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Getting people moving:

Our work and impact in fiscal year 2024-2025

An overwhelming body of evidence indicates that even a moderate amount of weekly physical activity enhances health, prevents costly inactivity-related diseases, and contributes to a more joyful life. The following report highlights achievements and impact made from July 2024 to June 2025.

Celebrating 40 Years!

In 2025, ACE proudly celebrated 40 years of transforming lives through health and fitness, and we're just getting started. In the next 40 years, we're committed to continuing to shape the future of the industry. We'll push boundaries, embrace innovation, and continue empowering health and exercise professionals to inspire healthier, happier lives.

As we reflect on four decades of progress, we are energized by the possibilities ahead. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Let's build on our legacy and propel the world toward a more active, vibrant future—for the next 40 years and beyond!

Credentials

A foundational component of our approach to getting people moving is the certification of well-qualified exercise professionals and health coaches. With every professional we certify, the impact of evidence-based exercise programming and health coaching provided by ACE Certified Professionals becomes more widespread.

The respect and recognition of ACE certification programs is truly global. Since 2003, our four primary certification programs have been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The ACE Personal Trainer and ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Programs are also recognized by the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPs).

ACE is an enthusiastic supporter and leader of exercise professionals and health coaches who inspire communities around the world in getting and staying physically active.

Number of ACE Professionals (From July 2024 to June 2025.*)

50,031 Personal Trainers
+2,799 Pros with Personal Trainer Certificates
8.9MM Estimated number of client sessions conducted by ACE Certified Personal Trainers from July 2024 to June 2025.*
20,396 Group Fitness Instructors
1.2MM Estimated number of classes taught by ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructors from July 2024 to June 2025.*
5,817 Health Coaches
344,629 Estimated number of coaching sessions conducted by ACE Certified Health Coaches from 2024 to June 2025.*
824 Certified Medical Exercise Specialists
81,594 Estimated number of client sessions conducted by ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialists from 2024 to June 2025.*
4,105 Number of people enrolled in ACE Specialist Programs
Fitness Nutrition, Senior Fitness, Corrective Exercise, Functional Training, Weight Management, Behavior Change, Sports Performance, Youth Fitness, Pilates Mat, Size Inclusive Fitness, Pain-free Movement, Cancer Exercise, The BioMechanics Corrective Exercise

*Figures based on the number of personal trainers, group fitness instructors, health coaches, and certified medical exercise specialists and the average number of client sessions and classes per week. Averages are based on independent survey data collected from ACE Certified Professionals.

ACE Certification
Advisory Board

ACE convened its first-ever Certification Advisory Board to serve as a subcommittee to the ACE Board of Directors and provide strategic guidance on key certification policies and objectives. The Advisory Board will play a critical role in shaping the requirements to earning ACE Certifications and in reviewing quality management processes necessary to maintain accreditation through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

This seven-member board is composed of experienced and practicing professionals who represent the full spectrum of ACE Certifications, including ACE Personal Trainer, ACE Group Fitness Instructor, ACE Health Coach, and ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialist. In addition, the Board includes expertise in the field of nutrition, ensuring a well-rounded approach to fitness and wellness certification.

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, ACE remains deeply committed to our mission of empowering healthier, more active lifestyles around the world. With tens of thousands of certified professionals, a strong network of global and domestic partners, world-class educational resources, and free community tools, we're proud to continue expanding our impact and championing wellness in every community we serve."

Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM

Chief Executive Officer, American Council on Exercise

ACE Pro Spotlight

Cindy Sullivan, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

From a young age, Cindy Sullivan loved exercise beginning with the aerobics classes she took with her mom at 13 years old. Even then, she dreamed of becoming a group fitness instructor. It wasn't until after years in corporate America that Cindy decided to follow her passion and work towards helping people live healthier, more active lives.

Armed with both an ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification and an ACE Personal Trainer Certification, Cindy began her journey by helping adults over 50 years old build strength and improve functional fitness. Now with over a decade of experience, she remains a passionate advocate for fitness at every age, especially for those seeking to enhance longevity, mobility, and independence.

"Fitness isn't just about muscles — it's about quality of life, and I love helping people discover what they're capable of!"

Education

ACE continues to prioritize the development and management of relevant, evidence-based content to ensure professionals are well-prepared to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. ACE offers a wide array of evidence-based education and career resources to equip health and exercise professionals with the knowledge and skills to grow their careers and elevate client experiences. In addition to developing its own courses, ACE curates high-quality content through remarketing partnerships to offer a diverse and relevant educational portfolio. During the past fiscal year, ACE launched 22 new education programs and courses, including:

ACE Health and Fitness Summit:

In May 2025, ACE held its Health and Fitness Summit: Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers. Now available as an online course, the event provided health and exercise professionals with the tools to navigate nutrition misinformation and more effectively support their clients. Five experts shared science-backed insights on trending topics like diet myths, gut health, plant-based nutrition, performance fueling, and navigating obesity medications. Learn more.

