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The fitness industry is ever-changing. As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge, changes in programming, guidelines, and standards are required. ACE's commitment to evidence-based practice is foundational, as reflected in our ongoing research, as well as our textbooks, study programs, and continuing education. While we make every possible effort to ensure that each product is complete and in alignment with industry standards at the time of publication, there are some key industry guidelines of which you should be aware and which are sometimes updated between editions of ACE textbooks.
As you study for an ACE Certification Exam and as you practice throughout your career as an exercise professional or health coach, it is essential that you remain up to date with the following industry guidelines and standards. Note that not all of these are cited in every ACE textbook or study program.
This document provides a complete set of guidelines and examples of activities to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, bone strength, balance, and flexibility in children, adults, older adults, women during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and adults with chronic disease.
Like the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, this document provides evidence-based recommendations on the amount of physical activity required to improve health and fitness.
This position stand covers the impact of resistance training on muscle function and hypertrophy.
This report is the result of efforts to examine scientific evidence on specific nutrition and public health topics and provide independent, science-based advice and recommendations to be considered in the development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030.
These guidelines, published in 2026 by the American Heart Association, explore the links between diet quality and cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality risk, summarize available evidence, and provide contextual guidance for the key features of heart-health dietary patterns.
These are important resources for exercise professionals and health coaches who work with athletes or individuals with performance-related goals.
ACSM publishes evidence-based recommendations that are widely cited, particularly ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. Visit https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/books to check out the latest ACSM texts. The following lists the latest edition of two of their most frequently cited texts.
It is essential that any health coach or exercise professional working with women who are pregnant or in the postpartum period read the latest ACOG guidelines, particularly the document listed below. ACOG frequently publishes "Committee Opinions" that should inform the work of anyone serving this population.
These guidelines, published in 2025 by the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and a number of other organizations, reflect the latest understanding of hypertension and how to categorize blood pressure in adults.
Summaries of these three important sets of guidelines can be found at the links provided below. These documents are often cited in the context of classification of cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
This position statement from the Association and American College of Sports Medicine presents essential content on the importance of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and management of diabetes.
