American Council on Exercise Partners with Coursera to Offer Foundational Course for Aspiring Personal Trainers
Posted: January 13, 2025 in Suppliers
ACE
SAN DIEGO, CA – The American Council on Exercise (ACE), a global leader in health and fitness education and certification, has partnered with Coursera, one of the largest online learning platforms, to present the “Intro to Personal Training: A Career Starter Certificate.”
This foundational, self-paced, three-course Specialization is designed to help individuals take their first step into the fitness industry. It provides aspiring fitness professionals with essential knowledge, practical skills, and an understanding of the personal training career path. Through expert instruction and real-world insights, the course equips learners to feel confident and job-ready. It also features video interviews with gym owners and industry leaders, offering firsthand advice and highlighting the qualities employers seek in new trainers.
“For nearly 40 years, ACE has been dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based education for exercise professionals and health coaches,” said Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, ACE President and CEO. “This partnership with Coursera reflects our mission to empower individuals to begin their journey into the fitness profession with accessible, foundational resources that make career entry achievable in a relatively short amount of time.”
“With the growing demand for health and wellness professionals, more learners are eager to break into this rapidly expanding field,” said Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. “Our partnership with the American Council on Exercise brings their trusted education and certifications, which are highly respected within the fitness industry, to learners worldwide. Their first Specialization helps anyone interested in fitness explore whether personal training is the right career for them, while teaching the skills needed to drive meaningful change in others’ lives.”
The course covers key introductory aspects of personal training, including:
- Sales, Client Retention, and Communication: Build essential skills for engaging and retaining clients, including sales strategies and long-term relationship-building techniques.
- Program Design Fundamentals: Learn the principles of exercise program design using the ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (ACE IFT®) Model to create customized exercise plans based on rapport and connection.
- Behavior-Change Coaching: Discover the ACE Mover Method™ and ACE ABC Approach™, equipping trainers to guide clients toward lasting lifestyle changes.
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: Gain insights into fostering a welcoming, supportive atmosphere that motivates clients of all backgrounds to achieve their goals.
The program also offers an overview of the personal training career path and explores the significant, positive impact that health and fitness professionals have on individuals and communities. This course is an accessible pathway for anyone considering a career in fitness, whether they are seeking to explore the basics or build the confidence needed to take the next steps toward professional certification.
