When it comes to gyms, Fitness World is known as one of B.C.’s top fitness clubs with 16 locations across the Lower Mainland. We spoke with their CEO and President Chris Smith to find out more about them.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Fitness World is one of B.C.’s top fitness clubs with 16 convenient locations across the Lower Mainland. It offers a range of services and amenities such as top-of-the-line equipment, group classes, personal training, the latest in recovery tool technology (like HydroMassage, Hyperice, hot/cold loungers) and more. Fitness World is a gym for everyone with memberships starting as low as $9.99 bi-weekly.
What made you want to do this work?
What started as curiosity about how the human body can perform led to a lifelong commitment to providing accessible fitness solutions for everybody to get everyone moving. Exercise is medicine! The benefits of physical activity are wide-ranging, and we all need to do our part to advocate for our collective health – whether it’s having conversations with friends and family or calling on our government representatives to better support the essential nature of physical activity initiatives.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I have been in the fitness industry in some capacity for over 25 years and in all my positions – from personal trainer to club operator – my philosophy has always been that fitness should be accessible to all. I’m extremely proud of Fitness World, our teams, and the diverse fitness and wellbeing programs we offer. By introducing a high-value, low-cost model, our memberships are made to get people moving, wherever they are in their fitness journey.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Fitness World is a gym for everyone – all ages*, fitness levels, abilities, and interests. (*under 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult).
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We have 16 locations across the Lower Mainland including 2 gyms on Vancouver Island.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
“Do you have the kinds of tools and services to help me reach my goals, in a way that works for me and my lifestyle?” Ultimately, we in the fitness industry are here for you, your goals, and your journey to living your happiest, healthiest, life. If a gym doesn’t offer group classes, but you get the most motivation from those around you, that gym might not be the place for you to reach your goals. Similarly, a studio that only offers group workouts, isn’t the place for those who prefer a headphones-in-head-down solo workout. It’s all about figuring out what kind of environment and workout style you prefer so that you keep coming back, find consistency, and create a lifestyle that you can sustain and enjoy.
What is the best part about what you do?
Making an impact on people’s lives. We see people walk in the door of our gyms every day who have completely turned their lives around, found new passions, built confidence in and out of the gym, and formed new relationships in their communities. Fitness is an incredible industry to be a part of.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
One of the reasons we work out is so that we can enjoy all the great food out there, and Vancouver definitely has some top-tier local restaurants. A few of my favourites are Sandbar, Meet on Main and Tacofino.
