Get certified

A Guide to Becoming an ACE-Certified Professional

American Council on Exercise

A Message from Our President............................................................... 1

Accreditation............................................................................................ 2
Certification: Personal Trainer................................................................. 4
Certification: Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist............................... 6
Certification: Group Fitness Instructor.................................................... 8
Certification: Lifestyle + Weight Management Consultant................. 10
Specialty Certification: Peer Fitness Trainer . ....................................... 12
The Exam: Getting Prepared................................................................. 14
Professional Benefits.............................................................................. 18
Continuing Education............................................................................ 20
Public Outreach...................................................................................... 22
Our Commitment to Customer Service + ACE Affiliations................... 24

The ACE AdvantageA Message From Our President

I hope you join the many fitness professionals who have selected the American Council on Exercise
(ACE) as their path to a successful career in health and fitness. An ACE certification solidifies your
commitment to reach an industry-recognized standard, providing enhanced credibility and the
opportunity to educate, motivate, inspire and train others.
Because ACE-certified individuals have taken their professional development and personal
credibility a step further, they are among the most sought after professionals in the fitness industry.
With careful preparation, and successful passing of our NCCA-accredited certification exams,
you will be well on your way to launching a promising and rewarding career.
As one of the worlds largest certification, education and training organizations, we provide the
tools you need to build and sustain a strong future and enjoy the benefits of being an ACEcertified, qualified and successful fitness professional. Our knowledgeable staff is here to serve
and guide you from the start of your career through being a seasoned-pro.
I personally invite you to join the thousands of fitness professionals worldwide that have taken
the initiative and given themselves a significant competitive advantage by becoming ACE certified.
Let ACE provide you the unparalleled education, knowledge and professional skills to guarantee
your career growth.

?? ?

Did You Know

ACE has earned the reputation
of consumer advocate through
university-based research
targeting fitness products
and trends. Some ACE sponsored studies have prompted
the Federal Trade Commission
to take action against
companies making false claims.

We look forward to having you in the family!

Scott Goudeseune
President
American Council on Exercise

American Council on Exercise | The ACE AdvantageA Message From Our President | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Educate

Accreditation

Accreditation = Credibility + Excellence + Reputation

In 2003, ACEs four core certifications were accredited by the National Commission for Certifying
Agencies (NCCA). This serves as a benchmark for how organizations should conduct certification
programs and clearly distinguishes the excellence and value of an ACE certification.
The NCCA is an independent non-governmental agency that accredits certifications in a variety
of professions including nursing, dietetics, occupational therapy and athletic training. NCCA
reviews the certification organizations procedures, protocols and operations, and determines
if the certification properly discriminates between those who are qualified and those who are
not qualified to be awarded the respective credential.

What does the NCCA accreditation standard mean to you

as a fitness professional?
The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and Medical Fitness
Association (MFA) recommend that club owners and medical fitness facility operators only hire
fitness professionals with certifications from agencies accredited through the NCCA or an equivalent accrediting organization. By upholding this standard, your ACE certification will provide you
a competitive advantage when being considered as a candidate for employment with a company
or organization that belongs to IHRSA or MFA.
ACE upholds the highest education, training and testing criteria and is in compliance with all
21 NCCA standards. Accreditation of a credentialing organization by the NCCA is the standard for
a large majority of well-respected allied healthcare professionals and other professions. By earning
an NCCA-accredited certification, fitness professionals demonstrate that they are qualified
to take a legitimate place in the healthcare continuum within their defined scope of practice.
This accredited certification is critical for an appropriate level of professional recognition and
respect, which will also positively impact compensation levels for fitness professionals.

Did You Know

Holding an NCCA-accredited
certification communicates
to employers and clients
that you have achieved
a recognized professional level
of competency in your career.

For additional and detailed information on accreditation and NCCA, please visit our Web site
at www.acefitness.org/aboutace/accreditation.aspx.

American Council on Exercise | Accreditation | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Personal training is one of the fastest growing

professions in the health and fitness industry.

