Here, you will explore how you can assist clients to make lasting lifestyle changes through motivation, planning, and accountability. You will also examine different elements to be taken into account during an initial coaching session.

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Foundations of Effective Behavior Change Coaching
This course is part of ACE Health Coach Professional Certificate

Instructor: American Council on Exercise
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Use motivational interviewing, CBT principles, and SMART goals to support sustainable lifestyle change.
Conduct effective initial coaching sessions using agreements, assessments, and interview skills to build rapport.
Apply the ACE cycle, values-based coaching, accountability, and problem-solving to support lasting behavior change.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know

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January 2026
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Build your Basic Science expertise
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate from American Council on Exercise

There are 8 modules in this course
What's included
3 readings
What's included
8 readings2 assignments
What's included
9 readings2 assignments
What's included
10 readings2 assignments
What's included
1 reading
What's included
3 assignments
What's included
1 reading1 assignment
What's included
3 readings
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American Council on Exercise
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