Getting People
Moving
Our work and impact in fiscal year 2025-2026
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.
For more than forty years, ACE has been at the forefront of empowering hundreds of thousands of health and fitness professionals to inspire healthier lifestyles. ACE Certified Pros led 11.7 million sessions across over 116 countries—making a measurable difference in global health.
The following report highlights the achievements and impact ACE delivered from July 2025 to June 2026.
Education
ACE is a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing education in exercise science and behavior-change coaching. We support health and exercise professionals with exceptional education that helps them grow their careers, earn the trust and respect of healthcare providers and the communities they serve, and ultimately inspire more people to move, improve their health, and live well.
Over the past fiscal year, ACE continued to invest in developing and curating relevant, evidence-based content to help professionals thrive in a rapidly changing field. Through innovative technology and multimodal learning options, we offer top-rated study programs and continuing education offerings grounded in science and proven to guide client success.
At ACE, we believe that engaging, inspiring, and innovative education ignites a passion for lifelong learning. By creating meaningful learning experiences, we help health and exercise professionals continuously grow their knowledge and skills while advancing the ACE mission of getting people moving. We are honored to support their professional journeys and provide opportunities that foster ongoing development and impact. Over the past year, ACE achieved the following milestones:
215,181+ Total ACE Learners
Individuals who engaged in ACE course content, including courses available in the ACE Learning Management System and on external sites such as Coursera.
150+ Total Courses ACE Offers
Unique number of courses available on ACE website.
36 New and updated ACE courses
Courses that were launched or had updated content in fiscal year 2025-2026.
Among ACE educational offerings, several standout courses have resonated strongly with professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, expand their impact, and support more people on their health and fitness journeys, including:
Behavior Coaching Skills That Turn Knowledge Into Action
The Behavior Coaching Skills That Turn Knowledge Into Action course explores evidence-based skills that help clients turn intentions into habits, build self-efficacy, and create sustainable lifestyle changes. Learn more.
Don't Sleep on Sleep: A Practical Coaching Framework
In the Don't Sleep on Sleep: A Practical Coaching Framework online course, learners delve into how they can translate complex sleep science into simple, actional steps their clients can follow. Learn more.
Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers
The online course Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers equips health and fitness professionals with the latest insights on nutrition, including diet trends, recovery strategies, plant-based eating, gut health, and the impact of behavior change and obesity medications. Learn more.
ACE Group Fitness Instruction Certificate
In addition to the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification, which is an NCCA-accredited Certification Program and requires a proctored exam, the ACE Group Fitness Instruction Certificate provides an alternative pathway for individuals interested in group fitness. It is designed to help aspiring professionals build knowledge and confidence as they prepare for the NCCA-accredited certification exam. Learn more.
ACE Health and Fitness Summit: Smarter Program Design for Every Body
In November 2025, ACE hosted Smarter Program Design for Every Body, a one-day live virtual summit designed to help health professionals create more adaptive, inclusive programs for diverse client needs. The event focused on supporting individuals navigating chronic conditions, training in larger bodies, returning to movement, or pursuing long-term fitness goals. The summit featured five expert-led sessions, interactive Q&As, and a guided movement break, drawing more than 500 registrations. Content from the Smarter Program Design for Every Body summit is available online. Learn more.
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Behavior Coaching Skills That Turn Knowledge Into Action
Behavior Coaching Skills That Turn Knowledge Into Action
The Behavior Coaching Skills That Turn Knowledge Into Action course explores evidence-based skills that help clients turn intentions into habits, build self-efficacy, and create sustainable lifestyle changes. Learn more.
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Don't Sleep on Sleep: A Practical Coaching Framework
Don't Sleep on Sleep: A Practical Coaching Framework
In the Don't Sleep on Sleep: A Practical Coaching Framework online course, learners delve into how they can translate complex sleep science into simple, actional steps their clients can follow. Learn more.
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Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers
Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers
The online course Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers equips health and fitness professionals with the latest insights on nutrition, including diet trends, recovery strategies, plant-based eating, gut health, and the impact of behavior change and obesity medications. Learn more.
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ACE Group Fitness Instruction Certificate
ACE Group Fitness Instruction Certificate
In addition to the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification, which is an NCCA-accredited Certification Program and requires a proctored exam, the ACE Group Fitness Instruction Certificate provides an alternative pathway for individuals interested in group fitness. It is designed to help aspiring professionals build knowledge and confidence as they prepare for the NCCA-accredited certification exam. Learn more.
