Two American Council on Exercise Fitness Career Paths

This special episode brings two fitness professionals who’ve essentially made their careers helping other fitness professionals. They both work for the American Council on Exercise. 

Rachel Eidel is the Certification Program Manager for ACE’s Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor programs. She was born and raised in Colorado and now lives in San Diego with her husband and 2 young daughters. She’s been with ACE on/off since 2010.

Alex Link is the Certification Program Manager for ACE’s Health Coach and Medical Exercise Specialist Programs. She’s been with ACE for 7 years. In her free time she loves to volunteer and travel.

What I asked Rachel and Alex during our interview:

What is your role at the American Council on Exercise and what you do

What educational background did you have before working for ACE? 

Any other jobs you held prior to what you're doing now (elsewhere or at ACE)

Was this a position you'd aspired to or was it something that evolved? 

What was your career goal - heading off to school or changing majors.. what did you see for yourself?

What's it like to work at the American Council on Exercise? 

What has changed in the time you've worked there - biggest changes in the industry or how your job has change based on demand or growth in certain areas?

What do you love about your position?

What's exciting about the future of health and fitness? 

What would you tell emerging trainers who are seeking jobs or internships? How can they prepare themselves best for a career today?

Is there anything you'd have done differently?

Behind the Certification Scene with American Council on Exercise with Rachel and Alex: 

All American Council on Exercise certifications require:

1. 18 years or older
2. HS or GED equivalent
3. CPR-AED

The two advanced certifications for ACE, Health Coach and Medical Exercise Specialist, both have additional pre-requisites.

Health Coach is Required to have 1 of 4 pre-requisites:

1. NCCA PT certification
2. 2 year degree in Exercise Science or related
3. ICHWC transition program
4. Work experience

The Medical Exercise Specialist must have:

1. 4-year degree in exercise science or related field
2. 500 or more hours of training documented

*To learn more on American Council on Exercise requirements visit www.acefitness.org 

If you have questions for Alex and Rachel, connect with them:

[e-mail]