ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®: Three Decades of Bringing the Gap: A Story of Teamwork Translating Science into Practical Impact

As ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® (HJF) marks its 30th anniversary, this column builds on the foundation laid by Dixie Stanforth’s 25th anniversary column (1) by further honoring the Journal’s heritage while highlighting present work and anticipating a future of growth. Focused on the Journal’s mission that connects research with real-world impact, with each issue, our dedicated editorial team strives to empower clinicians, trainers, students, and everyday readers, turning science into practical tools that elevate their work. Editor-in-Chief Paul M. Gallo, Ed.D., FACSM, emphasizes this collective success, passionately noting, “This journal in my eyes is the application-based journal. We are the true resource hub for our exercise professionals—our boots on the ground, our educators, and academics, as well as our students.” The journey began in 1997 when founding Editor-in-Chief Larry Golding set out to bridge the gap between research and practice. Three decades later, HJF has grown into a globally respected resource that continues to evolve with the ever-changing health and fitness landscape. We continue to deliver inclusive, practical applications for readers across diverse backgrounds.BUILDING THE FOUNDATION Over its first 25 years, HJF has been guided by four editors-in-chief, each advancing the journal while staying true to its core mission of translating research into practice. Founding editor Larry A. Golding, Ph.D., FACSM (1997–2004), convinced the ACSM Board of Trustees to create the journal, codeveloped ACSM’s Health & Fitness Summit as its companion event, and grew HJF from a publication that relied solely on solicited manuscripts into one with steadily increasing readership, advertising revenue, and professional influence. Edward T. Howley, Ph.D., FACSM (2005–2011), moved the journal fully into the digital era and established a robust online presence. This opened the door to unsolicited submissions, including insights from international authors that dramatically expanded global reach, and introduced article-level metrics that enhanced visibility and cemented HJF’s reputation as a premier source of usable science. ACSM’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends began under Howley’s leadership beginning with a discussion during a stakeholder meeting during ACSM’s 2006 Health & Fitness Summit. Steven J. Keteyian, Ph.D. (2012–2015), launched the popular annual themed-issue format beginning in 2014. He placed strong emphasis on mentoring emerging professionals through the publication process and encouraged the purposeful revisiting of foundational topics to serve each new generation of readers. Our immediate past Editor-in-Chief, Brad A. Roy, Ph.D., FACSM (2016–2024), elevated ACSM's Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends into a flagship themed issue with growing international participation, further refined themed content and digital offerings, strengthened integration with ACSM meetings, and expanded mentorship initiatives. Together, these four leaders transformed HJF into a dynamic, internationally respected resource that consistently delivers evidence-based, practical content for exercise professionals worldwide. This legacy continues to drive the current editorial team toward sustained growth and greater impact.The first cover for ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal ®, published in January 1997.FIVE YEARS OF PURPOSE-DRIVEN GROWTH In the last 5 years, HJF has undergone its most dynamic transformation yet, accelerating under our new Editor-in-Chief, Paul M. Gallo, Ed.D., FACSM, who assumed the role in January 2025. Gallo is described by some of the editorial team as “scary driven,” a quality that has significantly benefited HJF under his visionary leadership. Building on the strong foundation laid by Roy and the editorial team, Gallo immediately set an ambitious tone: make the HJF an undisputed practical resource hub for every segment of the fitness and health profession, from the newest student to the most experienced exercise professional and clinician. The results of this focused, team-driven effort are now evident in every issue and every digital touchpoint. Central to this transformation has been a deliberate strategy of content linkage, intentionally connecting the journal’s feature articles and columns so readers can follow a concept through clear progression. Whether it is a student exploring an idea for the first time, an instructor using the Journal’s resources in the classroom, or a clinician utilizing the tools for a brief refresh or learning primer, HJF provides each reader the opportunity to further engage the concept at a practical level while deepening their