American Council on Exercise

ACE and The Phoenix share a belief that physical activity and social connections are vital to recovery. Learn about this collaboration and how you can volunteer.

"The importance of preserving strength, physical function and lean mass generally increases with age," says Cedric X. Bryant, PhD

Overcoming ageism in fitness is essential to building connection and trust when coaching older clients. Learn how inclusive language, adaptable programs and other practical strategies can help.

This data was then cross-referenced against anthropometric measurements, including waist circumference and body mass index (commonly known as BMI), to interpret the role of these variables on survival rates and risk of mortality. “That research has shown balance can actually be a meaningful marker of overall health and longevity,” says Jacque Crockford of the American Council on Exercise (ACE).

There’s quite a bit of evidence that weighted vests can be helpful for some people. “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.

"Starting slow and working your way up is better than overdoing it and giving up," Chris Gagliardi, a certified personal trainer at the American Council on Exercise, previously told Men's Health. An easy way to approach it: Commit to going for a quick, 10-minute walk after dinner, and slowly increase the time as you become more comfortable with daily movement.

Cameil Ross, a group fitness instructor certified by the American Council on Exercise, said that “[a]dding a weighted vest to your workout routine [increases] the resistance and cardiovascular output, which may result in higher caloric burn. It forces your muscles to work harder, which can build muscular strength as well.”...

Meanwhile, the American Council on Exercise recommends scheduling a full day of rest every seven to 10 days if you engage in high-intensity physical activity. Younger athletes will need more rest to avoid overuse injuries and other complications. So, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association recommends two days of rest per week from organized training and competition.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is proud to share that it has been named a 2026 Best and Brightest Company to Work For® in both Southern California and the Nation, and a 2026 winner of the Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness.

Still, you can check out these squatting ranges used by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a general benchmark for what’s considered “good” for each age group:

Managing hormonal changes can be challenging, but a holistic approach rooted in lifestyle medicine is vital. Learn what it takes to help clients dealing with menopause, perimenopause or other hormone-related changes.

According to an American Council on Exercise (ACE) study, 24 college students took part in a rebounder workout, reaching an average of 79% of their maximum heart rate – within the recommended range for cardio training set by the American College of Sports Medicine.

In this Q&A with the director of an adaptive dance program, we discuss the emotional and social benefits of exercise and the empowerment and sense of community that develop around the program. Learn how these translate to the world of health and fitness.

Can kids be healthy on a vegetarian or vegan diet? A major new systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that plant-based diets in childhood can support healthy growth and may offer some benefits, but they also require careful planning and attention to several nutrients that are easy to miss.

Studies from organizations like the American Council on Exercise show moderate intensity cardio maximizes fat oxidation compared to all out efforts. You are not trying to burn the most calories in 30 minutes, you are trying to burn the right calories.

Career sustainability in the fitness industry requires professionalism, mentorship pathways and strategic thinking. Learn what it takes to ensure long-term growth and ongoing success.

Rami Aboumahadi’s path into fitness began after building a successful career in finance. After immigrating to the United States at 18, he earned dual degrees in Accounting and Economics and launched his career on Wall Street. While he achieved professional success, something was missing. Over time, he realized he wanted to make a more meaningful impact on people’s lives.

“Push–pull routines are widely used because they provide a simple and efficient way to organize resistance training,” Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., chief executive officer at the American Council on Exercise, tells TODAY.com.

Inspire360 will provide The Edge’s trainers access to a curated selection of educational materials from organizations including the American Council on Exercise (ACE), TRX, Exos and more, alongside AI-powered support and tools that support continual professional growth in the fitness industry.

“If you are currently inactive, you can see improvements to your VO2 max capacity within four to six weeks,” Wilson says. “Depending on the training program, a beginner can be half marathon-ready in roughly 12 to 20 weeks.” (VO2 max is basically the maximum amount of oxygen your body can consume and deliver to your organs and muscles, according to the American Council on Exercise. The higher your capacity, the longer, and stronger, you’ll be able to engage in cardiovascular exercise.)

