ACE and Lakeshore Foundation Partner to Enhance Inclusive Fitness Education

ACE partners with the Lakeshore Foundation to advance inclusive fitness education, ensuring exercise professionals are equipped to support individuals with disabilities

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Lakeshore Foundation have teamed up to advance education in inclusive fitness. On August 8, 2024, the two organizations announced their partnership, with a focus on creating resources to help exercise professionals and health coaches better serve individuals with physical disabilities.

This collaboration aims to give fitness professionals the knowledge and tools they need to provide safe and effective physical activity options for people of all abilities. The goal is to fill the gaps in current fitness education, making sure that professionals are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, President and CEO of ACE, spoke about the importance of this partnership in promoting a more inclusive approach to fitness. “We’re excited to work with the Lakeshore Foundation on this initiative, which is a big step toward making the fitness industry more accessible to everyone,” Bryant said.

The Lakeshore Foundation, based in Birmingham, Alabama, is well-known for promoting active lifestyles among individuals with physical disabilities. Their experience in creating programs tailored to the needs of people with disabilities will play a key role in this partnership. Amy Rauworth, Chief of Research and Innovation at Lakeshore, emphasized that this collaboration will help ensure that fitness professionals are equipped to effectively support individuals with disabilities.

This partnership fits into ACE’s larger commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within the fitness industry. By working together, ACE and the Lakeshore Foundation hope to create a more welcoming environment for everyone, reflecting the ongoing changes in fitness and the need for continuous education.

The partnership between ACE and the Lakeshore Foundation is a crucial step toward better-preparing professionals to serve people of all abilities. With the Paralympics coming up, this initiative is especially timely, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in fitness and the key role of education in achieving that goal. The resources developed through this collaboration are expected to have a lasting impact, helping to make the fitness industry more inclusive and accessible for years to come.

See also: Peloton Unveils Key Insights on Gen Z, Inclusivity in Fitness