understanding. Each year, HJF concludes the year with one of its most influential works: ACSM's Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends. Originally a feature founded in 2006 by Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, this survey has consistently ranked as the journal’s most widely read and referenced publication since its inception. In recent years, the Journal has intentionally broadened leadership of the Trends issue from a single individual to a collaborative Trends Workgroup, formed to expand the survey’s scope, international reach, and overall impact (Sidebar 1). Now in its 20th year of publication, the survey is presented in its own dedicated issue and led by Associate Editor-in-Chief and Immediate-past Chair of the Trends Workgroup, A’Naja M. Newsome, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP. No longer just a ranking, the Trends issue raises awareness of what’s emerging domestically and globally, as international participation has grown with the latest issue (1) including nine regions and nearly 50 countries (Sidebar 2 includes a list of international contributors). The 2026 edition, led by Trends Workgroup Chair Cayla R. McAvoy, Ph.D., M.S., ACSM-EP, includes application subsections under each trend topic, giving readers immediate “next steps.” Additionally, each issue continues to track trends over time to delineate clearly between a trend and a fad.Sidebar 1: Trends Workgroup Acknowledgement Trends Workgroup: Associate Editor-in-Chief A’Naja M. Newsome, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, EIM University of Central Florida Trends Workgroup Chair Cayla R. McAvoy, Ph.D., ACSM-EP, EIM American Heart Association Survey Expert Sarah M. Camhi, Ph.D., FACSM, ACSM-EP, EIM University of San Francisco Survey Expert Jennifer Turpin Stanfield, MA, ACSM-EP Central State University Employer Representative Rachelle Reed, Ph.D., ACSM-EP Orange Theory International Representative Alexios Batrakoulis, Ph.D., FACSM, ACSM-EP, ACSM-CPT, EIM University of Thessaly and the Democritus University of Thrace Outgoing Committee on Certification and Registry Boards (CCRB) Representative Jessica Sansone, Ph.D., ACSM-EP, EIM Shenandoah University Incoming CCRB Representative Stephanie L. Cooper, Ph.D., ACSM-EP University of San FranciscoSidebar 2: International Contributor Acknowledgment International Contributors: Australia: Chris Alexander, AEP, AES, MBA; Finland: Kasper Salin, Ph.D.; Iran: Saeid Fatolahi, M.S., Ph.D.; Farnaz Dinizadeh, M.S.; Mexico: Lino Francisco Jacobo Gomez Chávez, Ph.D.; Paola Cortés Almanzar, Ph.D.; Jorge López Haro, Ph.D.; Adrián Ricardo Pelayo-Zavalza, M.S.; Poland: Anna Szumilewicz, Ph.D.; Dagmara Damps, M.Sc.; Magdalena Piernicka, Ph.D.; Justyna Labun, M.Sc.; Karina Zajączkowska, M.Sc.; Portugal: Susana Franco, Ph.D.; Liliana Ramos, Ph.D.; Rita Santos-Rocha, Ph.D.; Spain: Oscar L. Veiga, Ph.D.,M.Sc.; Juan Jose Palos, M.Sc.; Manel Valcarce Torrente, Ph.D., M.Sc.; Taiwan: Pitt Tseng, M.S.A cornerstone of the Journal’s progression has been the deliberate use of themed issues that tackle the topics readers care about most (Sidebar 3 includes a list of themed issues). The 2024 “Professionalization of the Exercise Profession” and the 2025 “Power in Older Adults” issues represent more than a collection of articles; they are carefully curated deep dives that turn a trending topic into actionable knowledge that professionals can read on Friday and use the following Monday. These issues, each led by a special guest editor who works with Associate Editor-in-Chief Peter Ronai, M.S., FACSM, align directly with ACSM’s strategic priorities and provide readers with a one-stop resource for implementing evidence-based solutions in real-world settings.Sidebar 3: Historical Themed Issues January/February 2005: Overweight and Obesity March/April 2014: Running Sept/Oct 2014: High-Intensity Interval Training Sept/Oct 2015: Weight Management Sept/Oct 2016: Resistance and Strength Training Sept/Oct 2017: Behavioral Change Sept/Oct 2018: Nutrition Sept/Oct 2019: Combating Sedentary Behavior Sept/Oct 2020: Refocusing Life Span to Health Span: Making Every Age Count Sept/Oct 2021: High-Intensity Interval Training and Chronic Conditions Sept/Oct 2022: Field Assessments on the Go Sept/Oct 2023: Beyond FITT: Unique Considerations for Exercise Prescription Sept/Oct 2024: The Professionalization of the Exercise Profession Sept/Oct 2025: Power in Older AdultsWhen a topic demands more foundational coverage, the new and increasingly popular Anatomy Primers series, also coordinated by Ronai, provides readers with concise, clinically relevant anatomy reviews. Now in its third iteration with brand-new cadaveric specimens that offer unparalleled visual clarity for understanding anatomy. Complementing this, an upcoming ECG Primer series is in development that will help demystify