercise programs, and providing personal training services. These activities support older adults with a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities.

Starting pay $30/hr

• Works with residents in Independent Living, Assisted Living, Health Care Center, and Memory Care by offering fitness activities and classes appropriate to resident needs and abilities.
• Organizes, publicizes, and implements resident participation in the NOVA Senior Olympics.
• Oversees the Personal Training Program by scheduling one-on-one training sessions with residents and monitoring program revenue.
• Assists with oversight and maintenance of fitness center equipment.
• Conducts fitness assessments and monitors individualized exercise programs.
• Leads group fitness classes designed for older adults with varying levels of mobility and cognitive functioning.
• Encourages resident engagement, wellness, and safe participation in fitness activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field preferred, but not required.
• Personal training certification such as ACSM, ACE required. Additional certifications in specialized areas focused in fitness for older adults/water aerobics etc.
• Experience working with older adults preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to motivate and safely guide individuals with varying physical and cognitive abilities.
• CPR/AED certification preferred or willingness to obtain upon hire.

At Goodwin Living, we can all find work with purpose! As a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Northern Virginia, we are driven by our mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into that statement. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has inspired our team members to vote us into the Washington Post Top Workplace rankings since 2019, and they made us #3 in 2025!