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Getting people moving:

Our work and impact in fiscal year 2023-2024

An overwhelming body of evidence indicates that even a moderate amount of physical activity performed every week enhances health, prevents costly inactivity-related diseases, and contributes to a more joyful life. For nearly 40 years, ACE has been committed to translating that evidence into tangible action to get people moving. The following report highlights achievements and impact made in the past fiscal year from July 2023 to June 2024.

Certification

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 Certified Professionals

55,600

Personal Trainers

9.9 MILLION

Estimated number of client sessions conducted by ACE Certified Personal Trainers during July 2023 to June 2024.*

20,800

Group Fitness Instructors

1.3 MILLION

Estimated number of classes taught by ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructors during July 2023 to June 2024.*

6,600

Health Coaches

478,000

Estimated number of coaching sessions conducted by ACE Certified Health Coaches during July 2023 to June 2024.*

865

Certified Medical Exercise Specialists

85,600

Estimated number of client sessions conducted by ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialists during July 2023 to June 2024.*

*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.

The mission and impact of ACE extend to communities worldwide. With tens of thousands of ACE Professionals, numerous international and domestic partnerships, and free community resources – ACE advocates for and champions healthier, active lifestyles on a global scale."

Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM

ACE President & Chief Executive Officer

ACE Pro Spotlight

Yomi Karade, ACE Certified
Personal Trainer

Yomi Karade, an ACE Certified Personal Trainer since 2017, provides inclusive fitness programs for neurodivergent individuals and atypical adults and children over 13 years old.

As a mom to a child with autism, Yomi noticed the lack of fitness and physical activity opportunities for this community and knew she had to step in to help. As an ACE Pro she has led inclusive gym programs which have helped boost the confidence in this underserved population. Yomi also launched the Special Needs Fitness Magazine, designed to bring fitness and physical activity information and programs to those outside her gym.

Yomi stands out due to her deep connection with her clients. They're not just part of her fitness journey; they are the journey. Her commitment to creating personalized and creative training programs is all about adapting to their needs while learning from them. When asked what she loves most about her work, the answer is immediate:

"My clients. They make me a better trainer, a better listener, a better instructor. They help me to adapt to suit their needs while I learn about them. My clients are my growth. They teach me while I provide safe, challenging and creative training programs for them."

Yomi is living the ACE mission to get people moving and her story is a reminder that dedication, empathy, and inclusivity can transform lives. Share your ACE story here.

Education

ACE offers a wide array of evidence-based education and career resources to equip ACE Professionals and others with the knowledge and skills to serve more clients and grow their careers. In addition to developing courses, ACE scouts and selects high quality courses to include through remarketing partnerships. During the past fiscal year, ACE launched nearly 40 education programs and courses including:

ACE Health and Wellness Summit: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

In November 2023, ACE hosted a live 5-hour event, the Health and Wellness Summit: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health. As the conversation around mental health grows, health and exercise professionals have an exciting opportunity to positively impact people's mental well-being and overall health through services and programming while staying within their scope of practice. From nutrition, movement, breath, sleep and connectedness, there are many ways to help clients focus on their mental health. The live event is now available as a recorded course.

AI Bootcamp for Coaches

Through our ongoing partnership with Precision Nutrition, ACE launched AI Bootcamp for Coaches, the first AI course designed specifically for health and fitness professionals. This first-of-its-kind, on-demand course is designed to equip health coaches and exercise professionals with the essential skills to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools effectively into their professional business and practice.

YogaRenew 200-Hour Yoga Teaching Training & Certification

ACE is proud to partner with YogaRenew to offer the YogaRenew 200-Hour Yoga Teaching Training & Certification. This is a comprehensive, online yoga credential for health coaches and exercise professionals that caters to the growing public demand for holistic health and fitness practices. The self-guided, online course includes 200 hours of learning through videos, live video calls, reading assignments and quizzes, where course completion allows candidates register with Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)-200.

