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ACE Fitness

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Shaping the future
of fitness Celebrating 40 years of
movement, while paving
the way forward.
Shaping the future of fitness Celebrating 40 years of
movement, while paving
the way forward.

A catalyst for change

For 40 years, ACE has been a catalyst for change in health and fitness. Join us as we reflect on our journey and set our sights on a future filled with innovation, inclusivity, and limitless possibilities.

Voices of impact

"As a proud ACE Certified Pro for 39 years, I strive to uphold the high standards ACE has instilled in me to create safe and effective programs for my clients. ACE has kept me on track with education, certification support, and resources that ensure I stay current in a constantly evolving industry. It's a great feeling to be part of a community that empowers us to help people on their health and fitness journeys."

Nancy McCarthy,
ACE Certified Personal Trainer,
Group Fitness Instructor and Health Coach

Our legacy of movement

Since 1985, ACE has grown from setting safety standards for aerobics instructors to becoming a global leader in health and fitness education. Here's a look at some key moments in our journey.

1985

Founded as the IDEA Foundation

In response to rising injuries in the mid-1980s, the IDEA Foundation was created to certify aerobics instructors. Its mission focused on setting standards in dance exercise to ensure safety and protect the public.

1990s

Became the American Council on Exercise (ACE)

ACE expanded its mission to "Get People Moving," supporting both fitness professionals and the public. We introduced a new publication for evidence-based fitness content and launched three certifications, including ACE Personal Trainer and ACE Lifestyle. The Wall Street Journal named ACE the "Workout Watchdog" for its research on fitness products and trends.

2000s

Tackling chronic disease through partnerships

ACE joined forces with major organizations like the American Heart Association, AARP, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Medical Fitness Association to address chronic diseases and introduced the ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (ACE IFT®) Model. We also contributed to initiatives such as Michelle Obama's Joining Forces, Arnold Schwarzenegger's Operation Fit Kids, our own Salute You Scholarships, and the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan for Physical Activity.

2020s

Expanding partnerships and innovations

ACE continues to partner with organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Special Olympics International, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine as well as launching resources and frameworks like the ACE Mover Method and ACE RRAMP Approach™. We remain dedicated to providing and sharing timely and accurate education through our research sponsorship and evidence-based courses.

Driven by passion

Discover the heart and soul of ACE in the words of our board members, staff, and certified pros. Hear how ACE has shaped lives and what the future holds for the world of fitness.

Voices of impact

"For 28 years, ACE has given me the confidence to support every client's unique goals. I've been ACE Certified since 1997, and to this day, I still feel like I landed the best job ever-it doesn't even feel like work! Choosing ACE was one of the best decisions I've made, and I've proudly recommended them to many pursuing health and fitness careers. After all these years, I'm still excited to keep learning and keep people moving."

Dejinira Lee,
ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Empowering movement across the globe

For forty years, ACE has been at the forefront of empowering hundreds of thousands of health and fitness professionals to inspire healthier lifestyles. In the past year alone, ACE Certified Pros led 11.7 million sessions across 110+ countries—making a measurable difference in global health.

8.9M

Estimated number of client sessions conducted by ACE Certified Personal Trainers from July 2024 to June 2025.*

1.2M

Estimated number of classes taught by ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructors from July 2024 to June 2025. *

344,629 Individual 86,905 Group

Estimated number of coaching sessions conducted by ACE Certified Health Coaches from 2024 to June 2025. *

81,594

Estimated number of client sessions conducted by ACE Certified Medical Exercise Specialists from 2024 to June 2025.*

*Figures reflect average weekly client sessions and classes from July 2024 to June 2025, based on independent survey data from ACE Certified Professionals across personal training, group fitness, health coaching, and medical exercise specialties.

The future of movement starts with you

For 40 years, ACE Certified Professionals have inspired movement and transformed lives. You're not just part of our story—you're driving what's next. Together, we'll lead the future of health and fitness, one step, rep, and breath at a time.

Voices of impact

"I became an ACE Certified Personal Trainer in 2016 because I know how fitness can improve not just physical health, but mental and emotional well-being. My ACE certifications have given me the skills and confidence to help clients of all ages reach their goals. ACE has supported my growth with education that keeps me current, and it’s been a privilege to work in diverse communities, helping people move better, feel healthier, and improve their quality of life."

Greg Coleman,
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
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