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ACE Health and Fitness Summit: Smarter Program Design for Every Body
ACE Health and Fitness Summit: Smarter Program Design for Every Body
In November 2025, ACE hosted Smarter Program Design for Every Body, a one-day live virtual summit designed to help health professionals create more adaptive, inclusive programs for diverse client needs. The event focused on supporting individuals navigating chronic conditions, training in larger bodies, returning to movement, or pursuing long-term fitness goals. The summit featured five expert-led sessions, interactive Q&As, and a guided movement break, drawing more than 500 registrations. Content from the Smarter Program Design for Every Body summit is available online. Learn more.
ACE Educational Partnerships
ACE is proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to advancing health and well-being through education. Like all ACE educational offerings, partnership courses are grounded in evidence-based practice and informed by the latest scientific research. These practical, high-impact learning experiences help professionals expand their expertise and better serve their clients.
ACE partners with leading organizations across the health, fitness, and wellness industries to offer specialized educational opportunities, including:
In partnership with Yoga Renew, ACE offers the YogaRenew 200-Hour Yoga Teaching Training & Certification, a comprehensive, online yoga credential for health and exercise professionals that caters to the growing public demand for holistic health and fitness practices.
Like ACE, YogaRenew is committed to providing top-tier health and fitness education through courses that leverage video and other online interactive elements to ensure an engaging and robust learning experience.
In partnership with Of-CourseOnline, founded by Pilates educator Tanya Thompson, ACE offers the Pilates Mat Partner Specialist Program, a comprehensive online course that equips health and exercise professionals with the knowledge and skills to deliver safe, effective mat Pilates instruction rooted in movement science and anatomy.
Similar to ACE, Of-CourseOnline is committed to providing high-quality education that empowers professionals to expand their expertise and meet the growing demand for evidence-based mind-body fitness programming through engaging and accessible online learning experiences.
For more than four decades, ACE has been a trusted leader in education for health and exercise professionals and has set the standard for evidence-based practice, inclusive access, and professional excellence. By developing and delivering high-quality education, we empower professionals to thrive while elevating excellence across the fitness, physical activity, and behavior change fields."
Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM
ACE Chief Executive Officer
Credentials
A foundational component of our approach to getting people moving is preparing and credentialing of well-qualified exercise professionals and health coaches. With every professional we educate, the impact of evidence-based exercise programming and health coaching provided by ACE Professionals becomes more widespread.
ACE certification programs are respected and recognized worldwide. 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).
Number of ACE Professionals From July 2025 to June 2026.*
47,821
Personal
Trainers
Trainers
8.3M
Estimated number of client sessions conducted by ACE Certified Personal Trainers from July 2025 to June 2026.*
+2,472
Personal Trainer
Certificates
Certificates
20,593
Group Fitness Instructors
1.2M
Estimated number of classes taught by ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructors from July 2025 to June 2026.*
5,634
Health
Coaches
Coaches
78,327
Estimated number of coaching sessions conducted by ACE Certified Health Coaches from July 2025 to June 2026.*
800
Certified Medical Exercise Specialists
410,837
Estimated number of client sessions conducted by ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialists from July 2025 to June 2026.*
4,846
Number of people who completed ACE Specialist Programs in the past year
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, Alzheimer's Fitness
*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
The CAB provides strategic guidance to the ACE Credentialing Department in its ongoing commitment to delivering rigorous, high-quality certification and credentialing programs for health and exercise professionals worldwide.
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.
We get one shot at this amazing life, so each and every day I wake up with a renewed vision and mission to not only help others get moving and stay active, but to inspire my team to do the same for others."
Jolene Noel
ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Although she has worked with a wide range of clients, Jolene's true passion is medically based fitness. She believes fitness is about far more than appearance—it's about aligning movement with medical needs to support long-term health and well-being. This evidence-based approach recently earned her recognition as the Medical Fitness Association's Professional of the Year.
Jolene finds deep fulfillment in helping individuals design fitness and lifestyle programs that empower them to live better lives—whether they're managing chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or taking steps to prevent disease and reduce risk factors.
Public Benefit & Population Health Improvement
Over the past fiscal year, ACE expanded its educational resources, promoted increased physical activity, and strengthened cross-sector partnerships, all to help individuals achieve recommended activity levels and prevent and help manage chronic disease.
Education for the Public
ACE continues to expand access to trusted health and fitness information by providing a robust collection of educational resources at no cost to the public. These resources include:
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. 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. As of June 2026, more than 650 individuals have taken the course. Take the CPAL course for free.
