The American Council on Exercise is a nonprofit organization that has shaped fitness education and professional development benchmarks using proven methods to create comprehensive programming. Their work connects scientific research with practical training methods, preparing experts who can work with diverse populations across various needs. Offerings from ACE include respected NCCA-accredited certifications, in-depth specialty courses, and ongoing learning resources that transform health and fitness enthusiasts into skilled professionals who change the world. 

Their impact reaches beyond teaching and certification, merging with their partnerships with leaders in government and science and affecting community groups to make movement accessible for everyone. This critical vision means ACE Certified Trainers and Coaches enter the field ready to create real change. Whether working with individuals or groups or contributing to broader public health initiatives, ACE is the leader of the bunch. 

American Council on Exercise 

The American Council on Exercise, better known as ACE, is the leading nonprofit certification organization preparing health and fitness enthusiasts with the education and skills to become the future of the personal training and coaching industry. These NCCA-accredited certifications are only a portion of what ACE has to offer. They provide unlimited growth opportunities to further your education through bundled courses, continuing education courses, live webinars, and a monthly digital magazine with topical issues. 

ACE is not only a certifying organization but also partners with like-minded organizations, research institutions, fitness leaders, community organizations, and policymakers on both state and federal levels to drive change, increase accessibility, and improve public health outcomes through physical activity. ACE is committed to making movement equally accessible to all, promoting prosperous and healthy lives.

Specialization Courses

ACE has two specialization courses in Coach360’s Top 24 Specializations Report for 2024. The Corrective Exercise Specialist and Behavior Change Certifications provide Certified Personal Trainers the opportunity to grow in their understanding and expand their client offerings, creating a more specific approach to training clients who need this type of attention and service. 

Corrective Exercise: As an ACE Corrective Exercise Specialist, trainers will acquire valuable tools to elevate their practice and deliver outstanding client results. They’ll gain mastery in supporting injured individuals and navigating chronic health challenges, guiding them through safe exercise advancement. The curriculum spotlights the art of building bridges with medical teams, showing trainers how to facilitate treatment continuity. 

It will include a deep dive into functional anatomy and perfect movement screening abilities, spotting physical imbalances and limitations in clients. Through step-by-step program design instruction, professionals learn to create structured and progressive exercise plans that align with clinical best practices while staying within their scope of practice. 

This course allows trainers to craft personalized programs that address each client’s unique needs, goals, and place in their journey. By integrating medical knowledge with practical exercise implementation, trainers will be equipped to confidently serve a broader range of clients.  

ACE Behavior Change Specialist: This course will unlock transformative strategies to guide each practice. Trainers will discover proven methods for steering individuals through challenging lifestyle shifts, making difficult transitions achievable. The training equips professionals with vital interpersonal techniques, enabling them to forge genuine bonds and establish trust with those under their guidance, leading to better outcomes. 

The course explores powerful cognitive behavior coaching tactics, uncovering ways to spark lasting behavioral shifts in clients. ACE Behavior Change Specialists can learn to conduct motivational interviews to help clients map out measurable milestones that inspire action and celebrate progress. 

Notable behavior change experts lead this course and address creating change for clients of various backgrounds. By mastering these dynamic tools, coaches can break down barriers, support their clients, and create meaningful and sustainable changes. 

Final Thoughts

When health and fitness professionals enter education through ACE, they join a movement that ripples far beyond any gym or studio. ACE certifications and specializations aren’t just boxes to check or CEUs to gather; they’re gateways to changing clients’ lives while gaining expert knowledge. By grounding their practice in scientific research and proven methods, professionals develop the expertise to guide clients through unique wellness journeys.

ACE is committed to ongoing education, which reflects a crucial truth: the science of human movement never stands still. As professionals grow through these programs, they increase their understanding with cutting-edge research, connect with like-minded individuals, and build skills that transform their lives and those of others. Whether crafting recovery plans for injured individuals, designing workouts for seniors, or helping busy professionals improve their daily habits, ACE provides the foundation to make a real difference in every community.

About Evelyn Kelly
Evelyn is a degree qualified nutritionist and personal trainer. Her expertise are in woman’s health, helping women embrace their bodies throughout the peri and menopausal years. Evelyn also has a keen interest in sports nutrition and has worked with athletes at a local CrossFit gym based in Melbourne Australia. Her hobbies include strength training and is an avid road bike cyclist.