Answers (12)
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Barry - As part of our effort to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry, we review and evaluate each of our certifications every 4-5 years. As part of that process with the Lifestyle & Weight Management Certification, we felt the name no longer accurately reflected the changing needs of consumers or the evolving roles you as a professional take on to help your clients achieve overall wellness, and as a result we have changed the name of our ACE LWMC Certification to the ACE Health Coach Certification. We believe the name today more accurately reflects what people want to achieve, and it helps you better market yourself to individuals, organizations and companies looking to hire. This research also coincided with introduction of the new ACE Health Coach manual, which features content by award-winning personal trainer Jonathon Ross, behavioral psychologist Dr. Michael Mantell and registered dietitian Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH. In addition, the content in the Health Coach Manual will feature content that is more up-to-date and has a greater focus on nutrition, behavior modification, and how to communicate and connect with clients.
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This is what I sent to ACE as reply to the announcement I received via email:
"I’m a little disappointed with the name change. People want to lose weight for a variety of reasons, not just for their health; they would relate better to the words lifestyle/weight management better, in my humble opinion. Of course, *our* aim is to help make them healthy – but that’s not always *their* motivation.
People tend to equate “health” with “medical”; I’m a bit concerned that people will see it that way, too, and expect services outside of the scope of the certificate.
Even for myself, I saw the certification on the website and thought it was a brand new certification, actually.
Just my two cents. :-)"
"I’m a little disappointed with the name change. People want to lose weight for a variety of reasons, not just for their health; they would relate better to the words lifestyle/weight management better, in my humble opinion. Of course, *our* aim is to help make them healthy – but that’s not always *their* motivation.
People tend to equate “health” with “medical”; I’m a bit concerned that people will see it that way, too, and expect services outside of the scope of the certificate.
Even for myself, I saw the certification on the website and thought it was a brand new certification, actually.
Just my two cents. :-)"
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I am in the exact same position and a bit annoyed also however,the name won't change the information and directive of the certification.
Health Coach sums things up in way but I do prefer LWMC.
I will take the exam, it will be worth it.
Health Coach sums things up in way but I do prefer LWMC.
I will take the exam, it will be worth it.
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A rose by any other name ......
LWMC is the current term and thus more recognized. What's in a title if the material is the same?
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
LWMC is the current term and thus more recognized. What's in a title if the material is the same?
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
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Weight managment is a facet of health, hence I don't see a problem with the change.
I actually prefer Health Coach.
I actually prefer Health Coach.
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I think really that ACE is thinking ahead with this label. With all of the changes in health care and coverage, the label of Health Coach is becoming more marketable for their people.
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I can definitely see both ends of the spectrum. I was just thinking about finally ordering the materials for LWMC. If the cert is based on weight management and behavioral change strategies to achieve that then why not just leave it as is.
However by expanding it to Health Coach it does broaden the meaning of that certification. But, a certification and the title are only just that. I consider myself a Body Transformation Coach and there isn't a cert for that.
I just read, learn and study and develop my niche that way rather than relying on the title of a cert to define what I do and who I am. But this change with ACE does sort of let me down. I just loved the sound of Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach!
However by expanding it to Health Coach it does broaden the meaning of that certification. But, a certification and the title are only just that. I consider myself a Body Transformation Coach and there isn't a cert for that.
I just read, learn and study and develop my niche that way rather than relying on the title of a cert to define what I do and who I am. But this change with ACE does sort of let me down. I just loved the sound of Lifestyle and Weight Management Coach!
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Barry wrote: "As each certification has a CEC expense, I don't know if this one will be worth it."
The CECs would cover both certificates. From ACE's FAQ:
"Q: If I hold more than one ACE certification, do I need to earn 2.0 CECs for each certification?
ACE recognizes the same courses for all of its certifications as long as the CECs are taken within the appropriate recertification period. "
The CECs would cover both certificates. From ACE's FAQ:
"Q: If I hold more than one ACE certification, do I need to earn 2.0 CECs for each certification?
ACE recognizes the same courses for all of its certifications as long as the CECs are taken within the appropriate recertification period. "
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I'm recently certified as an LWMC (August 2012), so I was a bit surprised by the sudden change, but I don't believe it changes the information that will be taught or learned from the materials. Health Coach is a more all encompassing name change that the general public can understand. When I explain my latest certification to clients or promote it, I tell them that I've learned new skills that will help them reach their weight loss or maintence goals and help them to live a healthier life, easier. As a Health Coach or as a Lifestyle Weight Management Coach, I'd be doing the same thing for my clients.
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Hello Barry,
ACE didn't change the LWMC certification as much as update it for the times. I am fine with Health Coach over LWMC. This transition should not take too long, as ACE is very well recognized.
I need to explain to people what a personal trainer does anyway; so, in my experience, people just want someone to help them reach their goals. The clients do not seem to mind what the title of their instructor is, just so the instructor is educated to do the job.
Take care; I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
ACE didn't change the LWMC certification as much as update it for the times. I am fine with Health Coach over LWMC. This transition should not take too long, as ACE is very well recognized.
I need to explain to people what a personal trainer does anyway; so, in my experience, people just want someone to help them reach their goals. The clients do not seem to mind what the title of their instructor is, just so the instructor is educated to do the job.
Take care; I enjoyed reading your thoughts.
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I also currently hold the certification and I'm not too happy with the change. I understand that "health coach" is a current buzzword in the industry so if you are going into workplaces and trying to set up wellness programs, this term is going to be recognized. But when individuals see "weight management," they are more likely to say "hey, I want to lose weight; that's for me." I'm afraid people will think I don't really work with weight issues, just "health" issues. I know, I know--they are tied together but the general population doesn't always see it that way.
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I was studying for this certification as well. Though I am also disappointing with the name change i'm not looking at getting this certification for the title, but the knowledge that comes with it. I do understand however why people could be upset by this name change. In my experience as a trainer, most clients are looking for weightless as their goal. The main motivation? To look good and feel good about themselves, not for the health reasons that go with it. That is just a bonus to them. So yes, Lifestyle and Weight Management sounds more appealing to the potential client, and makes more sense from a marketing standpoint for the trainer.
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