The Phoenix
In the past year, ACE provided free resources like CPAL to support volunteers interested in leading community physical activity programming. The volunteers were part of The Phoenix, a nonprofit organization working to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection, through free fitness and community programming. Phoenix volunteers around the country completed the course and found the material helpful with takeaways they plan to use immediately. Read more about the Phoenix and ACE.
The ACE Insights Blog and the ACE Healthy Living Blog deliver timely articles to help professionals best serve their clients, empower them to create inclusive practices and environments, and provide the public with information for healthier living. In the past year, ACE produced more than 48 blogs, reaching more than 712,588 readers. Explore ACE blogs.
ACE curates and provides free, evidence-based health and physical activity resources and tools to help get individuals and communities moving. Learn more.
ACE hosts free, live webinars where top health and fitness experts share their evidence-based, timely, evidence-based education through virtual events. In the past year, ACE provided eight free, live webinars that garnered more than 7,800 registrations. View upcoming webinars.
ACE certifications are eligible to be used by 529 funds because they are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and federal credential directories. By supporting the use of 529 plans, ACE is helping build a stronger, more accessible fitness workforce. Learn more.
ACE proudly supports active-duty, reservists, veterans, and their spouses with scholarship programs and exclusive discounts on certification exams, study programs and continuing education courses. The health and fitness industry offers a rewarding path to apply their leadership skills or build a flexible, in-demand career—perfect for military families on the move. Learn more.
Promotion of Physical Activity
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 (formerly Twitter), 171 followers and growing on TikTok, and 86.8K followers on YouTube.
In addition, ACE coordinated 1,969 unique articles with reporters across outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TODAY, Good Housekeeping, Consumer Reports, Women's Health, WebMD, Axios and AARP. These articles were shared approximately 14.5 million times, potentially reaching 31 billion individuals.
ACE Professionals are at the heart of our mission and the driving force behind our impact. Through their daily work of coaching, educating, and inspiring movement, they turn the ACE mission into action, helping people build healthier, more active lives."
Amanda Cass, SHRM
ACE President and Chief Operating Officer
Science Research & Leadership
ACE continued its investment in original, practitioner-focused research studies examining the effectiveness of exercise interventions, emerging trends, and behavior-change strategies. This work reinforces our commitment to evidence-based practice, advances knowledge across the fitness industry, and equips health and exercise professionals with practical insights they can apply to improve client outcomes.
ACE Sponsored Research
In fiscal year 2025-2026, ACE sponsored independent research on a number of topics. The following research studies were completed.
Effects of exercise training combined with blood flow restriction on cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness
As blood flow restriction (BFR) becomes increasingly integrated into standard exercise training programs, it is essential to establish clear evidence supporting both its effectiveness and safety. In particular, there is a need to define practical guidelines addressing key questions: How often should BFR be used? At what intensity? For what duration? In other words, there is an opportunity to begin outlining a F.I.T.T. (Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type) framework specific to BFR training.
By advancing the scientific understanding of BFR, this study seeks to clarify its benefits, risks, and optimal applications, ultimately supporting its broader and more informed use in both athletic and clinical settings.
Effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method to Promote Healthy Eating Habits
The ACE Mover Method™ and the associated ACE ABC Approach™ are featured in the most recent ACE textbook, The Exercise Professional's Guide to Personal Training. These tools are grounded in the belief that the role of an exercise professional extends well beyond designing cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness programs. Each client interaction is a valuable opportunity to apply coaching skills—building rapport, fostering trust, and positioning clients as active participants in their behavior-change journey. Through thoughtful questioning, professionals can help clients identify goals, address barriers, and collaboratively determine actionable next steps.
Given the ACE mission to get people moving, it is essential that health and fitness professionals have access to evidence-based strategies for both individual and community programming. Current findings offer important translational evidence showing that personalized exercise programs guided by the ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (IFT) Model, including the ACE Mover Method framework, can effectively improve cardiometabolic health and support healthier eating behaviors. Notably, participants using the Mover Method demonstrated a fivefold greater percentage improvement across key healthy eating categories, including vegetable, fruit, and fiber intake.
Wiening, C., Dalleck, L. (2026). Effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method to Promote Healthy Eating. International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology, 21(2).
