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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

ACE is committed to help end structural racism and address equity, diversity and inclusion in the health and fitness industry.

Our EDI Statement

As the American Council on Exercise (ACE), we actively pursue and promote equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the health and fitness industry.

We proudly commit to bringing equity to the health and fitness landscape by working to ensure that everyone has equal access and opportunity to participate in the activities necessary to live an active, healthy life.

We celebrate the diversity of the inspiring individuals and communities we serve and have made it our mission to get ALL people moving and enjoying the benefits of an active, healthy life.

We champion inclusivity by encouraging and creating environments in which everyone—every age, race, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, faith, socioeconomic status, education level, size, or physical or intellectual ability—feels welcome and accepted.

At ACE, we commit. We celebrate. We champion.

How we're putting our EDI efforts to work

We Commit to Equity

Sponsoring research that investigates the effectiveness of exercise practices and trends, and the efficacy of behavior-change interventions

Partnering with community-based organizations who directly impact communities with limited physical activity opportunities

Investing in historically underrepresented populations in health and fitness

  • ACE supported 3 WINS Fitness, a community organization who provided free group exercise sessions in predominantly low income, Latino neighborhoods.
  • ACE supported the Sports Backers' Fitness Warriors program, which provides free fitness classes to residents who may otherwise lack access to or may be unable to afford exercise opportunities.

Providing increased website accessibility functionality, which helps individuals of varying abilities easily navigate ACEfitness.org

Utilizing inclusive language, including gender neutral pronouns, throughout ACE materials

We Celebrate Diversity

Showcasing the diversity of our ACE Certified Professionals on social media and in blog posts

Hosting unique conversations that share actionable insights for ACE Certified Professionals and those in the health and fitness industry

Publishing content that shows diversity and unique voices

We Champion Inclusivity

Hosting multiple webinars and Facebook Live events covering EDI-related topics. Past dialogues include:

Partnering with like-minded education partners to further distribute equity, diversity and inclusion materials to aspiring and current ACE Certified Professionals

Administering the IDEA World Convention Scholarship Program, which offers health and exercise professionals to attend the Convention when they may not have the financial means to do so otherwise

ACE wins gold award for Best Advance in Diversity and Inclusion Innovation

In 2022, ACE won a coveted Brandon Hall Group Gold award for excellence in the Best Advance in Diversity and Inclusion Innovation category in partnership with LearnUpon LMS.

ACE's flagship course, Taking Action with ACE: Practicing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as a Health and Exercise Professional, provides actionable steps that can be applied every day to address equity, diversity and inclusion in the health and fitness industry. Through practice scenarios pulled from real-life experiences of diverse clients and health and exercise professionals, course participants are given an opportunity to learn from an alternate perspective.

ACE EDI Council

The ACE EDI Council is an employee-led group who contributes to the planning and evaluation of organizational activities related to the policies, procedures, and strategies that help to ensure attainment of expressed goals, objectives, and values associated with equity, diversity and inclusion. The Council provides a structure to reinforce EDI values and create an equitable space where diverse voices across the organization are heard and included.

ACE EDI Council members include 10-12 staff from multiple levels within ACE, assorted tenures, and various identities and backgrounds. With a more diverse group developing and reviewing EDI efforts, ACE will have a stronger and more effective EDI Initiative and impact.

The ACE EDI Council is administered by the ACE Corporate Communications department as ex-officio members with the assistance of Rory James, MPH, ACE EDI Consultant.

ACE EDI Council Members:

  • Pia P. Abelardo
  • Suzanne Austin
  • Mike Biggs
  • Amanda Cass
  • Araceli De Leon
  • Sharnae Ellis
  • Daniel Green
  • Sarah Ramirez
  • Jennifer Wood

"Having a group of individuals whose priority is to guide ACE on issues related to EDI strengthens our efforts to reach all communities. ACE can lead the way and provide thought leadership, tools and insight for our members and professionals to do the same in their communities. Everyone should have access to resources and support to help them live their healthiest lives."

- Sharnae Ellis

ACE Courses committed to EDI Education

ACE provides multiple EDI-related courses, including our flagship course, Taking Action with ACE: Practicing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as a Health and Exercise Professional. Additional courses related to equity, diversity and inclusion can be found here. Many of ACE's educational materials and presentations are available with closed captioning and audio-only options.

To learn about upcoming events, please subscribe to the ACE eNewsletter or follow ACE on social media:

Have specific questions or comments about ACE's EDI efforts?

Please email us at corpcomms@acefitness.org