About Us

Our Mission
The American Council on Exercise^® is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching quality of life through safe and effective exercise and physical activity. As America’s Authority on Fitness, ACE protects all segments of society against ineffective fitness products, programs and trends through its ongoing public education, outreach and research. ACE further protects the public by setting certification and continuing education standards for fitness professionals.

Who We Are

Founded in 1985, the American Council on Exercise^® (ACE ^®) is a nonprofit organization committed to America’s health and wellbeing. Over the past 25 years, we have become an established resource for both fitness professionals and consumers, providing comprehensive, unbiased, scientific research impacting the fitness industry and validating ourselves as the country’s trusted authority on fitness.

Today, ACE is the largest nonprofit fitness certification, education and training organization in the world with nearly 50,000 certified professionals who hold more than 55,000 ACE certifications. With a long heritage in certification, education, training and public outreach, we are among the most respected fitness organizations in the industry and a resource consumers have come to trust for health and fitness education.

What We Do

Educate and certify thousands of fitness professionals annually supporting them in providing safe and effective exercise instruction to millions of individuals.

Develop and distribute publications, study materials, online courses, live workshops, webinars and university curriculum programs that provide quality, comprehensive certification and continuing education solutions for fitness-career focused individuals.

Serve as America’s Authority on Fitness^® by equipping fitness professionals and consumers with credible information, resources, research and tools on safe and effective exercise and fitness products, programs and trends.

Connect consumers with certified professionals through outreach, online tools and social networking providing opportunities for fitness professionals to advance their career; a partnership for consumers to be empowered to reach their health and fitness goals; and a platform to discuss physical activity initiatives and policy.

Build powerful collaborative relationships with the world’s leading advocates for consumers, educators and professionals in the fitness and health industries, expanding our reach and working in cooperation with other organizations to support health and fitness around the globe.

Contact ACE

American Council on Exercise (ACE)

4851 Paramount Drive
San Diego, California 92123
(driving directions)

Office Hours: (M-F, 7am-5pm PST)

Phone: 1-858-279-8227
Toll-Free: 1-888-825-3636
Fax: 1-858-576-6564

Email: support@acefitness.org

Contact a Specific Department

Impact Report 2012

Download the Impact Report 2012 (PDF 8.59 MB)

Our Vision

ACE is a progressive organization attuned to the most current industry trends and key health issues facing our country. With adult and childhood obesity being a major crisis affecting Americans in the 21st century, ACE is devoted to educating consumers about the critical need to regularly engage in physical activity. We seek to inspire, motivate and encourage America to make healthy living an integral part of our society.

NCCA Accreditation

In 2003, all four core ACE certifications were accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This serves as a benchmark for how organizations should conduct certification programs and clearly distinguishes the excellence and value of an ACE certification.

Public Outreach

The influence of the American Council on Exercise extends beyond the fitness industry. With ongoing education and consumer outreach, ACE is committed to enriching quality of life for all segments of society through safe and effective physical activity.

Learn About Our Public Outreach »

Press Room

ACE in the Exercise, Health and Fitness Media and Press

Through more than 450 million media impressions per year, ACE advocates the benefits of safe and effective exercise and educates the public on fitness trends, products, programs, research and studies. Access the latest press releases and media coverage from ACE.

Visit the ACE Press Room »

Collaborative Relationships

ACE has formed strategic relationships with organizations that share our mission of promoting healthy and fit lifestyles. From the American Heart Association to AARP, working together we make a greater impact and spread the word on the benefits of safe and effective exercise.

Our Team

Coming from a wide variety of health and fitness backgrounds, ACE’s well-rounded and experienced leadership team is committed and passionate about fitness. From the Executive Team and Board of Directors, to our Industry Advisory Panel, get to know the leaders behind the ACE name.

Additional Resources

Tradeshows & Exhibits
From exhibiting at tradeshows to speaking at conferences, ACE is active in numerous fitness industry events each year.

Careers at ACE
Looking for a career in the fitness industry? ACE offers competitive benefits, a positive work environment and meaningful work.

Financial Report
As a nonprofit, ACE provides its annual independent auditor’s report on the financial statements of the organization.