EDI courses developed. In July 2021, ACE launched the first-of-its-kind course on how exercise professionals can build a more inclusive fitness industry. The course, Taking Action with ACE: Practicing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as an Exercise Professional, is the first step on a journey to ensure all physical activity participants have equal access and feel welcome in every environment. As of December 31, 2021, more than 3,400 exercise professionals and health coaches have taken this course and is part of ACE’s required training for all employees.

In October 2021, ACE expanded its Taking Action with ACE series focused on equity, diversity and inclusion by introducing two additional courses. Taking Action with ACE: Practicing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as a Fitness Business Owner shares how fitness business owners can foster a welcoming environment where clients and staff feel valued and can also help grow their business, allowing them to reach a more diverse clientele. Taking Action with ACE: Practicing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as a Fitness Manager offers fitness directors and managers approaches to foster open and inclusive working environments by focusing on improving equity, diversity and inclusion in their facilities.

More inclusive language implemented in educational resources. ACE adopted the pronoun "they" in lieu of "his/her" in blogs, textbooks and marketing materials to be more inclusive in our marketing and educational communications.

Throughout the year, ACE hosted live conversations on social media in observation of important awareness months and topics in EDI. These conversations sought to start a dialogue in and around the fitness industry; share personal experiences; and explore ideas to build a more equitable, diverse and inclusive fitness industry. Topics included:

• COVID-19: Health equity, public health and physical activity
• Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Fitness Industry
• LGBTQIA+ in the Fitness Industry
• ACE Hispanic Heritage Month FB Live Conversation

In 2021, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Women In Fitness Association (WIFA) reached a new milestone in their partnership with the launch of the WIFA Growth Grant, a scholarship that provides current ACE Certified Professionals the opportunity to build and grow their careers with a 1-year WIFA membership. In just six months, more than 1,200 awards were distributed to women around the world to support them in taking advantage of valuable professional development options, connecting with a global community and advancing their careers.

Creating and supporting growth opportunities for women in the fitness industry is more important than ever. According to a 2020 report analyzing U.S. Census data, women make up 58% of the recreation and fitness workforce, but only earn 86 cents to every dollar earned by men in the same occupation. Globally, women only make up 29% of senior leadership positions (e.g., CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, CMO). In a sector in which women outpace men in health club membership consumption, women should be equally represented to acknowledge and celebrate their contributions to the industry. Women have been missing in leadership positions within the fitness industry, and ACE believes that it is vital to the health of our industry that women who are exercise professionals or health coaches receive equal opportunities afforded by peers and allies. ACE’s partnership with WIFA is that value in action.

In addition to elevating EDI topics and dialogues publicly, ACE provided employees, the ACE executive team, and ACE board of directors with educational resources, workshops and other opportunities to practice and celebrate EDI within ACE. With guidance from an external consultant, ACE’s internal EDI initiative leverages key findings from EDI experts, creates opportunities for staff engagement in EDI efforts, offers EDI seminars and dialogues and updates internal policies and guidelines to support EDI efforts. As we move forward, ACE will continue to promote and practice equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and throughout our work to get people moving.