Aging

12,000 Americans celebrate their 65th birthday each day. Older adults often face unique health challenges, including decreased muscle mass, reduced bone density, mobility limitations, and higher risk of chronic diseases that can diminish independence and quality of life. Research over the past several decades has shown that regular physical activity and structured exercise programs can help older adults maintain strength, balance, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. Exercise has also been linked to reduced risk of falls, improved management of chronic conditions, and enhanced overall well-being, making it a vital component of healthy aging. ACSM has curated resources on these issues that you can access below.

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Online Learning

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ACSM and Parkinson's Foundation logos side by side
Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Recommendations Updated
ACSM and Parkinson's Foundation announce updated exercise recommendations for safe and effective workouts for those
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How many daily steps do you REALLY NEED for health?

Do you really need to get 10,000 steps a day to promote and maintain health?

How to Prescribe Exercise for Brain Health

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are among the world’s foremost health and economic challenges, impacting over

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Principles for Prescribing Exercise for Cognition in Older Adults
Discover essential tips on prescribing exercise for older adults to optimize brain function and promote
2026 fitness trends, wearable technology
The Future of Fitness: ACSM Announces Top Trends for 2026
Delve into the 2026 fitness trends report and learn how wearable technology is transforming health
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Recovery That Keeps You in the Game
As we age it's important to prioritize athletic recovery. Check out these science-backed tips on

GSSI Pre-Conference

The Physiology of Hydration: More Than Water Alone

This session explores the physiology of hydration through an integrated lens—examining how carbohydrate, sodium, flavor, and fluid interact to influence intake, absorption, retention, and performance. We’ll review current research on fluid balance, osmotic drivers, and palatability, highlighting mechanisms that underpin voluntary intake and thermoregulation. Attendees will gain insight into individualized strategies, including sweat profiling and timing approaches, to optimize euhydration and mitigate performance decrements associated with >2% body-mass loss. Practical applications will be linked to laboratory- and field-based research, ensuring translation from bench to field. This pre-conference equips you with evidence-based tools to support athlete hydration across diverse environments and sporting contexts. 

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  • Session 1: Sweating the detail: New insights on hydration considerations for athlete performance
    • Lewis James, PhD, Associate Professor in Human Nutrition in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University
  • Session 2: Functional ingredients in fluid replacement beverages for athletes
    • Lindsay Baker, PhD, Director at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute
  • Session 3: The hydration toolkit: Practical approaches to athlete support
    • Floris Wardenaar, PhD, Associate Professor at the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University