Head Strength Coach

Why We Exist

SWEAT DC was built on the belief that fitness should be about more than just workouts.

We believe strength training can change lives physically, mentally, and emotionally. We believe people deserve spaces where they feel seen, supported, challenged, and like they truly belong.

Our story is rooted in loss, transformation, performance, and community.

Founder Gerard Burley grew up poor in West Baltimore often feeling like he didn’t fully fit in anywhere as a Black gay kid searching for confidence, community, and belonging. After losing his mother suddenly to congestive heart failure at 18 years old, fitness became more than exercise. It became therapy, confidence, community, and a way to rebuild mentally and physically.

Gerard went on to study Sports Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earn a master’s degree in Health and Exercise Promotion, and play professional basketball overseas in Italy before returning home to build SWEAT DC in 2015.

That experience became the foundation for SWEAT.

Today, SWEAT has grown into one of Washington, D.C.’s leading strength training communities with one mission:

Help people become confident in their skin.

We are looking for coaches who believe fitness is bigger than counting reps. Coaches who care about human connection, creating belonging, building confidence, and helping people discover what they’re capable of both inside and outside the gym.

About the Role

SWEAT DC is looking for a passionate, experienced, high-energy Head Strength Coach to help lead and grow one of the most dynamic strength training communities in Washington, D.C.

This is not a typical group fitness instructor role.

We are building a real career path for elite coaches who want to coach at a high level, lead rooms with confidence, build deep relationships with members, and grow within a rapidly expanding company.

Our Head Strength Coaches help shape the culture, energy, and experience inside our studios every single day.

What You’ll Do

• Lead high-level strength training classes across multiple SWEAT DC studios • Coach movement quality, performance, and proper form • Create an unforgettable class experience rooted in energy, accountability, and human connection • Build relationships with members and support retention through authentic connection • Help mentor and support developing coaches • Execute SWEAT programming at a high level • Help create a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented culture • Bring professionalism, consistency, and leadership into every room

Who Thrives at SWEAT

The coaches who succeed here are passionate about people, energized by community, and committed to the craft of coaching.

Many of our strongest coaches come from backgrounds in strength training, athletics, personal training, group fitness, or performance coaching. Former athletes and experienced strength coaches often thrive in our environment because of the leadership, discipline, and energy they bring into the room.

We are especially looking for coaches who are excited to grow with us long-term, take on meaningful responsibility, and have strong availability across mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience coaching strength training, personal training, or group fitness • Strong communication and leadership skills • Ability to command a room with confidence and authenticity • Passion for helping people grow physically and mentally • Team-oriented mindset • Strong work ethic and professionalism • Current fitness certification preferred but not required for exceptional candidates • Former athletes strongly encouraged to apply

Compensation & Growth

SWEAT DC is committed to building real long-term opportunities for great coaches.

Full-time coaching opportunities are available for the right candidate, with compensation based on experience, leadership ability, availability, and overall role responsibilities.

Expected total compensation range: $70,000–$100,000+ potential

To Apply

Please submit your resume along with a short video introducing yourself and sharing why you’d be a great fit for SWEAT DC.