First, if it’s at all feasible financially and logistically, consult a qualified trainer before you start or update a training routine, said Pamela Peeke, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland and founder of the Peeke Performance Center for Healthy Living. “Ask if they’re certified and by whom.” The ACSM, as well as the American Council on Exercise... offer widely recognized certifications in strength and conditioning.

Explore what drives behavior change and how to bridge the gap between education and real-world implementation. Learn behavior coaching skills that bring your expertise to life.

Cameil Ross, a group fitness instructor certified by the American Council on Exercise, said that “adding a weighted vest to your workout routine [increases] the resistance and cardiovascular output, which may result in higher caloric burn. It forces your muscles to work harder, which can build muscular strength as well.”

Although you can’t stop age-related muscle mass and strength depletion altogether, you can slow it down with strength training, says Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., chief executive officer at the American Council on Exercise.

A new meta-analysis suggests that colorful foods like berries may do more than brighten a plate—they may also support cognitive health. This article breaks down what the research found and helps health and exercise professionals understand how to use that information in client conversations in a practical, credible and scope-appropriate way.

Stretching remains a staple in many workouts and classes, even as the conversation around it continues to evolve. Learn what current expert guidance suggests and how those insights can shape smarter, more intentional programming for your clients and class participants.

Exercise does more than challenge muscles and lungs—it may also send a signal to the gut. Learn about a new study linking training load with changes in gut health markers among highly trained rowers, and how you can apply the insights in a thoughtful, client-centered way.

The 2026 Certification Advisory Board will enhance integrity and oversight of the ACE credentialing process.

Peptides are marketed as the next big thing for fat loss, muscle recovery and “anti-aging,” often promising faster results with less effort, but it’s important to consider the evidence about their safety and effectiveness.

Two of the industry’s leading authorities unite to deliver an unmatched in-person learning experience for exercise professionals

Beyond improving physical appearance, muscles help maintain posture, stabilize joints and allow us to move, says Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., chief executive officer at the American Council on Exercise. “(Muscle) helps regulate blood sugar, supports metabolic function, protects joints and bones, and contributes to longevity and independence as we age,” Bryant tells TODAY.com. “In many ways, muscle is one of the body’s most important organs for both performance and health.”

Today the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a national organization that confers fitness certifications to personal and group fitness instructors and health coaches, launched a dedicated program to educate exercise and health professionals on the specific needs of menopausal women so they can better support them...

Evidence-based, holistic strategies help trainers meet the needs of a rapidly growing client population.

Dr. Rogers, who has been working with the American Council on Exercise to educate exercise professionals about the medications, is wary of these programs, since it isn’t clear what evidence they are based on.

Overall, the more you move with intention, the more of a difference you'll see, says Sariya. You can also slowly increase your weights for an additional burn, as long as they’re not too heavy. (The American Council on Exercise suggests one to three pounds max for joint safety.)

Getting a good night’s sleep is a powerful recovery tool. Learn practical sleep strategies that will help your clients improve their sleep hygiene and better support their physical activity and exercise.

How to do these exercises: The American Council of Exercise recommends performing three sets for each using a reverse pyramid rep/set scheme. Start with a higher number of repetitions for the first set, then decrease by 2 to 6 reps, then decrease by another 2 to 4 reps on the last set.

A new analysis points to aerobic exercise as the most consistently effective option for reducing pain and improving function, gait and quality of life in people with knee osteoarthritis. Here, we explain how to use this evidence to simplify program design, build client confidence and layer in complementary training when needed.

McEown bring his deep expertise in finance and public accounting to help guide ACE’s strategic and financial stewardship.

Properly training the deltoids requires a variety of carefully chosen exercises. This evidence-based workout features shoulder exercises to develop strength and function.