A Guide for Supporting Clients on Anti-Obesity Medications

In response to the increased use of obesity medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro — GLP-1 receptor agonists — and others in this drug class, ACE developed an interactive course to equip health and fitness professionals with a comprehensive understanding of obesity medications and their significant implications for clients, fitness professionals and the broader health and fitness industry. A Guide for Supporting Clients on Anti-Obesity Medications dives into the physiological effects of these medications, program development best practices and misconceptions to help pros lead with a client-centered approach using evidence-based information. Learn more.

AI in Fitness: The Next Frontier for Coaches

The fitness industry is rapidly evolving with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), shifting from passive information consumption to active AI-driven decision making. The AI in Fitness: The Next Frontier for Coaches introduces a comprehensive approach to navigating the AI age in fitness and using AI tools as a fitness professional. Learn more.

Achieving Longevity through Movement

The Achieving Longevity though Movement course offers innovative, practical solutions to help individuals embrace sustainable health habits. From holistic yoga to advanced recovery techniques, the course provides health and exercise professionals with the skills needed to enhance their practice and elevate their approach to wellness and longevity. Learn more.

  • ACE Health and Fitness Summit:

    ACE Health and Fitness Summit:

    In May 2025, ACE held its Health and Fitness Summit: Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers. Now available as an online course, the event provided health and exercise professionals with the tools to navigate nutrition misinformation and more effectively support their clients. Five experts shared science-backed insights on trending topics like diet myths, gut health, plant-based nutrition, performance fueling, and navigating obesity medications. Learn more.

  • A Guide for Supporting Clients on Anti-Obesity Medications

    A Guide for Supporting Clients on Anti-Obesity Medications

    In response to the increased use of anti-obesity medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro — GLP-1 receptor agonists — and others in this drug class, ACE developed an interactive course to equip health and fitness professionals with a comprehensive understanding of anti-obesity medications and their significant implications for clients, fitness professionals and the broader health and fitness industry. A Guide for Supporting Clients on Anti-Obesity Medications dives into the physiological effects of these medications, program development best practices and misconceptions to help pros lead with a client-centered approach using evidence-based information. Learn more.

  • AI in Fitness: The Next Frontier for Coaches

    AI in Fitness: The Next Frontier for Coaches

    The fitness industry is rapidly evolving with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), shifting from passive information consumption to active AI-driven decision making. The AI in Fitness: The Next Frontier for Coaches introduces a comprehensive approach to navigating the AI age in fitness and using AI tools as a fitness professional. Learn more.

  • Achieving Longevity through Movement

    Achieving Longevity through Movement

    The Achieving Longevity though Movement course offers innovative, practical solutions to help individuals embrace sustainable health habits. From holistic yoga to advanced recovery techniques, the course provides health and exercise professionals with the skills needed to enhance their practice and elevate their approach to wellness and longevity. Learn more.

Public Benefit & Population Health Improvement

In the past fiscal year, ACE continued to provide accessible educational content, promote increased physical activity, and build partnerships across various sectors—all with the goal of supporting and motivating individuals to meet recommended physical activity levels and, in turn, prevent and manage chronic diseases.

Education and Resources for the Public

ACE provides a vast amount of education to the public, including articles, blogs, course content, and libraries. These include:

NEW! Foundations for Community Physical Activity Leaders (CPAL)

Created in partnership with and funded by Special Olympics International, the Foundations for Community Physical Activity Leaders (CPAL) is a free, online course designed to educate and empower community members seeking to get their communities more active. In its three inaugural months, more than 550 individuals signed up for the course.

The course was specifically designed to be accessible and inclusive to diverse populations, including individuals with developmental disabilities. It covers fundamental concepts of physical activity, proper exercise techniques, and community-building strategies, including a special module focused on working with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Learn more.

NEW! Research on the 12-3-30 Workout

ACE sponsored research to explore the health benefits of the 12-3-30 workout, a fitness routine that gained significant popularity through social media. The peer-reviewed research study found that the workout is a simple yet effective way to achieve substantial health benefits. These findings help provide evidence-based, accessible information to the public on this trending workout, making it accessible to beginners or those seeking a time-efficient routine. Learn more.

Authored by a diverse team of leading industry experts, the ACE Insights Blog and the ACE Healthy Living Blog deliver timely articles to help professionals best serve their clients, empower inclusive practices and environments, and for the public to gain information for healthier living. Learn more.

