Press Room

San Diego, CA, July 11, 2023 – The American Council on Exercise (ACE) proudly announces the launch of its latest offering, the updated ACE Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) certification study program, which includes the all-new textbook, The Exercise Professional’s Guide to Group Fitness Instruction. This updated study program sets a new standard for GFI certification by recognizing the changing fitness landscape that group exercise instructors are navigating in a highly digitized fitness space. By providing enhanced learning experiences that support future certified ACE GFIs in navigating technology, growing a dedicated participant following, and changing lives through the delivery of safe, effective, and fun group fitness experiences. 

 Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, ACE president and chief science officer, explains, "This program incorporates evidence-based yet approachable and application-oriented information into a multi-dimensional learning experience and places increased emphasis on equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The new updates ensure candidates continue to receive the best learning experience from ACE, with content that reflects the current needs of the industry." 

 One of the key highlights of the all-new study program is the ACE RRAMP Approach™. 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. 

 The simplicity of the ACE RRAMP Approach^TM teaches instructors to engage with their participants and develop relationships and value beyond the classroom. As with all four ACE study programs, the aim is to provide individuals with tools that can have an immediate impact on the health and wellbeing of their clients. This updated program also incorporates the ACE Integrated Fitness Training® Model and the ACE Mover Method philosophy.  

 “By blending the foundational knowledge and practices based on scientific evidence with the ACE behavior-change philosophy, the all-new ACE GFI Certification Study Program equips candidates with the latest instructional techniques, coaching skills and leadership strategies that are necessary to deliver effective and enjoyable classes in a variety of settings,” says Lauren Shroyer, MS, ATC, ACE vice president of product and innovation. 

 The new and improved GFI study program caters to the specific needs of adult learners, offering new videos, interactive learning activities, and podcasts. With its application-based approach to training, the program covers a wide range of topics, including exercise programming, motivation techniques, music selection, safety considerations, and more. By providing the latest instructional techniques, coaching skills, and leadership strategies, ACE ensures candidates are well-prepared to deliver impactful and enjoyable classes. 

 For more information about the new ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Study Program, please visit Group Fitness Certification | Become a Fitness Instructor | ACE (acefitness.org). 

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About American Council on Exercise    

Since 1985, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has been the leading non-profit education and certification provider for health coaches and exercise professionals in the United States and worldwide. ACE is an ISO 17024 accredited certification organization, and ACE’s certification programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). 

With more than 90,000 highly respected certified health coaches and exercise professionals, ACE Certified Professionals are on the ground daily helping people move, stay active and make lasting lifestyle behavior change to build healthier communities.  

Headquartered in San Diego, ACE collaborates with public health partners to educate people of all backgrounds about the importance of physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors; advocates for public policies to increase physical activity opportunities; and supports scientific research that investigates the efficacy of behavior-change interventions and the effectiveness of exercise practices and trends. 

For more information,  or visit acefitness.org/about-ace/. AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE, ACE and ACE logos are Registered Trademarks of the American Council on Exercise.