The American Council on Exercises acclaimed Personal Trainer Certification (ACE-CPT) is designed
for trainers providing one-on-one or small-group fitness instruction.
The decision to pursue professional certification is an important step in being recognized
as a competent practitioner in ones discipline. Working as a personal trainer is one of the most
rewarding career choices for todays fitness professional. By becoming ACE certified, you will
be better equipped to empower, motivate, challenge and retain your clients for the long term.
In addition, ACE-certified personal trainers are in high demand, which is just one more reason for
you to have a positive outlook regarding your future and the continued growth of your career.
The ACE Personal Trainer Certification is continually evaluated and updated to ensure that
it includes the most current research in exercise science and keeps todays fitness professionals
ahead of the competition. Upon successful completion of the ACE Personal Trainer Certification
Exam, you will have demonstrated your knowledge of risk factor screening, fitness assessment,
nutrition, exercise science, exercise programming and appropriate progressions, instructional and
spotting techniques, lifestyle modification and professional scope of practice.

Exam Stats
The Personal Trainer Certification
Exam is divided into the
following subjects areas:
33%

32%

27%


8%

Program Design
+ Implementation
Client Interview
+ Assessment
Program Progression,
Modification +
Maintenance
Professional Role
+ Responsibilities

?? ?

The ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam also includes a written simulation component, which
consists of two real-life client simulation problems that assess a candidates decision-making skills
in designing, implementing and modifying an exercise program.

For detailed information about ACEs many courses and study preparation tools, please visit our
Web site at www.acefitness.org/getcertified.

Did You Know

The influence of ACE-certified
professionals cannot be underestimated. Personal Trainers are
asked for advice 4 to 9 times
per week by active consumers.

American Council on Exercise | Certification: Personal Trainer | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Empower

Certification:
Personal Trainer

Certification:
Advanced
Health + Fitness
Specialist

Strengthen

ACE advanced health & fitness specialists provide

in-depth preventative and post-rehabilitative fitness
programming that addresses common diseases and
disorders seen on a daily basis.
The number of overweight and obese individuals in the U.S. continues to increase at a time
when our population is also getting older. Coupled with inactivity, poor dietary choices
and related health factors, the result is an ever-increasing number of individuals who are at risk
for or recovering from cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and a variety
of orthopedic issues. The advanced fitness professional plays a crucial role in the allied healthcare continuum by helping these individuals decrease risk factors and improve health and fitness
following rehabilitation.
The ACE Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification (ACE-AHFS) provides fitness professionals with the opportunity to earn an advanced fitness certification that is unparalleled in the
industry. Its the only accredited fitness certification with extensive programming for the most
common diseases and disorders seen on a daily basis by fitness professionals. According to recent
ACE studies and research, these frequently encountered health issues fall into one of the following
categories: cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic and musculoskeletal all of which are the focus
of this certification. In addition, this credential addresses advanced programming for older adults,
youth and pre- and post-natal women; nutrition and business communication and strategy.
ACE introduced the Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification to meet the growing
demands of clients and the advanced fitness professionals providing preventative and postrehabilitative fitness programs. Becoming an ACE-certified Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist
will give you the credentials to work with special populations, taking a leadership role in helping
them to improve their fitness levels and overall health. You can market your services directly
to fitness clubs, community health clinics, hospitals and senior facilities. This is an incredible
opportunity that has been largely ignored. The possibility for growth and professional recognition
are virtually untapped.

Exam Stats
The Advanced Health & Fitness
Specialist Certification Exam
is divided into the following
subjects areas:
40%

26%
26%
8%

Program Implementation
+ Management
Assessment
Program Design
Professional
Responsibility

For detailed information about ACEs many courses and study preparation tools, please visit our
Web site at www.acefitness.org.

American Council on Exercise | Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Exercising in a group setting adds an unparalleled level

of enthusiasm and motivation for all participants.

