American Council on Exercise

AI, GLP-1s and social media influencers are sure to have an impact on the future of the fitness industry. Read on to learn what ACE experts have to say.

Men’s Health Month is a great time to explore the differences in life expectancy between men and women—termed the “longevity gap.” Read on to learn why this gap exists and what you can do to help your male clients live longer, healthier lives.

"Brisk walking provides a wide range of health benefits for both your physical and mental health," Mansour said. "Additionally, brisk walking is an effective way to manage weight and improve body composition." She defined brisk walking, aka power walking, as 3-4 mph. Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., CEO of the American Council on Exercise, agreed, noting that 3 mph is a good speed to start if you're walking for weight loss.

“Increasing your stamina and endurance usually means you’re increasing your cardiorespiratory fitness, or VO2 max,” says Sabrena Jo, Ph.D., director of science and research for the American Council on Exercise. This has benefits that go beyond letting you feel less wiped out doing everyday activities, says Jo. “A large bank of evidence shows that people who have higher cardiorespiratory endurance or aerobic fitness resist chronic disease and have a lower mortality rate.”

Rachel MacPherson, an American Council of Exercise-certified personal trainer, performance specialist and Garage Gym Reviews expert, explains that muscle is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories even at rest. Although the effect is small, it's significant and does add up over time. "This also helps to counteract the decline of metabolism and muscle mass as you age, which can contribute to middle-age weight gain," she says.

The psychology of exercise motivation begins with a caring and task-involving climate. Learn how to empower clients and optimize results.

While consistency is important, rest days are essential for muscle recovery and injury prevention. Research from the American Council on Exercise shows that overtraining can lead to chronic fatigue, weakened immune function, and a 30% higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Followers who skip rest days often report persistent soreness, sleep disturbances, and even stress fractures.

Lauren Shroyer, MS, vice president of product innovation at the American Council on Exercise (ACE), points to anti-obesity medication, also known as AOMs, and AI as two of the top trends shaping personal training and group fitness – and opening doors.

For the gym-phobic, so-called “gymtimidation,” one can overcome the fear. The American Council on Exercise recommends such measures as going to the gym off-peak, going to the gym with a mission in order to get to know it, and even taking a friend along. Remembering that everyone has to begin somewhere, one can overcome fear of going into a gym.

Looking for a summer job in fitness? Consider these creative job search ideas, from youth sports coaching to seasonal fitness opportunities.

As GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro surge in popularity, new research reveals they cause more muscle loss than fat loss, which is a key concern for those who take them. This article unpacks the science, explains why the findings matter and offers practical strategies to help clients lose weight while preserving lean mass.

Running leads to more calorie burn than cycling: A 130-pound person running a 10-minute mile (six miles per hour) generally burns 589 calories an hour, while indoor cycling at 5.5 miles per hour usually burns 235 calories an hour, based on estimates by the American Council on Exercise’s physical activity calorie counter.

Did you know there is an Asian-specific BMI? AAPI Heritage Month is a great time to consider health equity through the lens of Asian America health. Read on to learn more about BMI limitations specific to this community and how to reframe conversations around health.

Using heat, whether it’s a sauna, hot tub, or another form of heat exposure after training, can enhance the normal training responses you can get, says Lance Dalleck, Ph.D., a professor of exercise and sport science at Western Colorado University and a member of the ACE scientific advisory panel.

The first—and primary—benefit of wrist weights? Freedom. “Wearable weights allow for more fluid, dynamic movement options,” says Haahr. You can move your limbs freely and naturally—all while continuing to apply resistance to your muscles and bones, which can help build muscular endurance, or your muscles’ ability to resist fatigue over time, per the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

A 57kg person running for 30 minutes burns about 226 calories running a 12-minute mile, and 382 calories running a 7.5-minute mile, per the American Council on Exercise (ACE)’s physical activity calorie counter.

This Q&A explores anti-obesity medications and menopause, including the role of exercise professionals in supporting their clients. Topics covered include metabolism, nutrition, resistance training and the value of a holistic approach.

It’s totally normal for one side of your body to be a bit stronger than the other. But when these imbalances are significant, they can lead to movement compensations that ultimately lead to injury, according to the American Council on Exercise.

Integrating AI in personal fitness has raised questions about technology’s ability to replace traditional coaching models. Research from the American Council on Exercise suggests that personalized digital guidance can yield comparable results to in-person training for many fitness goals, particularly for intermediate exercisers.

This Q&A explores plant-based eating, including the health and fitness benefits and strategies for transitioning to this type of eating plan. Explore expert insights into this evidence-based approach to nutrition and health.

Some of my friends were surprised by my concern when they shared that they taste metal or blood while they run. It doesn’t sound normal to me, but apparently it’s not rare. President and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, Cedric X Bryant told The Washington Post, the phenomenon is just “your body telling you that ‘You’re probably doing a little bit more than what I’m ready to handle’”.