rhythm recognition and interpretation. The first part of the series will be published in 2026 and will serve as entry-level knowledge and skill development for students and valuable review resources for seasoned professionals. Digital Content Editor Kristin Jett, B.S., ACSM-EP, has led a comprehensive modernization of the Journal’s digital assets. These enhancements have significantly increased time-on-page, boosted social media sharing, and broadened recognition of HJF’s published work. Specifically, readers can now expect nearly every major feature article to be accompanied by a companion post, video abstract, or application reel, making complex science instantly accessible on mobile devices. Many articles also include supplementary online resources, such as concise video abstracts, exercise demonstrations, or engaging interviews with editors, authors, and guest experts, all further amplifying reader engagement across platforms. Finally, our associate editor-led columns serve as great resources providing insights that translate evidence directly into daily practice. With a renewed editorial focus on content linkage, these features are now intentionally designed to complement one another and integrate seamlessly with the journal’s broader library. Whether serving as helpful adjuncts across columns on the same topic, reinforcing themed issues, or allowing practitioners to trace a single subject (e.g., exercise and aging) from trend identification to behavioral strategies, clinical programming, medical considerations, and precise technique, all within one cohesive, highly actionable ecosystem. Readers can start with a broad trend (e.g., exercise programs for older adults), deepen their understanding of the topic in a themed issue, then move easily through the associate editor columns like the Wouldn’t You Like to Know? (Barbara A. Bushman, Ph.D., FACSM) focused on a variety of health and fitness topics, or an Enhancing Your Behavioral Toolkit column (Liz Hathaway, Ph.D., MPH) for ready-to-use motivation and adherence strategies for older adults, and/or Do It Right (Ronai) for refined execution, error correction, and progressions or regressions for specific exercises complete with photos and video support. Or information about supporting older adults outside of their exercise routine like A Nutritionist’s View (Stella L. Volpe, Ph.D., R.D., FACSM, ACSM-CEP) column on protein needs in older adults. Together, these columns provide a cohesive resource that lets exercise professionals move effortlessly from big-picture trends to precise, confident, client-ready programming and advice, all within the pages of the Journal. The same linkage exists with many other topics and areas of application, and the Journal’s leadership has already begun to develop “collections” on its website (https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Pages/collections.aspx?Collection=Topical). This page functions as a curated content library, assembled to improve access to resources that deepen and enrich readers’ understanding on multiple topics covered by the journal in the last 30 years. Reader interaction, long a goal, became more of a reality with the “Ask the Editor” feature launched in the September/October 2025 issue. After focus-group feedback at the 2025 ACSM Health & Fitness Summit in Denver, CO, revealed that many members wanted a clearer pathway to ask practical questions about journal access, content navigation, or professional development resources, Gallo and the team created a simple, visible channel for dialogue (2). This initiative has already begun to close the loop between the editorial board and the worldwide readership, reinforcing HJF’s identity as a living, responsive hub rather than a static publication. Taken together, these 5 years represent a deliberate reinvestment focused on content linkage and increased emphasis on reaching readers with practical knowledge that informs their work. Trends spark curiosity, themed issues provide depth, columns and primers supply more foundational knowledge, and a new effort to include physician/allied health professional-focused content will expand the bridge to medicine. Every decision by our editorial team is focused on creating a resource hub where science can meaningfully inform practice, where every reader, from the newest personal trainer to the busiest physician, can read it on Friday and confidently apply it on Monday, and where the global health and fitness community feels welcomed, heard, and equipped to change lives. CHARTING THE FUTURE Perhaps the most exciting topic in this column: the Journal’s future. The editorial team is excited about the planned cultivation of new voices on the immediate horizon. We continue building student, educator, and early-career focused initiatives, which are growing rapidly. Starting in January 2026, a landmark experiential