The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification (ACE-GFI) is designed for fitness professionals
teaching any form of exercise in a group setting. Passing the ACE Group Fitness Instructor
Certification Exam demonstrates you possess the foundation of knowledge and skills necessary
to teach a safe and effective group fitness class, no matter what type of modality. You also bring
your personal passion and enthusiasm for group exercise to everyone you help in their quest
to reach their personal health and fitness goals.
ACE-certified group fitness instructors are known to possess the highest standards of excellence
in todays vast spectrum of professionalism in this category. More is expected of todays group
fitness professional than ever before. As the fitness industry has evolved, traditional aerobics
has expanded to include an array of diverse group fitness programs. Understanding effective
communication, teaching techniques and motivational skills enables ACE-certified group fitness
instructors to successfully develop and implement safe and effective group exercise programs,
and engage their participants.
Group fitness instructors are in the perfect position to inspire and motivate others to change
their health and fitness-related behaviors through classes designed to deliver a spirit of creativity
and uniqueness. This certification demonstrates your understanding of anatomy, kinesiology,
exercise physiology and instructional techniques including class design, cueing and
injury prevention.
For detailed information about ACEs many courses and study preparation tools, please visit our
Web site at www.acefitness.org/getcertified.

Exam Stats
The Group Fitness Instructor
Certification Exam is divided
into the following subjects areas:
49%

31%

14%

6%

Exercise Programming
+ Class Design
Group Instructional
Methods
Group Leadership
Methods
Professional
Responsibilities

?? ?

Did You Know

ACE has the only NCCAaccredited Group Fitness
Instructor Certification
available.

American Council on Exercise | Certification: Group Fitness Instructor | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Certification:
Group Fitness
Instructor

Motivate

Certification:
Lifestyle + Weight
Management
Consultant

Coach

Join the wellness revolution.

Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The ACE Lifestyle & Weight
Management Consultant Certification (ACE-LWMC) demonstrates to your clients that you have
the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight-management programs that bring together
the three critical components of long-term weight management success: nutrition, exercise and
lifestyle change.
Many of your clients have health, lifestyle and fitness barriers to overcome. As an ACE-certified
Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant, you will be able to identify those barriers and design
plans to overcome them. You will learn to assess your clients body composition and unique training needs. By recognizing what motivates them, you can identify how to effectively communicate
your advice and determine the best way to help them safely achieve their goals.
The rate of obesity in the United States has increased from 15 percent in 1980 to 30 percent in 2005.
Today, nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population is considered overweight or obese. This puts many
Americans at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer and osteoarthritis.
Its not all bad news an estimated 10 to 15 million Americans are taking action to live longer,
healthier and more energetic lives. Some have labeled it a wellness revolution. After all, these
health-conscious Americans spend billions of dollars each year on supplements, weight-loss
products, health club memberships and personal training sessions, all in the pursuit of better
health and fitness. They need expert guidance to help them make sound decisions about diet
and exercise, and adopt new habits to ensure long-term success. ACE plays a vital role in this
overall approach by offering its exceptional Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant
Certification Program.
Developed by leading industry experts, the ACE Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant
Certification highlights the essential relationship between physical activity and nutrition,
and illustrates how permanent weight loss is most effectively brought about through a change
in lifestyle. Topics range from the psychological aspects of weight management, behavioral
change, the physiology of obesity, techniques for lifestyle coaching and the interaction between
exercise and nutrition in weight control.
For detailed information about ACEs many courses and study preparation tools, please visit our
Web site at www.acefitness.org.

American Council on Exercise | Certification: Lifestyle + Weight Management Consultant | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Exam Stats
The ACE Lifestyle & Weight
Management Consultant
Certification Exam is
divided into the following
subject areas:
34%

30%
29%

7%

Program Development
+ Implementation
Client Assessment
Program Modification
+ Adherence
Professional
Responsibility

?? ?

Did You Know

Many savvy employers now
offer lifestyle and weight
management benefits and
assistance to their employees.
When you become an ACEcertified Lifestyle & Weight
Management Consultant,
you will dramatically enhance
your qualifications and increase
your appeal to employers
offering this invaluable
employee benefit.