Mindful Movement: Coaching Clients to Become More Active

In April 2024, ACE launched Mindful Movement: Coaching Clients to Become More Active, aimed at empowering health coaches to combat physical inactivity and inspire their clients to lead healthier, more active lives. The course provides a unique approach to tackling physical inactivity by equipping health coaches with innovative coaching techniques, key concepts, and evidence-based resources to help clients find purpose and enjoyment in movement and building a stronger mind-body connection.

ACE CEC Power Pass™

ACE CEC Power Pass™ is a 24-month all-access pass to ACE education including ACE Specialist Programs and over 100 cutting edge courses. There are new courses added monthly to refresh content ensuring access to on-trend topics and emerging information in an ever-changing industry.

  • ACE Health and Wellness Summit: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

    ACE Health and Wellness Summit: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

    In November 2023, ACE hosted a live 5-hour event, the Health and Wellness Summit: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health. As the conversation around mental health grows, health and exercise professionals have an exciting opportunity to positively impact people's mental well-being and overall health through services and programming while staying within their scope of practice. From nutrition, movement, breath, sleep and connectedness, there are many ways to help clients focus on their mental health. The live event is now available as a recorded course.

  • AI Bootcamp for Coaches

    AI Bootcamp for Coaches

    Through our ongoing partnership with Precision Nutrition, ACE launched AI Bootcamp for Coaches, the first AI course designed specifically for health and fitness professionals. This first-of-its-kind, on-demand course is designed to equip health coaches and exercise professionals with the essential skills to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools effectively into their professional business and practice.

  • YogaRenew 200-Hour Yoga Teaching Training & Certification

    YogaRenew 200-Hour Yoga Teaching Training & Certification

    ACE is proud to partner with YogaRenew to offer the YogaRenew 200-Hour Yoga Teaching Training & Certification. This is a comprehensive, online yoga credential for health coaches and exercise professionals that caters to the growing public demand for holistic health and fitness practices. The self-guided, online course includes 200 hours of learning through videos, live video calls, reading assignments and quizzes, where course completion allows candidates register with Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)-200.

  • Mindful Movement: Coaching Clients to Become More Active

    Mindful Movement: Coaching Clients to Become More Active

    In April 2024, ACE launched Mindful Movement: Coaching Clients to Become More Active, aimed at empowering health coaches to combat physical inactivity and inspire their clients to lead healthier, more active lives. The course provides a unique approach to tackling physical inactivity by equipping health coaches with innovative coaching techniques, key concepts, and evidence-based resources to help clients find purpose and enjoyment in movement and building a stronger mind-body connection.

  • ACE CEC Power Pass™

    ACE CEC Power Pass™

    ACE CEC Power Pass™ is a 24-month all-access pass to ACE education including ACE Specialist Programs and over 100 cutting edge courses. There are new courses added monthly to refresh content ensuring access to on-trend topics and emerging information in an ever-changing industry.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

ACE is committed to do our part to help end structural racism and address diversity and inclusion in the fitness and physical activity industry. This commitment looks different for every organization, and at ACE we have been striving to keep equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) top of mind. This year, ACE developed educational resources, increased professional standards, and secured media placements to elevate the EDI discussion. We also partnered with like-minded organizations to create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable industry which is of paramount importance to the future.

To combat inactivity in various populations, ACE developed and partnered with like-minded organizations to provide EDI-related courses that inform and encourage increased movement among communities across the nation.

Fitness for Healing: Trauma-Informed Approaches

ACE hosted a panel of experts in the areas of trauma and trauma-informed fitness techniques to address the impact of death, accidents, and other traumatic life events and how that may show up in client relationships. In addition, panelists shared how health and fitness professionals can create positive interactions and help mitigate difficult scenarios while remaining within their scope of practice and maintaining a supportive relationship with their clients.

Effective Pre/Postnatal Client Assessment Strategies (ACE partner course)

There can be multiple challenges in prenatal fitness routines, including time and energy constraints, concerns about exercise safety and, for the postpartum client, the need for programs that address conditions like diastasis recti and incontinence. Through this course, participants gain knowledge surrounding the challenges the prenatal and postpartum demographic face and develop the skills to conduct appropriate assessments.