In addition, the following ACE-sponsored research studies were also completed and published in peer-reviewed journals:
The Effects of Cold Vs. Hot Water Immersion on Exercise Recovery: Which Strategy is Best? [Hendrickson, V., Dalleck, L. (2026). The Effects of Cold vs. Hot Water Immersion on Exercise Recovery: Which Strategy is Best?, International Journal of Research in Exercise Physiology, 21(2).]
Effectiveness of Machine-based Vs. DIY REHIT on Fitness and Cardiometabolic Health
ACE Certified™ Magazine
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.
In fiscal year 2025-2026, there were more than 426,039 visits to the ACE Certified™ webpage. The most popular article was ACE - Certified™: August 2025 - Why Healthspan Matters More Than Lifespan—And How Exercise Can Help.
Trusted Insight on Trending Topics
ACE provides timely, evidence-based content, much at no cost to professionals and the public. In fiscal year 2025-2026, ACE produced the following resources and educational content about the ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living, obesity and obesity medications, and combating loneliness.
ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living
- ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living
- The ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living: Start With Physical Activity
- Nutrition as a Core Driver of Healthy Living: How Eating Patterns Support Health and Exercise
- Restorative Sleep as a Core Driver: How Better Sleep Improves Recovery, Health and Exercise
- Strengthening stress resilience: How movement supports adaptability and healthy living
- Building supportive connections: How movement fosters belonging and lasting healthy habits
Obesity and Obesity Medications
- Anti-obesity Medications: Best Practices and a Glimpse Into the Future
- ACE course "Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers"
- Key contributions to a groundbreaking new textbook
- Peptides in Fitness: What You Need to Know Before You Inject Anything
- "Older adults using GLP-1s should pay particular attention to three things, according to the CEO of the American Council on Exercise" (Fit&Well, May 2026)
- Exercising on GLP-1s: How to Stay Safe and Healthy | U.S. News (U.S. News and World Report)
Loneliness
- Combating Loneliness: Surprising Benefits of Community-based Outdoor Movement
- Building supportive connections: How movement fosters belonging and lasting healthy habits
- Boosting Mood and Building Community through Movement
- ACE - Certified™: July 2025 - The Hidden Harm of "Anti-aging": Why the Fitness and Wellness Industries Need a Pro-aging Revolution
Philosophies
ACE education is grounded in science-based, person-centered philosophies that emphasize sustainable behavior change. These include the ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (IFT®) Model, the ACE Mover Method™, the ACE RRAMP Approach™, and the ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living™. Together, these frameworks guide how ACE prepares professionals to support long-term health and wellbeing across diverse populations.
ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (IFT®) Model
The ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (IFT®) Model was developed to provide personal trainers with a systematic and comprehensive approach to exercise programming that integrates assessments and programming to facilitate rapport, adherence and behavior change, while also improving posture, movement, flexibility, balance, core function, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance and muscular strength. It is the most comprehensive training model in the industry built on a foundation of meaningful rapport and strong personal connection. Learn more.
ACE Mover Method™
The ACE Mover Method™ is a key component of the ACE IFT® Model. It is a philosophy stating that facilitating healthy lifestyle behaviors begins with empowering clients to take a personalized journey during which they achieve self-efficacy because the exercise professional or health coach practices empathy and trust, communication and collaboration. Through actionable steps, the ACE Mover Method offers a way for exercise professionals and health coaches to create self-efficacy in clients, empowering sustainable healthy behavior change. It is evidence-based and thus is what sets us apart in a space often crowded with promises of immediate results and short-term successes. Learn more.
ACE ABC Approach
One way in which health and exercise professionals apply the ACE Mover Method™ is through the ACE ABC Approach™.
- Ask open-ended questions
- Break down barriers
- Collaborate
By applying the scientific evidence for what works in behavior-change coaching, the ACE ABC Approach helps exercise professionals and health coaches guide clients to be active participants on their paths to lifestyle change.
ACE RRAMP Approach™
The ACE RRAMP Approach™ empowers participants to improve health, fitness and overall quality of life by creating an environment that fosters success. The five elements of the ACE RRAMP Approach™ are Respect, Recognition, Alignment, Mistakes and Participant.
- Respect — Mutual kindness and respect are fostered and valued
- Recognition — Effort and improvement are recognized
- Alignment — Alignment and cooperation among participants is prioritized
- Mistakes — Mistakes are part of learning
- Participant — Each participant plays an important role
ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living
Grounded in behavior-change science and lifestyle medicine, the 7 Core Drivers provide health and fitness professionals with clear, actionable strategies to support meaningful lifestyle changes.