11

Improving the wellness and fitness of fire fighters

is critical to keeping them safe.
The job of fighting fires and responding to emergency situations is one of the most dangerous and
physically demanding professions. To help improve the safety, performance and quality of life of
uniformed personnel in the fire service, the Peer Fitness Trainer (PFT) Certification was developed
by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs
(IAFC) and the American Council on Exercise.
Throughout the United States and Canada, the PFT Certification identifies fire fighters that have
demonstrated a certain level of knowledge and skill required to design and implement fitness
programs, improve the wellness and fitness of their departments and assist with the physical
training of recruits during the physically challenging entry tests. The role of a Peer Fitness Trainer
differs from a Personal Trainer since fire service personnel have very specific needs and an extreme
work environment well beyond what the average exerciser will ever face.
As a Peer Fitness Trainer, you are responsible for knowing and applying a significant amount
of information. Your challenge is to use this to safely and effectively train your fellow fire fighters
and help them achieve the results they need for a long and healthy career in the fire service.
To sit for the exam, you must be a fire fighter, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provider
or employed by a fire department and involved in a fitness trainer program. In addition,
candidates must possess a valid CPR certificate by the day of the exam.

?? ?

Did You Know

By registering for the exam
you will receive both the ACE
Personal Trainer Manual and
Peer Fitness Trainer Reference
Manual. For additional training
in exercise science and to help
prepare for the exam, a five-day
workshop is also available.

For full details on the Peer Fitness Trainer Certification including available study materials and
instructions on how to register for the exam, visit www.acefitness.org.

12

American Council on Exercise | Specialty Certification: Peer Fitness Trainer | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Protect

Specialty
Certification:
Peer Fitness
Trainer

Succeed

The Exam:
Getting Prepared

Preparation is key. ACE recommends that you allocate

3 to 6 months to study for your exam.
We recommend that you allocate approximately three to six months to study for the exam,
depending on your professional background, education and experience. With candidates coming
from a broad range of backgrounds, its important to plan out a study strategy that can increase
your chances of success on the certification exam.
To assist you in finding available study materials and tailoring an exam-preparation program
to your learning style, we provide a convenient tool on the ACE website. For more information,
visit www.acefitness.org/getcertified.

Sample Certification Timeline (Personal Trainer)

Weeks 1-15

Weeks 16-20

Weeks 18-20

Weeks 20-24

Weeks 24+

Self-study program

Schedule + take ACE

exam review course

Take Online Diagnostic

Practice Test

Schedule + take ACE

certification exam

Register for the

next available
ACE practical
training program

Sign-up for FREE

Study Coach Program

American Council on Exercise | The Exam: Getting Prepared | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

15

To help candidates prepare for the exam, ACE has

developed the following study assistance programs
and materials.
Study Coach Program
This free assistance program keeps you on track with your studies through a convenient weekly
email guiding you through the manual and our recommended approach to exam preparation.
Offered in both 12 and 20-week formats youll find one that easily fits your study timeline.

ACE Certification Manuals

The ACE certification manuals provide fitness professionals with the most comprehensive resources
covering the latest research findings and industry guidelines in the field of health and fitness.
These highly regarded texts are not only valuable study tools for the ACE certification exams,
but also excellent resources you can reference throughout your career.

Online Diagnostic Practice Tests

Did You Know

The Online Diagnostic Practice
Test enables you to view
the questions you missed
and immediately gives you
reference pages in the manuals
to reinforce your studies.

Available for all four of ACEs core certifications, these online practice tests use questions that
are similar to those found on the actual exam, giving you an idea of the testing format and what
you can expect come exam day. The online-only format is interactive and provides immediate
feedback through annotated explanations. In addition, it gives you reference pages in the study
materials to reinforce your learning. We recommend taking this approximately two weeks prior
to sitting for the ACE exam.

Home Study Programs + Bundled Study Materials

To help you prepare for the exam, we offer comprehensive sets of ACE study materials all in one
convenient package. Organized to walk you through your studies and prepare you for lifelong
success in fitness, these bundled study programs are offered at different levels. Choose the one
that best fits your learning style, experience and budget.

Exam Review Course

This course has long been a popular and effective way to study for the ACE exam. The live
workshop is a great opportunity to interact with an ACE Master Practical Trainer and other exam
candidates to clarify areas of confusion or concern. You will review key topic areas from the exam
content outline and test-taking strategies. For those not able to attend the live event, this course
is also offered online at www.acefitness.org.