Science of Programming for Older Adults

In October 2023, an ACE discussion explored the importance of health and exercise for aging populations, providing a new perspective on older adults and their unique needs and to learn how to create appropriate programming. By understanding their physical changes, motivations and how they differ from their younger counterparts, health and fitness professionals will be equipped to create effective, fulfilling exercise experiences for older adults.

In August 2023, ACE proudly announced its commitment to the California Equal Pay Pledge. This decision reflects an ongoing organizational dedication to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and advancing gender equity within the health and fitness sector. By signing this pledge, ACE joins the efforts to close the gender pay gap and support women in their careers by ensuring opportunities to thrive in their professional lives.

In February 2024, ACE supported the Live to the Beat campaign, led by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Foundation and the Million Hearts® Initiative. ACE provided physical activity and wellness resources and recommendations to the campaign and promoted it to health coaches and exercise professionals through blogs and social media.

The 2024 campaign, titled "Heart2Heart," centered on promoting heart health of Black women, highlighting the significance of February as both Black History Month and Heart Health Month. The primary message of the campaign urged Black women to prioritize self-care and personal health, whether at home or in the workplace, to make a significant difference in their overall well-being.

The IDEA World Convention Scholarship Program, funded by Kathie and Peter Davis, founders of IDEA Health & Fitness Association (IDEA) and the IDEA Foundation (now the American Council on Exercise, or ACE), announced five 2023 award recipients who attended IDEA World Convention in Los Angeles, California between July 12-16, 2023.

The 2023 IDEA World Convention Scholarship recipients include:

  • Caroline Morin, a health coach and teacher, works with Lifting spirits, Improving bodies, Feeding souls, Transforming lives (LIFT) Fitness Foundation. Based in Virginia, LIFT is a nonprofit organization that offers fitness and nutrition programs to homeless individuals, people in substance abuse recovery, veterans, and children in underserved communities. LIFT addresses gaps for local shelters by providing 30-, 60- and 90-day programs focusing on fitness and nutrition education, goal setting, motivational coaching and community support.
  • Frank G. McKenna, a former special needs teacher, retired from teaching when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer in 2016. Determined to stay healthy and overcome the challenges of his diagnosis, he grew stronger and became a certified cancer exercise specialist to support and serve other cancer survivors in his community, a mission he continues today. In addition to running his own studio, Frank co-coordinates the Wellness Beyond Cancer program through his local healthcare system.
  • Frann Ravid, an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, initiated the Adult Fitness Program in her town, a low-cost, community fitness program serving men and women of various abilities ages 36-78. Inspired by ACE's community engagement efforts and motivated by the closure of a local gym, Frann partnered with her Parks and Recreation Department to volunteer and teach fitness classes. Three years after its inception, the Adult Fitness Program earns approximately $1,000 each month from its $2.75 fee per class, with the revenue supporting recreational programs for children and teens.
  • Tiffany Copeland is the director of the Fitness Warriors program, which trains community leaders to become group fitness instructors, aiming to increase physical activity opportunities in communities around Richmond, Virginia. Her nonprofit organization focuses on addressing health disparities in underserved communities and partners with local churches, libraries, and community centers to build trust and engage individuals lacking access to fitness and physical activity options. Copeland and her team currently reach 6,000+ new people through their 34 weekly classes held both on Zoom and in person.
  • Ana Almeida-DoRosario, an ACE Group Fitness Instructor and ACE Health Coach, is highlighted below under "ACE Health Coach Spotlight."

The IDEA World Convention Scholarship Program, established by Kathie and Peter Davis in 2018 and managed by ACE, honors the outstanding contributions of exercise professionals and health coaches who positively impact their communities. The scholarship covers event registration, travel, accommodations, and meals during the Convention.

