Topics Approved By

Topics

Approved By

Provider: ACE - American Council On Exercise
Type: Online Course
Included:
Online Quiz
PDF
Recorded Video
CEC Credits: ACE 0.1 CECs

Most clients don’t struggle because they lack knowledge—they struggle because they lack consistency. In a world where apps and AI can generate workouts and meal plans in seconds, the real competitive edge for fitness and wellness professionals is the ability to coach behavior change. This course, led by Kelley Vargo, ACE Certified Health Coach and Behavior Change Specialist, explores evidence-based skills that help clients turn intentions into habits, build self-efficacy, and create sustainable lifestyle changes.

Whether you work with beginners or those returning to health and exercise, you’ll walk away with practical micro-strategies you can use in under five minutes per session. You’ll learn how to connect behavior change to habit loops, coach with inclusive, psychologically safe language, and use simple data from wearables to reinforce progress—not perfection. This session gives you the tools to move beyond programming and into true behavior-based coaching, helping clients achieve lasting results.

Upon completion, you will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate at least three behavior-change micro-skills (e.g., OARS, implementation intentions, habit cueing) within brief coaching interactions lasting five minutes or less.

  • Integrate evidence-based behavior strategies into coaching sessions to enhance client adherence, confidence, and long-term self-efficacy.

  • Apply inclusive, weight-neutral, and psychologically safe communication techniques to support sustainable lifestyle change and minimize shame-based messaging.

  • Interpret simple wearable data points to monitor client progress and reinforce motivation during coaching sessions.