16

American Council on Exercise | The Exam: Getting Prepared | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Exam Day: What to Expect

The certification exam is designed to assess a candidates ability to make safe and effective
decisions within the professional scope of practice for the certification. Your performance will
be influenced by your preparation, education, knowledge and experience, as well as your ability
to take a multiple choice exam. In addition, the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam also
includes a practical component, with two written client simulations.
You have two options for taking the exam live pencil and paper exams or Computer-based
Testing. Live exams are traditional pencil and paper exams administered at over 80 locations,
at least four times a year. Computer-based Testing (CBT) is a more convenient method, enabling
you to take the exam at one of numerous testing facilities throughout the year, rather than on
a limited schedule. With CBT, you receive your test results immediately; whereas, with traditional
pencil and paper exams test results typically take four to six weeks.
For more information on what to expect including exam content areas, testing format and scoring
visit www.acefitness.org/getcertified.

Exam Requirements
For all ACE Exams:
You must be at least 18 years of age.
You must hold an adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certificate.
You may sit for the live pencil and paper exam without proof of CPR; however, you will not receive
your results until you provide current CPR information. Candidates taking Computer-based
Testing, however, must hold a current CPR certificate prior to registration. View a list of accepted
CPR certificates at www.acefitness.org.
To sit for the ACE Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant Certification Exam, in addition
to the above requirements you must hold a current ACE Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor
or Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification; or an NCCA-accredited fitness certification;
or hold a four-year (bachelors) degree in exercise science or a related field. Registrants holding
degrees in nutrition or nursing must submit documentation supporting completion of exercise
science-related coursework at the time of registration.
To sit for the ACE Advanced Health & Specialist Certification Exam, in addition to the above
requirements you must have completed 300-hours of work experience designing and
implementing exercise programs for apparently healthy individuals and/or high-risk individuals,
as documented by a qualified professional. You must also have a four-year (bachelors) degree
in an exercise science or related field; or a current ACE Personal Trainer or Lifestyle & Weight
Management Certification; or an NCCA-accredited fitness certification. Registrants must submit
documentation that they meet the pre-requisites at the time of registration.

American Council on Exercise | The Exam: Getting Prepared | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

17

Professional
Benefits

Support

ACE-certified professionals have access to a variety

of valuable benefits.
ACE Resource Center
Your personal reference desk and library. Get answers on industry trends from highly qualified
fitness professionals with access to 90 journals, 1,500 books and several databases of information.

Insurance Center
Exclusive access to discounted liability, studio and health insurance. Your one-stop shop!

SPORTDiscus
More than 400 full text exercise science and sports medicine journals dating back to 1985.

Business Basics
A series of printable step-by-step, easy-to-understand templates, instructional guides and tools
developed to increase your business skills.

Professional Discount Program

Discounts and special offers on fitness apparel, educational programs, products and more.

ACE Apparel + Business Cards

Sport a professional and polished appearance with the official ACE-certified Professional logo.

GymJOB.com
The health, fitness, recreation and sports industries premier Web site for a diverse array
of employment opportunities. Use it to launch your next career move.

Find an ACE Pro

Did You Know

ACE-certified professionals
enjoy the most comprehensive
support system from one of
the worlds largest nonprofit
certifiers of fitness professionals.
For details on ACEs benefits,
please visit us online at
www.acefitness.org/getcertified.

Our searchable online database puts you in front of thousands of consumers each month.

ACE Trainer Program

Build your client and revenue base with virtually no marketing on your part!

Focus Groups & Surveys

From ACE decision-makers to the media, we rely on ACE professionals for valuable feedback.

Grassroots Advocacy
Take action, monitor legislative issues, voice your views and speak to elected officials via
ACEs online Legislative Action Center.