Beyond offering educational resources and partnerships, ACE collaborated with national and local publications to promote the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the fitness industry. Select placements include:

ACE, Others Make Strides Toward LGBTQ Inclusion in Fitness September 14, 2023 Athletech
Erasing Limitations at Equally Fit August 10, 2023 ClubSolutions
Few People Know What A Health Coach Does - But Everyone Should! December 5, 2023 Senior Outlook Today
Forces of Fitness: Meet 6 Women Changing The Industry For The Better October 2, 2023 Women's Health

ACE has provided its employees, executive team, and board of directors with educational resources and other opportunities to practice and celebrate EDI within the organization.

One key resource is the ACE EDI Council, an employee-led group that offers recommendations to ACE leaders and contributes to the planning and evaluation of organizational activities related to EDI. The Council helps reinforce EDI values and fosters an equitable environment where diverse voices are heard and included. With a more diverse team shaping and reviewing EDI efforts, ACE aims to create a stronger and more effective EDI impact in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Population Health Improvement

In the past fiscal year, ACE continued to build partnerships across various sectors to support and motivate individuals to achieve recommended physical-activity levels, aiding in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

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

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)

U.S. News & World Report Health Advisory Board Member

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 alongside other national and community-based organizations, will expand access to lifestyle medicine to historically under-resourced communities through this scholarship effort.

Special Olympics International

ACE was one of six recipients of the 2023-2024 Special Olympics, Inc. “Systems Change in Inclusive Health Subgrants.” This grant program supports organizations seeking solutions to systemic issues affecting the health and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

ACE developed curriculum to train physical activity leaders, both with and without IDD, to enhance fitness access and education in underserved communities nationwide.

The contents of this project are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.

"ACE regularly collaborates and engages new partners to advance our mission of making physical activity accessible to all and improving the quality of life through innovative health and fitness solutions."

John Lally, MBA

ACE Board of Directors Chair

Science and Research

ACE invested over $50,000 in original studies, where research examined the effectiveness of exercise practices, trends, and behavior-change interventions.

In fiscal year 2023-2024, ACE-sponsored four studies focusing on various topics:

  • Evaluation of the exercise physiology knowledge of youth coaches
  • Effectiveness of the ACE RRAMP Approach™
  • Physiological responses and muscle activation during high-intensity functional training
  • Physiological responses of the 12-3-30 workout

Stay up to date with ACE research by signing up for the free, monthly publication of Certified™. This online magazine provides health and exercise professionals with evidence-based knowledge essential for their work with clients.

Key ACE Certified™ publication articles in fiscal year 2023-2024:

ACE continued its #ACEScienceSaturday series on social media, sharing information and tips from recently published research articles and ACE initiatives with audiences on Instagram and Facebook.

The ACE RRAMP Approach™ equips instructors with the skills to engage participants and foster relationships that extend beyond the classroom. RRAMP, an acronym for respect, recognition, alignment, mistakes, and participant, provides a practical approach for group fitness instructors, facility owners, and managers to create a caring and task-involved environment. This approach builds intrinsic motivation and inspires participants to return to classes again and again.

Health and Wellness Coaching

According to a recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), approximately 80% of US adults and adolescents are insufficiently active. Physical inactivity ranks as the fourth leading risk factor for mortality, according to the World Health Organization.

Since 2012, ACE has educated health coaches and fitness professionals to help people reach their goals and implement lifestyle changes that improve their overall health and wellness through exercise, nutrition, and psychology.

The ACE Health Coach Certification Program is accredited by the NCCA, and in 2021, ACE was recognized by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching as an approved education provider. In 2023, the ACE Health Coach Certification Program was selected as one of the best health coach certification programs of the year. ACE also offers online courses and free articles about health coaching and behavior change in addition to certification services.

What is a health coach?

A health coach is trained to partner with individuals or groups to help them discover their unique skills, strengths, abilities, and untapped potential. They assist clients in creating realistic health and lifestyle goals through self-discovery, providing guidance on making changes that suit their personal circumstances. Health coaches work in various settings, from health clubs to corporations, virtual coaching, and healthcare environments.

