Dear ACE Family, 

In 1985, IDEA Health & Fitness Association created the IDEA Foundation as a means of providing a standard in aerobics instruction. At the time, a rising number of injuries among exercise participants had led to a demand for more education among professionals. 

Since then, many things have changed. The IDEA Foundation became the American Council on Exercise. IDEA Health & Fitness Association grew to become the preeminent global trade membership association for fitness professionals, and ACE established itself as the largest nonprofit health and fitness certification organization in the world. 

Over the past 30 years, in addition to creating four certification programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, ACE has certified more than 200,000 professionals worldwide. 

We have commissioned numerous independent studies to evaluate popular fitness programs, products and trends. We have created hundreds of continuing education courses, and now, we are serving as a voice for our profession among policymakers across the country. 

All of that growth, all of that evolution, began with a passion to educate. And in everything we do, we still believe the key to helping people safely and effectively incorporate healthy behaviors begins with relevant, science-based information. 

You have validated that idea with your achievements. The change you have created in your communities has only fueled our passion for excellence and for continuing to deliver expert content to people who need it. 

There are over 55,000 currently certified ACE professionals, and you now serve in more than 80 countries. You have guided tens of millions of people on tremendous weight loss journeys, and you’ve cheered as people from all walks of life have completed marathons, managed chronic pain and succeeded in adopting sustainable, healthy change. 

As we work to create new inroads in allied health and workplace wellness for well-qualified professionals like yourself, the education we provide will be the standard by which our profession is judged. And the work we do on your behalf will position you to continue helping more and more people in your community. 

As we celebrate our 30^th anniversary this year, it’s easy to see how much our organization has changed, but our passion for helping you succeed has remained strong. 

You are the heart of our organization, and the education you pursue, the skills you possess, will keep that heart beating for many more years to come. 

In celebration of our growth as an organization and the advancement of our profession over the past 30 years, we want to hear how your expertise has helped you change lives. Submit your story at ACEfitness.org/PROfiles, or connect with me via email at tellscott@ACEfitness.org or on Twitter @ACEOscott. 

Yours in health, 

Scott Goudeseune

President and CEO