Each of the 7 Core Drivers reinforces the others. Improvements in one area create positive ripple effects, accelerating motivation and progress toward health goals.
The ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living go beyond physical activity to include sleep, stress management, daily routines, and mindset. By providing a shared language and structure, professionals can guide more impactful conversations—helping clients see how improvements in one area often create positive ripple effects in others.
- Move More, Move Well
- Nourish Your Body
- Prioritize Restorative Sleep
- Strengthen Your Stress Resilience
- Build Supportive Connections
- Make Safer, Informed Choices
- Cultivate Purpose and a Growth Mindset
Scientific Advisory Panel
The ACE Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) members serve as key advisors to ACE on emerging and trending health and exercise topics based on their research or professional expertise. They also play a key role in helping ACE share evidence-based information with health and exercise professionals and the public. For example, in the past year, the ACE SAP was a lead contributor to Understanding Obesity: A Health-Centered Perspective.
The 2026 ACE Scientific Advisory Panel Members include:
Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM
Chief Executive Officer
Sabrena Jo, PhD
ACE Liaison to the Scientific Advisory Panel, ACE Senior Director of Science and Education
Anthony J. Wall
ACE National Spokesperson and Global Health Ambassador
Dominique Adair, MS, RD
Private Practice Nutrition and Fitness Advisor
Lance C. Dalleck, PhD
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Exercise and Sport Science at Western State Colorado University
Gregory Degnan, MD
Medical Director, Orthopedic Surgeon, and Adjunct Professor
Avery Faigenbaum, EdD
Full Professor, Dept. of Health and Exercise Science at the College of New Jersey
Michael Hosking, PhD
Creator of Revocycle Mind and Body Cycling/Education
Erin Nitschke, EdD
Dean, Workforce Innovation and Curriculum, Lionel University
Rachelle Reed, PhD, MS, ACSM-EP
Head of Scientific Research & Communication at Therabody
Renee J. Rogers, PhD, FACSM, FTOS
Bio-behavioral obesity and activity researcher, University of Kansas
Alison Steiber, PhD
Chief Mission, Impact, and Strategy Officer at Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
ACE is committed to research, scientific leadership, and evidence-based education to ensure that health and exercise professionals have the trusted knowledge they need to deliver safe, effective, and impactful programs that improve lives.
Collaboration and Advocacy
Like-minded collaborators
Life Fitness App
In May 2026, Life Fitness / Hammer Strength launched "Workout Intelligence powered by Augie AI", a new feature within the Life Fitness Connect App developed in partnership with ACE. Workout Intelligence powered by Augie AI helps exercisers navigate the fitness floor with clarity and confidence by delivering adaptive workouts that evolve based on individual goals, performance, and consistency. Built using ACE-developed workout templates based on the proprietary ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (IFT®) Model, the solution ensures workouts are safe, inclusive, and effective across a wide range of experience levels. Workout Intelligence Powered by Augie AI reflects how technology can extend the reach of evidence-based coaching by building on trusted ACE training models. By combining connected fitness technology with ACE research-backed guidance, the new app feature helps support healthier movement habits for more people. Learn more.
Inspire360
ACE partnered with Inspire360 to help shape the next generation of health club education through a strategic collaboration that embeds trusted, science-based ACE education into the Inspire360 Club learning platform. As Inspire360's exclusive career-entry qualification and certification partner, ACE is expanding access to foundational education for health club professionals while supporting clearer professional development and career pathways, stronger staff-client connections, and long-term workforce development. Together, ACE and Inspire360 are advancing a shared commitment to accessible, high-quality education that helps health clubs build more skilled, engaged, and resilient teams across the industry. Learn more.
Project Courage with Matrix
ACE partnered with Matrix Fitness to advance Project COURAGE, an initiative to expand access to high-quality fitness education and career pathways for students and faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In the past year, ACE donated 60 study programs and certification exams, while Matrix Fitness engages the Project COURAGE Advisory Panel to connect with the HBCU network and identify students and professionals pursuing careers in personal training and group fitness. Together, ACE and Matrix Fitness are working to address health inequities, broaden access to fitness education opportunities, and inspire healthier, more active communities through education, collaboration, and service. Learn more.
Thought Leadership
ACE led conference presentations and sessions at multiple industry events. These include:
Fitness Business Association
"Increase Revenue: Small Group Training and Leveraging the Power of Groups" and "Elevate Your Fitness Business: Sales Strategies That Build Income and Impact" presentations at the Fitness Business Association SUCCEED! in August 2025.