While many exercise professionals focus on the physical aspects of fitness, health coaches emphasize the client's overall lifestyle. They provide relevant, applicable, and skill-based strategies beyond a workout program to support comprehensive well-being.

ACE Health Coach Spotlight

Ana Almeida-DoRosario ACE Certified Group
Fitness Instructor and
Health Coach

Ana Almeida-DoRosario, an ACE Group Fitness Instructor and ACE Health Coach, previously provided health and fitness workshops for youth. Currently, she coordinates several public health programs, including a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) in Rhode Island which is offered at no cost to participants. In addition, she leads free fitness classes at various community locations, including the local library.

"I reached my goal to earn my Health Coach certification in 2019, after being a group fitness instructor for more than seven years. I love managing a team that empowers people to make healthy lifestyle changes, encourages them to move more, and to make better nutrition choices. I lead free fitness classes for our participants."

International Partnerships

In the past fiscal year, there were nearly 14,000 ACE Certified Professionals in 122 countries outside of the U.S.

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.

14,000 ACE Certified
Professionals
122 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 year. 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 year. 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

Collaboration and Advocacy

Like-minded collaborators

It's Time to Move

"It's Time To Move" is 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. ACE was a regular advisor and participant in this initiative led by the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) and the American Heart Association.

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 2023-2024, ACE worked directly with the PAA to amplify their advocacy efforts for increasing physical activity and improved health for Americans. Key initiatives included:

  • PAA preparing to introduce a signature omnibus bill with Congressman Panetta (D-CA) to promote physical activity.
  • A PAA Symposium panel discussion in Washington, D.C. on improving equity, diversity, and inclusion in physical activity.
  • Participated in the Europe Active Technical Expert Group for the health coach job role in Europe.
  • A PAA webinar on Physical Activity Guidelines Mid-Course Update, specifically addressing physical activity for older adults.
  • A presentation on Health Level Seven International (HL7) efforts at the Medical Fitness Association (MFA) Conference.
  • Contributor and participant for 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.

Advancing standards for the profession

ACE advocates for consistent standards of professionalism within the fitness industry. In fiscal year 2023-2024, ACE served on boards and committees that improve the quality of education, credentialing, and workplaces for the exercise professional, including:

Innovation Leadership Council

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences (CoAES)

Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)
Nominating Committee Accreditation Services Council

Workcred
Credentialing Body Advisory Council

Medical Fitness Association
Education Advisory Committee

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 spearheaded and supported episodes of CREP's new webinar series, sharing valuable knowledge and facilitating important discussions, including "Addressing Military Readiness: The Role of Exercise Professionals." In addition, through its partnership with ACE, CREP advanced the U.S. National Exercise Referral Framework (NERF), which aims to integrate exercise prescription into healthcare.

CREP/USREPS was named the Medical Fitness Association's (MFA) Strategic Partner of the Year for collaboration on HL7 efforts on physical activity assessment, prescription and referral as a standard of care.

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 Innovation, presented at the 2024 Fitness Business Association's conference.
Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, ACE President & CEO, moderates "Impact of Physical Activity on Our Nation's Health" at the Lifestyle Medicine 2023 Conference.
Alex Link, MS (furthest right), ACE Director of Credentialing, serves on a panel during the annual 2023 ICE Exchange event.

Spreading the Word

ACE promotes the importance of increased physical activity by providing evidence-based, publicly accessible content and engaging with the news media. In fiscal year 2023-2024, ACE generated over 1,879 unique stories and reached more than 8 million viewers around the world.

Media Placements in Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Included:

How Long Should You Rest Between Sets? Well+Good September 3, 2023
8 Fitness Myths That Drive Experts Crazy The New York Times January 4, 2024
Best Health Coach Certifications for 2024 Fortune April 1, 2024
The Afterburn Effect: Tips, Workouts and Recovery U.S. News & World Report April 16, 2024
GLP-1 Side Effects for Older Adults: Risks & Weight Loss Tips Everyday Health May 17, 2024

Learn more

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