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ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living

ACE 7 Core Drivers
of Healthy Living™

A research-backed framework designed to help your clients build sustainable habits that support long-term well-being.

Implement science-backed methods that work

Grounded in behavior-change science and lifestyle medicine, the 7 Core Drivers provide health and fitness professionals with clear, actionable strategies to support meaningful lifestyle changes.

Help clients thrive in every area of life

Move beyond exercise alone—address nutrition, sleep, stress, social connection, purpose, and informed decision-making to support lasting well-being.

Achieve more with connected habits

Each of the 7 Core Drivers reinforces the others. Improvements in one area create positive ripple effects, accelerating motivation and progress toward health goals.

The ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living

  • 1 Move More, Move Well Engage in regular physical activity and exercise that supports strength, mobility and long-term vitality.
  • 2 Nourish Your Body Choose balanced, healthy nutrition patterns that fuel daily living and overall well-being.
  • 3 Prioritize Restorative Sleep Get quality sleep that promotes recovery, cognitive function, emotional balance and immune health.
  • 4 Strengthen Your Stress Resilience Use effective coping skills and strategies that support emotional well-being and adaptability.
  • 5 Build Supportive Connections Cultivate positive relationships, community and belonging that enhance motivation and health.
  • 6 Make Safer, Informed Choices Make decisions that reduce health risks and promote long-term well-being.
  • 7 Cultivate Purpose and a Growth Mindset Clarify personal purpose and values, and foster a mindset that supports consistency, resilience and lasting behavior change.

Unlock the power of interconnected habits

The ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living go beyond physical activity to include sleep, stress management, daily routines, and mindset. By providing a shared language and structure, professionals can guide more impactful conversations—helping clients see how improvements in one area often create positive ripple effects in others.

For example...

Quitting smoking may make workouts easier, which improves sleep, which strengthens stress resilience—amplifying overall well-being.

"The 7 Core Drivers represent an important evolution in how ACE supports both professionals and the public. Health is shaped by the dynamic interaction of many behaviors. This framework gives professionals a practical, research-based way to help people build meaningful, sustainable habits that truly support long-term well-being." Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, ACE CEO
"Health and exercise professionals can better serve their clients when they give guidance on the many factors that make up a healthy lifestyle. This philosophy unites those needs into one accessible approach." Sabrena Jo, PhD, Senior Director of Science and Education

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Give it a try with your own goals then implement with all of your clients.

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Progress, not perfection

Every healthy action counts. Long-term success comes from small, realistic steps rather than perfection. Encourage clients to start with behaviors they feel confident implementing, like:

  • Starting the day with 10 minutes of stretching
  • Choosing a vegetable at one meal
  • Taking a short walk after dinner
  • Journaling about values or progress

Celebrating these wins builds confidence and self-efficacy, which is one of the strongest predictors of lasting behavior change.

Learn more about the ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living

Explore the full philosophy and read about each core driver in the ACE monthly magazine, Certified™.

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