Chris Smith

President and CEO at Fitness World Canada | Scaling Corporate and Franchise Growth | Fitness Industry Media

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

About

I’m the President and CEO of Fitness World, where my day to day focus is building a modern, scalable fitness business that works for both members and the people who run it. Over the past few years, Fitness World has grown rapidly across British Columbia, and we are now entering our next phase of growth with a $50 million national expansion strategy that includes new corporate locations and the launch of our first franchise program. It is an important moment for the brand and reflects how both the business and the broader fitness industry continue to evolve. I have spent more than 25 years in the fitness industry and have watched it shift from a niche offering to a core part of how people live, work, and stay well. Throughout that time, my focus has been on building accessible, high quality fitness experiences, strong teams, and business models designed to scale responsibly. Along the way, I have launched and scaled several complementary businesses, including the Personal Training Institute of BC and TRAIN by FW, our boutique fitness concept. More recently, I stepped into the media space as CEO of All Things Fitness and Wellness (ATFW). I am also the Mayor of Smittyville, the smartest small town in fitness, a video first podcast and content platform centered on the real conversations personal trainers and leaders have about careers, leadership, and life inside the gym. At the core, I see myself as a builder of people, teams, ideas, and systems, and I am motivated by creating environments where both businesses and individuals can thrive.

Experience

  • President and CEO at Fitness World Canada
    Jul 2020 - Present · 6 yrs

    As President and CEO of Fitness World Canada, I lead the strategy, growth, and performance of the business. Since its founding in 2020, Fitness World has grown to 17 locations across British Columbia, delivering accessible, high quality fitness and personal training. I am currently leading a five year national expansion strategy supported by a $50 million investment. This includes opening 25 corporately owned clubs across Canada, introducing new facility formats, and launching Fitness World’s first franchise program, with new corporate locations beginning in 2026. My role includes oversight of multi unit operations, market expansion, franchising, and innovation across training, technology, and member experience. I also oversee TRAIN by FW, the company’s boutique fitness concept.

  • Principal - ALL Things Fitness and Wellness at All Things Fitness and Wellness
    Oct 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

    All Things Fitness and Wellness (ATFW) is a media platform focused on covering the business, leadership, and evolution of the global fitness and wellness industry. Through original storytelling, executive interviews, and on the ground reporting from major industry events, ATFW provides context and insight into how the industry is changing and where it is headed. ATFW aims to elevate how fitness and wellness are understood by highlighting the people, companies, and ideas shaping the future of the sector.

  • Steve Nash Fitness World and Sports Club (9 yrs 7 mos)
    • Chief Executive Officer and President
      Mar 2018 - Jul 2020 · 2 yrs 5 mos

    • Chief Operating Officer
      Dec 2014 - Mar 2018 · 3 yrs 4 mos

    • Vice President of Sales and Fitness
      Jan 2011 - Nov 2014 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Managing and leading the Sales and Fitness Departments in the greater Vancouver area to be the best Sales and Fitness teams in all of Canada. We are making Fitness the best part of our members day.

  • Zone Director of Fitness at Bally Total Fitness
    Apr 2010 - Jan 2011 · 10 mos

    Fitness Director for Western Zone (WA, OR, CA, AZ, CO)

  • 24 Hour Fitness (2 yrs 9 mos)
    • District Manager
      Feb 2008 - Feb 2010 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    • Divisional Vice President of Operations
      Jun 2007 - Jan 2008 · 8 mos

      Oversaw Facilities, Group Exercise, and Loss Prevention teams for division of 125 clubs in the midwest and south of the United States.