Fitness and Restorative Wellness Trainer in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Parallel Corporate

We are seeking a passionate and creative Fitness & Restorative Wellness Trainer to design and lead an engaging, whole-person wellness program for residents in our senior living community. This is more than personal training — it's an opportunity to build a dynamic, rehabilitation-minded program that improves strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life through innovative and meaningful movement experiences. We welcome candidates from personal training, restorative care, occupational therapy, and physical therapy backgrounds who are excited to bring fresh ideas to senior wellness.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct individualized fitness and functional movement assessments to establish baselines in strength, balance, flexibility, and daily living performance. Design and deliver creative, restorative programming — including strength training, balance and fall-prevention circuits, chair yoga, therapeutic movement, and sensory or cognitive-motor activities. Lead both one-on-one sessions and energetic group classes that keep residents motivated and engaged. Collaborate closely with nursing staff, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and restorative aides to create cohesive, care-aligned wellness plans. Develop programming that bridges the gap between skilled therapy discharge and long-term functional independence. Educate residents, families, and care staff on the role of consistent movement in healthy aging, fall prevention, and chronic condition management. Track and document resident progress, participation, and functional improvements. Contribute new ideas and help shape the evolution of our wellness program — your creativity is genuinely welcomed here.

Qualifications

We encourage applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including:

• Certified Personal Trainers (NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) with senior or clinical experience
• Restorative Aides or Restorative Therapy Technicians with hands-on senior care experience
• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) interested in a wellness-focused role
• Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) looking to expand into community-based programming

Additional qualifications include a senior fitness specialty certification (preferred but not required), current CPR/AED certification, familiarity with age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, balance disorders, and dementia, and a genuine passion for working with older adults. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to motivate a diverse resident population are essential.

Work Environment

This role blends structured fitness sessions with creative program development, giving you real ownership over how wellness looks and feels in our community. You'll work in our fitness studio, common areas, and on resident floors — adapting your approach to meet residents where they are. Some physical exertion is required, including demonstrating exercises and assisting residents with mobility aids or equipment.