Professionals and the public have free access to the ACE Exercise Library, which offers tips and instructions for a variety of total body exercises and movements. Learn more.

This free monthly digital publication provides insights into the latest fitness trends, research findings, and professional tips to help health and fitness professionals stay well informed and current. Learn more.

ACE hosts free, live webinars where top health and fitness experts share their evidence-based, timely education virtually. Learn more.

Established in 2009, ACE provides support to thousands of active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and their spouses.

Military Financial Assistance

More than 200 ACE articles providing free education and tips on physical activity were shared on ACE social media, including its 96.5K followers on Instagram, 272K followers on Facebook, 93K followers on LinkedIn, 65.9K followers on X/twitter, 171 followers and growing on TikTok, and 86.8K followers on YouTube.

In FY24-25, ACE was featured in 2,288 unique news stories and op-eds to inspire and encourage physical activity—an 18% increase over the previous year. Social media engagement with these stories (shares, comments, and likes) rose to 117%, more than doubling year-over-year. Through the reach of journalists and the audiences of the publications featuring ACE content, our education and promotion of physical activity had the potential to reach 30 billion devices worldwide.

Key Partnerships

ACE leaders served on numerous advisory panels and established collaborative relationships with key
organizations in the field of population-health improvement, including:

Active People, Healthy Nation

An initiative of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Forbes Health Medical Advisory Board

A panel of board-certified, experienced clinicians and practitioners who review articles and advise on content related to medical advice in Forbes Health content.

Roundtable on Obesity Solutions

A committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)

Physical Activity and Health Innovation Collaborative

A committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)

Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) Board of Directors Member

PAA is the nation's largest coalition dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity through policy and system changes that empower all Americans to lead active lives.

Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals (CREP) Founding Member

A nonprofit organization that advocates for the recognition of exercise professionals holding NCCA-accredited or ISO 17024-compliant certifications, aiming to advance the fitness profession through credential verification and policy support.

U.S. News & World Report Medical Review Board and Regular Contributor

The U.S. News and World report Medical Review Board is composed of board-certified pharmacists, registered dietitians, exercise scientists and certified fitness professionals.

American College of Lifestyle Medicine National Training Initiative

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) National Training Initiative (NTI) is a commitment of more than $2 million in matching scholarship funds to train and certify, at minimum, one physician in lifestyle medicine within each Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and Community Health Center (CHC) across the United States. ACE is the first impact partner of this initiative, and in fiscal year 2024-2025 developed all resources and executed the first pilot to train FQHC healthcare professionals.

The pilot concluded in April 2025 with positive reviews from participants, including primary care providers and medical case managers. Participants appreciated and were excited to bring this behavior-change content and the six pillars of wellness resources to their facilities.

Lakeshore Foundation

In August 2024, ACE partnered with the Lakeshore Foundation, a recognized leader in promoting healthy, active lifestyles for individuals with physical disabilities. Together, ACE and the Lakeshore Foundation developed and disseminated multiple blogs about inclusive fitness and created related social media posts.

Serving Clients with Disabilities: Expanding Opportunities
August 22, 2024
Inclusive Fitness Services: Ensuring Accessibility
September 20, 2024
Inclusive and Equitable Fitness: Equipment and Technology
October 4, 2024

"At ACE, we believe in the power of partnership to drive meaningful, lasting change. By working together, we strive to make physical activity accessible to all and improve lives through innovative health and fitness solutions."

John Lally, MBA

Chair, ACE Board of Directors

Science and Education

ACE made a significant investment in original studies examining the effectiveness of exercise practices, trends, and behavior-change interventions, underscoring our strong commitment to evidence-based practice, to advancing knowledge in the fitness industry, and to supporting meaningful, practitioner-focused research that addresses practical questions relevant to fitness professionals and their clients.

Science

In fiscal year 2024-2025, ACE sponsored independent research on a number of topics, including:

Effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method to Promote Health Eating Habits

This research project explored the effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method in promoting healthy eating habits, building on prior findings that showed the method significantly enhanced behavior change when combined with an exercise program. The ACE Mover Method, grounded in client-centered communication and operationalized through the ACE ABC Approach, engaged individuals as active participants in their lifestyle change journey. The study included 24 participants from the Western Colorado University Wellness Elevated program, using recorded interactions and statistical analysis to assess dietary improvements. Ultimately, the research aimed to provide ACE professionals with evidence-based strategies to support healthier eating behaviors and improve community health while staying within scope of practice.

What is the Best Type of Recovery Across Heat, Cold, Ischemic Precondition (IPC), and Massage?