learning pedagogy article by Sara J. Kovacs, Ph.D., will target instructors and students, with additional pieces in this series to follow. Leadership is also placing an emphasis on increasing exposure and accessibility by providing video abstracts for major articles—including an exciting, multilingual video abstract that is upcoming in the new year, further expanding the journal’s reach as demonstrated by the Trends Issue’s successful international growth, and continued mentorship pathways to guide graduate students and early-career professionals through the publication process. These efforts are transforming ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® into a true professional home for the next generation of health and fitness leaders. ACSM's Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends continues to evolve under A’Naja Newsome and the Trends Workgroup. This group hopes to see the Trends “come alive,” beyond the pages of the Journal, through interactive conference symposia, workshops at regional chapter meetings, ACSM's Health & Fitness Summit, and ACSM’s Annual Meetings. Readers will have face-to-face opportunities to interact with the group, ask questions, and provide real-time feedback that will refine future iterations. Digital delivery is expanding in three deliberate ways: Supplemental how-to videos; building on Ronai’s long-standing Do It Right column videos and the established work by Jett. Video abstracts for major articles, and “Golden nuggets”: concise infographics, quick reels, and “swipeable” takeaways designed for instant sharing with colleagues, students, or patients. These assets will meet readers where they are without replacing the rigorous written content that has driven HJF’s all-time-high impact factor (Sidebar 4). Sidebar 4: Impact Factor HJF’s Impact Factor has been steadily increasing. It has grown from 0.356 in 2015 to 1.8 in 2025. The Journal now celebrates its highest Impact Factor in the history of the Journal.A major new frontier is strength and conditioning application. Launched in the January/February 2026 issue, the Sets, Reps, and Science column by Zack Mang, Ph.D., explores periodization, programming techniques, and evidence-based strength training, content that the editorial team believes belongs firmly in HJF’s wheelhouse to better serve boots-on-the-ground exercise professionals and attract new readership. Perhaps most significant is the strategic effort to dramatically increase physician authorship and engagement. After meeting with Liz A. Joy, M.D., MPH, FACSM, guest editor of the 2026 themed issue, she highlighted that exercise science is the #1 pre-med major in the U.S. Gallo and Managing Editor Lori Tish plan to meet with physicians to explore dedicated medicine-focused content, potentially a recurring column or invited series. The upcoming 2026 themed issue is already heavy with M.D. authors alongside exercise physiologists and researchers, creating momentum we hope will continue. The goal: position HJF as an essential bridge between exercise professionals and the medical community, serving pre-med students, residents, attending physicians, and the exercise professionals who collaborate with them. This multipronged future will be previewed at the 2026 ACSM Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, where for the first time in journal history two highlighted symposia directly showcase HJF content: one following on the themed issue of “Power in Older Adults” led by Gallo, Ronai, and Mang and another chaired by Newsome, including McAvoy and Sarah Camhi, Ph.D., FACSM, ACSM-EP. These sessions signal a new era in which the Journal’s work does not just appear in print, it comes to life and takes center stage at ACSM’s flagship events. Together linked content, live symposia, expanded digital assets, student and educator support, focused programming, and a growing physician voice, HJF is becoming the dynamic, inclusive hub Gallo envisioned: a place where science is translated quickly into practice, and where every reader feels welcomed, equipped, and inspired to change lives. With the help of an amazing team, including an invaluable managing editor (Sidebar 5), the next 30 years of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal® have already begun.Sidebar 5: Lori Tish Praise Throughout our interviews, one theme stood out. The entire editorial team expressed we would be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to celebrate “the backbone of the and its serving one who has at the Journal since our Managing Lori are just a Lori Tish would be Health & Fitness she have to she is just a who can be described as Over two decades Lori and ACSM’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends. and she is The survey would not nearly be so influential if it not for Lori and for years of to ACSM and for making the Journal