A landmark study tracking more than 100,000 people over 30 years reveals which midlife dietary habits are most strongly linked with healthy aging. Learn what the researchers found and gain practical strategies for helping clients build eating patterns that support cognitive function, physical ability and mental well-being into later life.

According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the core muscles include the erector spinae (your back extensors), internal and external obliques (responsible for rotating your trunk), obliques (help you bend to the side), transverse abdominis (this is the muscle being used when your bootcamp instructor enthusiastically belts out ’draw your belly button into your spine!’), rectus abdominis (commonly referred to as your ’six-pack’ muscles), and the multifidi (which keeps your spine stable).

The future of public health demands a strong and resilient workforce, including the health coaches and exercise professionals who are on the front lines of health promotion and disease prevention. National Public Health Week 2025 is a great time to reflect on your role in the world of public health and expand your efforts in your community and beyond.

“A common misconception is that soreness means a workout was effective,” said Cedric Bryant, an exercise physiologist and the president and chief executive of the American Council on Exercise. “While some soreness is normal, it is not a requirement for muscle growth.”

“Research on deconditioned individuals shows a vest can increase overall energy expenditure when worn throughout the day, especially for those who move frequently—think landscapers, teachers on their feet, or warehouse workers,” says Lauren Shroyer, MS, ATC, vice president of product and innovation at the American Council on Exercise. “However, if you’re already active and conditioned, the impact is likely minimal.”

The advice below is recommended by the American Council on Exercise. - If your goal is better endurance, do cardio before weights. - If your goal is burning fat and losing weight, do cardio after weights. - If you want to get stronger, do cardio after weights. - On upper-body strength training days, you can do either first. - On lower-body strength training days, do cardio after weights. - If your goal is just general fitness, do either first, but maybe start with the one you like less.

An ACE-certified trainer shares exercises to keep your muscles moving on the days you're not doing (or don't feel like doing) a high-intensity workout

Hula hooping isn’t just fun—it can torch a surprising number of calories. The average person burns approximately 210 calories in a 30-minute hula hoop workout, according to a study from the American Council on Exercise (ACE). That’s comparable to brisk walking at a 4 mph pace or moderate cycling.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) suggests that athletes who engage in high-intensity exercise should schedule a rest day every seven to 10 days. But that’s not a hard and fast rule. Some athletes may need more frequent rest days, such as two per week.

Starting your ride hydrated is as important as staying hydrated during it. To begin your ride properly hydrated, the American Council on Exercise recommends drinking 17 to 20 ounces of water a few hours before your ride and then 8 ounces (1 cup) of water 30 minutes before you start.

Walking for weight loss is effective and has many benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Even a few thousand steps a day can help you shed pounds if you’re consistent. Walking can also help you develop lean muscle, says Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise...

It is very easy to tear cold muscles. A 5–10 minute warm-up with dynamic movements like leg swings and arm circles loosens joints and improves workout efficiency. The American Council on Exercise warns that skipping warm-ups raises injury risk and reduces flexibility.

New ACE Board member brings expertise and experience in executive leadership and physical activity advocacy

As the American Council on Exercise points out, jogging is an efficient way to burn calories, which can help promote weight loss. If you’re looking to shed several pounds, jogging gets your heart rate up, your muscles moving, and calories burning. You’ll also continue torching those calories after you stop plogging.

As you paddle, you work your cardiovascular health and endurance, while balancing and controlling the board simultaneously strengthens your arms, legs, back and core. It requires mobility as you stretch and twist to catch the waves, too, and according to the American Council on Exercise, a 150lb (or 68kg) person can burn up to 400 calories per hour while bodyboarding.

The trend has had a ripple effect on organizations that administer certification programs for fitness trainers. The National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise are now offering GLP-1 education. The National Exercise & Sports Trainers Assn. debuted a “GLP-1 Exercise Specialist Certificate” in January that it touts as a “passport to success” for trainers.

"Zone 2 training is effective for improving mitochondria function as well as increasing the number of mitochondria in the cells. This is why zone 2 training has become so popular, especially when discussing longevity. The health of the mitochondria will have a direct impact on the effects of aging on the body," says Mike Deibler, an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise.

"Functional movement becomes critical as we age. The best advice I can give men over 50 years of age is to stay mobile and continue strength training multiple times a week. Like a car, we want to warm up the body thoroughly the older it gets," says Nico Gonzalez, Balanced Body Educator and Global Movement Trainer & Educator, certified through ACE (the American Council on Exercise).

Researchers investigated whether there are sex differences in exercise benefits in terms of reducing cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. They found that the physical activity benefits for women are greater than those for men and are hopeful that this evidence helps close the gender gap in physical activity.