American Council on Exercise | Professional Benefits | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

19

At the American Council on Exercise, we strive

to be your partner throughout the life of your career.
ACE continuing education programs provide the tools fitness professionals need to design
and implement safe and effective exercise programs, giving them the credibility and professional
edge needed with todays savvy consumer. ACE-certified professionals who engage in continuing
education advance their knowledge and enhance the value they offer to clients, leading to greater
career success.
ACE is committed to providing you with ongoing value through superior continuing education
products and courseware. ACE continuing education courses, exercise science research and
practical training workshops are available to current and prospective certified professionals
through the ACE Academy. Staffed with leading fitness educators throughout the world,
we provide you with numerous opportunities to enhance professional skills and maintain your
credentials. (Your ACE certification is valid for two years from the date of successful completion
of the exam.)
Currently, ACE has approved more than 3,000 continuing education courses available in a variety
of formats to meet the ever-changing needs of todays fitness professional.

At Home
Online Learning: Online learning is one of the most popular and streamlined learning vehicles
available today. Fitness professionals receive valuable education from leading industry experts
over the Internet, saving travel expenses and lost work time.
Mixed-Media (Book/DVD): Offering the same convenience and flexibility as online learning, this
type of course involves a combination of formats including books, videos and online education.

In Class
Workshops: Taught throughout the country by ACE faculty, ACE workshops help fitness
professionals develop their core knowledge in a hands-on setting. Examples include the Personal
Trainer Practical Training, Functional Training, Heartsaver First Aid/CPR/AED, ACE Fitness
Symposium and the lecture-based Personal Trainer Exam Review.
College Courses: Fitness professionals can obtain continuing education credits by successfully
completing (i.e., receiving a passing grade of C or higher) approved courses through an accredited
college or university. ACE will approve courses that advance fitness professional careers or provide
education within the scope of the certification.

Additional ACE Certifications

Passing a second ACE certification exam allows fitness professionals to earn all the continuing
education credits needed to renew their current certification. This expands an individuals scope
of practice and professional credentials, enabling them to broaden the range of clients they serve.
Visit www.acefitness.org/continuingeducation to browse through the many
ACE-approved continuing education programs available to you today.

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American Council on Exercise | Continuing Education | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Strive

Continuing
Education

Public
Outreach
The influence of the American Council on Exercise
expands beyond the fitness industry.
Because of our many collaborative relationships and outreach campaigns, ACE continues to be the
voice of fitness. Examples include our programs with the American Heart Association and AARP,
youth and media outreach efforts and grassroots advocacy.

ACE and the American Heart Association

As a fitness professional, you never know when you may be called upon to step in during
a life-threatening event. With this in mind, ACE has joined with the American Heart Association
to design a course enabling you to create a safer fitness environment, satisfy OSHA guidelines
and learn the personally invaluable skills to save a life.

Why
Select ACE?

The eight-hour Heartsaver First Aid with CPR and AED Training Course, offered by ACE and
endorsed by the American Heart Association, teaches rescuers to effectively recognize and treat
adult emergencies in the critical first minutes until emergency medical services personnel arrive,
and how to properly and effectively use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
New treatments have improved the possibility of survival from cardiovascular emergencies
in a fitness setting, particularly with early intervention and greater public access to defibrillators.
ACE and the American Heart Association strongly advocate that all fitness facilities be equipped
with an AED and have staff trained in the proper use of this life-saving device.
For more information and course listings, visit our Web site at www.acefitness.org/calendar.

ACE and AARP

AARP is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and
over in the United States. With shared missions, both ACE and AARP are interested in providing
a service to a population that has been greatly underserved by the fitness industry and who have
the means, motivation and desire to enhance their quality of life through physical activity.
As a result, ACE teamed with AARP as the provider of personal training services under a fitness
program for AARP members. Focused on prevention, this program provides information, resources
and services to help AARPs more than 39 million members lead active, healthier lifestyles.
As an ACE-certified Professional, this is an opportunity to expand your client base and income
potential, and share your passion and knowledge with Americas fastest growing population
segment individuals who are redefining our expectations on age, vitality and life. For more
information and to enroll, visit www.acefitness.org/aarp.

22

Did You Know

Today, the 50+ market makes
up 35% of the U.S. population
and controls 75% of the
nations wealth.

