by |
Key Takeaways Staying up to date with the latest industry guidelines and standards can be challenging, which is why ACE put together these important resources: |
Every health coach and exercise professional knows they need to keep an eye out for the latest version of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans or the publication of the newest edition of ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, but are you aware that guidelines to improve cardiovascular health and on the management of dyslipidemia were both published in 2026? Are you familiar with the latest version of the blood pressure guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association?
You never know what questions a client may ask during a session, what conditions a new client may have or what new diagnosis an existing client may receive that impacts their existing program.
One of the hallmarks of a successful health and exercise professional is staying up to date on the guidelines and standards that underpin the work you do with clients. Now, no one expects you to know the categorization tables for the various types of cholesterol or the A1C thresholds between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes off the top of your head, but knowing where to find that information when asked about it, as well as credible and evidence-based answers to any other questions your clients may ask about their health and fitness, makes you a trusted source when these topics arise.
To support you in that effort, ACE maintains a page of Industry Guidelines, which includes links to physical activity and nutrition guidelines, key organizational updates from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as well as guidelines for various chronic diseases. The links provided represent the most up-to-date information from the most trusted organizations in our industry.
Another document that all ACE Certified Professionals have access to is the ACE Position Statement on Nutrition Scope of Practice for Exercise Professionals and Health Coaches, which outlines nutrition-related topics from foods to be included in a balanced daily diet to the principles of pre- and post-workout nutrition and hydration. In addition, this position statement lists actions that are outside the scope of practice of exercise professionals and health coaches who do not have additional credentials, such as registered dietitian nutritionist, as well as suggestions for how to handle questions from clients about nutritional supplements. Speaking of supplements, all ACE Pros can check out the ACE Position Statement on Nutritional Supplements, which outlines how to manage scope of practice concerns should an employer encourage or require the sale of supplements as part of the job description.
Staying current with the ever-evolving science that supports our industry can be challenging, so bookmark these pages for easy access to these essential guidelines and standards. Next time a client asks a question during a session or tells you of a new diagnosis, you’ll know exactly where to find the information you need to best support their health and well-being and help them continue to progress in their program.
