ACSM’s Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines, Fourth Edition, presents the current standards and guidelines that help health and fitness establishments provide high-quality service and program offerings within a safe and appropriate environment.

The fourth edition includes these updates:
• Standards and guidelines aligned with the current version of the pending NSF international health and fitness facility standards
• New guidelines addressing individuals with special needs
• New standards and guidelines regarding automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for both staffed and unstaffed facilities
• Revised standards and guidelines to reflect changing directions and business models within the industry, including 24/7 fitness facilities, medically integrated facilities, and demographic-specific facilities
• New standards and guidelines to better equip facilities that are dealing with youth to ensure the proper care of this segment of the clientele

Health and fitness facilities play an important role in providing opportunities for individuals to become and remain physically active. As the use of exercise for health care prevention and prescription continues to gain momentum, health and fitness facilities and clubs will emerge as an integral part of the health care system. The fourth edition of ACSM’s Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines will assist health and fitness facility managers, owners, and staff in keeping to a standard of operation, client care, and service that will assist members and users in caring for their health through safe and appropriate exercise experiences.