Physical Activity Alliance
Closing Panel Moderation at the Physical Activity Alliance Annual Symposium in September 2025.
MedFit Global
"Pro-Aging in Practice: Changing the Conversation Around Aging in Fitness" presentation at the MedFit Global Conference in October 2025.
Medical Fitness Association
Opening Keynote presentation at the Medical Fitness Association Annual Conference in November 2025.
Fitness Industry Suppliers Association
Opening Keynote presentation at the Fitness Industry Suppliers Association West Conference in November 2025.
Active Aging Summit
"Strength Training for Healthier Aging" presentation at the Active Aging Summit in March 2026.
Health and Fitness Association
Panelist for "Fitness Certifications in the Spotlight: Balancing Influence, Credibility, and Safety" at the annual Health and Fitness Association Show in March 2026.
ACE leadership served on numerous advisory panels and boards, including:
Active Kids & Minds Board of Directors
Centers of Disease Control's Active People, Healthy Nation National Partner Collaborative Roundtable
Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals Board of Directors
Forbes Health Advisory Board Member
Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) Board of Directors Member
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Roundtable on Obesity Solutions
U.S. News & World Report Medical Review Board and Regular Contributor
U.S. News & World Report Health Advisory Board Member
Advocacy Partnerships
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. By sharing resources, expertise, and innovative approaches, ACE and other partners help create active and healthy communities where everyone can thrive.
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 fiscal year 2025-2026, ACE served as an active board member, working collectively to set industry standards and amplify the critical role of exercise professionals within the healthcare continuum.
International Partnerships
In the past fiscal year, there were more than 16,300 ACE Certified Professionals in 116 countries outside of the U.S.
Through strategic partnerships with vocational schools, institutions of higher learning, and leading health club chains from Canada to China, ACE continued to expand its global reach, growing the community of ACE Certified Professionals in regions including:
16,300
ACE Certified
Professionals
Professionals
116
Countries outside
of the U.S.
of the U.S.
Canada
ACE partnered with multiple 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 2035 health policy, which seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of its citizens
Finland
ACE's partner Nordic Health Academy in Helsinki is also partner of ACE's exam development team this year
Hong Kong SAR China
ACE partnered with Fitness Academy Asia, headquartered in Kowloon.
India
In 2023, ACE introduced local printing for this market. We offer the ACE Personal Trainer textbook. In January 2026, ACE began offering the non-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certificate for ACE International Partners.
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, where we offer the ACE exam and the ACE Personal Trainer textbook in Arabic. ACE has run courses in several Middle Eastern countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Lithuania
ACE honored to continue its partnership with Active Training, headquartered in Vilnius.
Malaysia
ACE partnered with Fitness Innovations Malaysia (FITM) in Selangor and has been invited twice to deliver live workshops in the region.
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.
Taipei
In Taipei, ACE partnered with 3HFIT, a partner for more than 6 years. ACE began a new partnership in 2024 with FIT ISSA, who run a live ACE workshop and offer the ACE Personal Trainer Study Program and their own ACE approved CEC courses.
International Partners Include:
-
Canada
Canada
ACE partnered with multiple 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 2035 health policy, which seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of its citizens
-
Finland
Finland
ACE's partner Nordic Health Academy in Helsinki is also partner of ACE's exam development team this year
-
Hong Kong SAR China
Hong Kong SAR China
ACE partnered with Fitness Academy Asia, headquartered in Kowloon.
-
India
India
In 2023, ACE introduced local printing for this market. We offer the ACE Personal Trainer textbook. In January 2026, ACE began offering the non-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certificate for ACE International Partners.
-
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, where we offer the ACE exam and the ACE Personal Trainer textbook in Arabic. ACE has run courses in several Middle Eastern countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
-
Lithuania
Lithuania
ACE honored to continue its partnership with Active Training, headquartered in Vilnius.
-
Malaysia
Malaysia
ACE partnered with Fitness Innovations Malaysia (FITM) in Selangor and has been invited twice to deliver live workshops in the region.
-
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.
-
Taipei
Taipei
In Taipei, ACE partnered with 3HFIT, a partner for more than 6 years. ACE began a new partnership in 2024 with FIT ISSA, who run a live ACE workshop and offer the ACE Personal Trainer Study Program and their own ACE approved CEC courses.
Countries and
regions with ACE Certified Professionals
ACE Mission and Efforts
See all what ACE does beyond certification of exercise professionals and health coaches.
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