This research project investigated which recovery method—hot tub, ice bath, ischemic preconditioning, or foam rolling—was most effective for enhancing performance and recovery. Recognizing recovery as essential for both athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the study involved 12 active adults who performed exercise tests before and after using each recovery method. Researchers evaluated changes in physical performance, perceived recovery, and physiological metrics to determine which intervention yielded the best results. The findings aimed to inform evidence-based recovery practices, potentially reshaping how exercise professionals designed training and recovery protocols.

Trusted Insight on Trending Topics

ACE provides timely, evidence-based content, much at no cost to professionals and the public. In fiscal year 2024-2025, ACE informed or produced the following pieces about Artificial Intelligence (AI), obesity medications (OM), mental health and wellness, and longevity.

International Partnerships

In the past fiscal year, there were nearly 17,000 ACE Certified Professionals in 134 countries outside of the U.S.

(compared to fiscal year 2023-2024, increase of 21% and 18% respectively).

Through strategic partnerships with vocational schools, institutions of higher learning and major health-club chains spanning from Hungary to China, ACE expanded its global footprint of ACE Certified Professionals.

17,000 ACE Certified
Professionals
134 Countries outside
of the U.S.

Canada

ACE partnered with three organizations in Canada, including the Elevated Learning Academy, Inc., who have been a partner for 12 years, and INFOFIT Educators, who have been a partner for 10 years. ACE also partnered with Makami College and Mohawk college.

China

ACE partnered with 3HFIT and Xinchun Fitness Co., LTD. in mainland China. ACE explored how to support China's 2025 health policy, which seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of its citizens.

Finland

ACE partnered with the Nordic Health Academy in Helsinki.

Hong Kong SAR China

ACE partnered with Fitness Academy Asia, headquartered in Kowloon.

Hungary

ACE partnered with International Fitness Education, who is currently exploring translating ACE materials into local languages for greater distribution. IWI is offering a local language Govt approved Medical Exercise Specialist program. The foundation of the course is the ACE HC manual with some of the chapters having been translated.

India

ACE partnered with Classic Fitness, a partner for over 11 years. Additional partners included Fitness Matters, Fit India Trust, Lexicon Academy for Personal and Fitness Training, and Prehab 121. In 2023 ACE introduced local printing for this market. We offer the ACE PT textbook.

Lebanon

ACE partnered with Inspire Fitness Academy in Beirut, a partner for 5 years. ACE also started a new partnership with Lebanese American University Academy of Continuing Education. Also offering the ACE exam and PT textbook in Arabic. Have run courses in several Middle Eastern countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Lithuania

ACE partnered with Active Training, headquartered in Vilnius.

Thailand

ACE partnered with Fitness Innovations Thailand.

Malaysia

ACE partnered with Fitness Innovations Malaysia (FITM) in Selangor.

Singapore

ACE has multiple partners in Singapore, including the Academy of Sports and Exercise Science, Fit Asia, International Sports Academy, PSB Academy, and Institute of Technical Education.

South Korea

ACE offers a local language ACE Certified Personal Trainer manual and exam with a new partner.

Taipei

In Taipei, ACE partnered with Fit Taiwan and 3HFIT, a partner for more than 6 years. ACE and Fooyin University began a new partnership in 2023.

United Arab Emirates

ACE and partner Inspire Fitness Academy expanded efforts to the United Arab Emirates.

Zimbabwe

ACE partnered with Innovate Sport & Health, a partner for more than 11 years.

International Partners Include:

  • Canada

    Canada

    ACE partnered with three organizations in Canada, including the Elevated Learning Academy, Inc., who have been a partner for 12 years, and INFOFIT Educators, who have been a partner for 10 years. ACE also partnered with Makami College and Mohawk college.

  • China

    China

    ACE partnered with 3HFIT and Xinchun Fitness Co., LTD. in mainland China. ACE explored how to support China's 2025 health policy, which seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of its citizens.

  • Finland

    Finland

    ACE partnered with the Nordic Health Academy in Helsinki.

  • Hong Kong SAR China

    Hong Kong SAR China

    ACE partnered with Fitness Academy Asia, headquartered in Kowloon.

  • Hungary

    Hungary

    ACE partnered with International Fitness Education, who is currently exploring translating ACE materials into local languages for greater distribution. IWI is offering a local language Govt approved Medical Exercise Specialist program. The foundation of the course is the ACE HC manual with some of the chapters having been translated.

  • India

    India

    ACE partnered with Classic Fitness, a partner for over 11 years. Additional partners included Fitness Matters, Fit India Trust, Lexicon Academy for Personal and Fitness Training, and Prehab 121. In 2023 ACE introduced local printing for this market. We offer the ACE PT textbook.

