In the January 2026 issue of CERTIFIED, we introduced the ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living and kicked off an ongoing series of articles with an exploration of the role physical activity plays as a starting point for lifestyle change. The days of personal trainers focusing solely on cardiorespiratory and resistance training are long gone, as many clients are taking a more holistic approach to their health and well-being, including things like stress management and getting a better night’s sleep, and want their trainer’s help in achieving those goals.

The ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living is a framework to help you and your clients better understand those lifestyle behaviors that support overall health and well-being.

Perhaps more importantly, this framework offers a practical guide that can help clients make meaningful, lasting lifestyle changes.

ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living

1. Move More, Move Well – Engage in regular physical activity and exercise that supports strength, mobility and long-term vitality.
2. Nourish Your Body – Choose balanced, healthy nutrition patterns that fuel daily living and overall well-being.
3. Prioritize Restorative Sleep – Get quality sleep that promotes recovery, cognitive function, emotional balance and immune health.
4. Strengthen Your Stress Resilience – Use effective coping skills and strategies that support emotional well-being and adaptability.
5. Build Supportive Connections – Cultivate positive relationships, community and belonging that enhance motivation and health.
6. Make Safer, Informed Choices – Make decisions that reduce health risks and promote long-term well-being.
7. Cultivate Purpose and a Growth Mindset – Clarify personal purpose and values, and foster a mindset that supports consistency, resilience and lasting behavior change.

A true breakthrough occurs for many clients when they realize that these seven behaviors are deeply interconnected. Improvements in one area often lead to improvements in others, even if that is not the client’s initial intention. For example, quitting smoking may lead to the ability to perform more intense workouts, which may lead to better sleep, which may strengthen stress resilience, and so on.

Initially, the role of the personal trainer centers on determining where to begin with each client, as every individual is different. One client may already be exercising consistently but need strategies to make better food choices and manage their stress. Another may be focused on drinking less alcohol and on using physical activity as a way to reconnect with their spouse.

In the physical activity article linked above, you will find a sample conversation between a trainer and client during which they collaborate to uncover what is most important to the client. In addition, a downloadable worksheet is included that you can use with clients (or for yourself) to develop strategies to pursue those initial goals.

In addition, each article in this series will include what we’re calling a “menu of options” for ACE Certified Pros only that you can use to help clients self-select personally meaningful behaviors to kick off their lifestyle change.

Be sure to check out each issue of CERTIFIED as we work through the ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living!

Final Thoughts

One of the most important things to communicate to your clients is that they do not need to achieve perfection in order to benefit. The seven core drivers are about progress, not pressure, and about building sustainable habits rooted in self-care. Remind your clients that small changes add up over time: meeting with a friend for morning coffee, choosing baby carrots instead of chips as a side dish at lunchtime, eating fruit as an afternoon snack, taking short walks after dinner, journaling about your values and progress each evening, reading for 20 minutes before bed—every healthy behavior counts and enhances your health and well-being.

If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to read The ACE 7 Core Drivers of Healthy Living: Physical Activity as a Starting Point. In this first article in an ongoing series, we explore how the 7 core drivers are interconnected and why physical activity may be the ideal starting point for many clients. This article also features worksheets you can use with clients to uncover where they feel most ready to make meaningful changes.