The American Council on Exercise (ACE) announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lakeshore Foundation, a recognized leader in promoting healthy, active lifestyles for individuals with physical disabilities.
Under this MOU, ACE and the Lakeshore Foundation will collaborate to develop and disseminate educational content and resources that focus on inclusive fitness. This content will provide exercise professionals and health coaches with essential skills and insights to support individuals with diverse abilities, ensuring everyone has access to safe, effective, and inclusive physical activity options.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Lakeshore Foundation, an organization that shares our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable fitness industry," said Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, president and chief executive officer of ACE. "This MOU represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower exercise professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to make fitness accessible to all, regardless of ability status."
This strategic collaboration aims to better educate and equip exercise professionals and health coaches with the practical knowledge necessary to work effectively with people of all ability statuses.
Amy Rauworth, chief research and innovation, stated, "By working together with ACE, we can make a substantial impact on the fitness community. Our combined efforts will help ensure that exercise professionals are well-equipped to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and improving overall health outcomes."
This partnership supports the larger ACE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiative. ACE is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity within the fitness industry by providing ongoing education and resources that address equity and diversity. The collaboration with the Lakeshore Foundation aligns perfectly with this initiative, reinforcing ACE’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals feel welcome and supported in their fitness journeys.