  • Lebanon

    Lebanon

    ACE partnered with Inspire Fitness Academy in Beirut, a partner for 5 years. ACE also started a new partnership with Lebanese American University Academy of Continuing Education. Also offering the ACE exam and PT textbook in Arabic. Have run courses in several Middle Eastern countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

  • Lithuania

    Lithuania

    ACE partnered with Active Training, headquartered in Vilnius.

  • Malaysia

    Malaysia

    ACE partnered with Fitness Innovations Malaysia (FITM) in Selangor.

  • Singapore

    Singapore

    ACE has multiple partners in Singapore, including the Academy of Sports and Exercise Science, Fit Asia, International Sports Academy, PSB Academy, and Institute of Technical Education.

  • South Korea

    South Korea

    ACE offers a local language ACE Certified Personal Trainer manual and exam with a new partner.

  • Taipei

    Taipei

    In Taipei, ACE partnered with Fit Taiwan and 3HFIT, a partner for more than 6 years. ACE and Fooyin University began a new partnership in 2023.

  • Thailand

    Thailand

    ACE partnered with Fitness Innovations Thailand.

  • United Arab Emirates

    United Arab Emirates

    ACE and partner Inspire Fitness Academy expanded efforts to the United Arab Emirates.

  • Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe

    ACE partnered with Innovate Sport & Health, a partner for more than 11 years.

Countries and regions with ACE Certified Professionals

ACE Pro Spotlight

Emmanuel (Mann) San Gil ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Emmanuel (Mann) San Gil has been an ACE Personal Trainer since 2001 and is a fitness leader in the Philippines. With over 24 years of experience, Mann has performed multiple roles in the fitness industry: physical education teacher, gym fitness instructor, freelance personal trainer, group fitness class instructor, gym operations manager, commercial club general manager, and other work related to the field of fitness and wellness.

When asked to provide tips to aspiring health and fitness professionals, Mann emphasizes that "learning never stops. One of my aces up my sleeve is that I make sure my skillsets are constantly updated. Such upskilling and cross training has served me very well in the past 20+ years, allowing me to take on multiple roles in the field of fitness and wellness. To be honest, ACE has been very helpful in helping me to identify areas to expand my knowledge and opportunities."

Collaboration and Advocacy

Like-minded collaborators

Physical Activity Alliance

ACE is an active partner and supporter of the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA), an organization dedicated to making active choices easy. PAA collaborates with other leading health advocacy organizations in the United States to lead efforts in creating, supporting, and advocating for policy and system changes that enable all Americans to enjoy physically active lives.

In fiscal year 2024-2025, ACE served on the PAA board of directors and worked directly with the PAA to amplify their advocacy efforts for increasing physical activity and improved health for Americans. Key initiatives included:

  • Continued support of the "It's Time to Move" campaign, a multi-year project that will empower health care providers to seamlessly integrate physical activity clinical measures into patient care plans and help make physical activity prescription a standard of care.
  • Continued participation in the HL7 Physical Activity Implementation Guide, which aims to standardize interoperability expectations for systems involved in measuring, reporting, and intervening to improve patient physical activity levels in the U.S.

Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals (CREP)

ACE is a founding member of the Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals (CREP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and leadership to help people lead more active, healthy lifestyles through movement, physical activity and exercise. In the past year, ACE supported episodes of CREP's new webinar series, sharing valuable knowledge and facilitating important discussions, including "Unlocking Health through Movement: How Registered Exercise Professionals Should Prepare for Healthcare Referrals" and "Navigating the Global Waters: The Essentials of International Portability."

In addition to its leadership within CREP, ACE led conference presentations and sessions at multiple industry events. These include:

Lauren Shroyer, MS, ATC, ACE Vice President of Product and Innovation, was a panelist for an American Heart Association "Go Red for Women" discussion in October 2024.
Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, ACE CEO, presented the opening keynote "Understanding & Applying the Art & Science of Effective Exercise Programming" for the Medical Fitness Association 2025 Annual Meeting.
Sabrena Jo, PhD, ACE Senior Director of Science & Education, presented "Supportive Role of Exercise for People with Obesity" for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Nutrition Science and Communications Forum in April 2025.
Anthony Wall, PhD, ACE National Spokesperson and Global Wellness Ambassador, discussed AI and its impact on fitness and health for the Me2We 2025 at Stanford LEAD.
Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, ACE CEO, presented the opening keynote "Understanding & Applying the Art & Science of Effective Exercise Programming" for the Fitness Industry Suppliers Association (FISA) West 2025.