American Council on Exercise | Public Outreach | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

Youth Outreach
The news media continues to shine a spotlight on the startling fact that approximately 16 percent
of children and teens, ages 6-19 years, are overweight. The percentage of young people who are
overweight over 9 million has more than tripled since 1980.
In addition, researchers have found that lowered self-esteem is associated with being overweight
in girls as young as five, while children and adolescents who are overweight by the age of eight
are 80 percent more likely to become overweight or obese adults.
Dedicated to promoting safe, effective physical activity programs to help get kids moving, ACE
offers the Operation FitKids curriculum designed for educators looking to integrate health and
fitness into classroom learning. The seven-lesson module was developed for grades 3-5 to teach
them the extreme dangers of being overweight and the importance of a healthy and active
lifestyle. For more detailed information please visit our web site at www.acefitness.org.

Did You Know

Participation in physical activity
declines as children get older
69% of 9th graders participate
in vigorous physical activity on
a regular basis, while only 55%
of 12th graders participate
in the same level of activity.

Media Outreach
Through more than 450 million media impressions per year, ACE advocates the benefits of safe
and effective exercise by continually educating the public and fitness professionals on all relevant
updates in the fitness industry related to trends, products, personnel, studies and consumer
advice. For updated news from the American Council on Exercise, visit the Media Center on our
Web site at www.acefitness.org.

Grassroots Advocacy
In a position to affect national and state initiatives that promote more active lifestyles for all
Americans, ACE is mobilizing its base of more than 40,000 professionals to work to pass laws that
will help affect societal changes toward a more fit America. ACE has instituted powerful tools that
allow our professionals to take action, monitor legislative issues that affect them, easily voice their
opinions and speak to their elected officials on important issues via the ACE Web site. The initiative
is focused on establishing and enhancing an influential, powerful and unified political voice
for the fitness industry while strengthening ACEs commitment to public outreach and increasing
the number of ACE-certified fitness professionals who actively participate in grassroots advocacy.

American Council on Exercise | Public Outreach | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

23

Our Commitment to Customer Service

We are here for you! Contact ACE by visiting our Web site, calling our customer service department
or visiting us in person.

Web Site
www.acefitness.org

Customer Service
800.825.3636 Ext. 782. Hours of Operation are M-F from 7am to 5pm, PST.

Professional Services
4851 Paramount Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
Visit ACE in person between the hours of 2pm to 4pm, PST
800.825.3636 Ext. 781
Cant find what youre looking for, or need assistance in determining what educational track
is best for you? Please visit us at www.acefitness.org or contact our customer service team
at support@acefitness.org or by calling 800.825.3636 Ext. 782.

ACE Affiliations
ACE is proud to be affiliated with the following community organizations, with which we share
a joint vision to increase the awareness and need to promote a life of optimal health and fitness.

Health

Our other valued partnerships include Bank of America, Dynamix Music, FitnessPak, Homeland,
K-Swiss, SecureCare, InsureYourClub.com, MyExercisePlan.com, SPRI and YogaFit.

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American Council on Exercise | Our Commitment to Customer Service + ACE Affiliations | www.acefitness.org | 800.825.3636

ACE Code of Ethics

As an ACE-certified Professional, I am guided by the American Council on Exercises principles
of professional conduct whether I am working with clients, the public or other health and fitness
professionals. I promise to:
Provide safe and effective instruction.
Provide equal and fair treatment to all clients.
Stay up-to-date on the latest health and fitness research and understand its practical application.
Maintain current CPR certification and knowledge of first-aid services.
Comply with all applicable business, employment and intellectual property laws.
Uphold and enhance public appreciation and trust for the health and fitness industry.
Maintain the confidentiality of all client information.
Refer clients to more qualified health or medical professionals when appropriate.
Establish and maintain clear professional boundaries.

Our Mission
The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the quality
of life through safe and effective physical activity. As your authority on fitness, ACE protects all
segments of society against ineffective fitness products, programs and trends through its on-going
public education, outreach and research. ACE further protects the public by setting certification
and continuing education standards for fitness professionals.

Your Authority on Fitness

Headquarters
4851 Paramount Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: 858.279.8227 | Toll Free: 800.825.3636 | Fax: 858.279.8064
www.acefitness.org

Pre + Post Certification | M08-041