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A successful leadership blueprint isn’t about having all the answers, but it’s about knowing when to lead from the front, when to rally your team from the middle, and how to build a business that puts people first.
This leadership philosophy powers the success of Fitness World Canada, where strategic reinvention, relentless grit, and a human-centered approach have transformed a bankrupt chain into a thriving brand. This article explores the leadership mindset, operational strategies, and digital innovation that every fitness entrepreneur can learn from to grow a business that lasts.
In a dynamic episode of the Wexer Podcast, CEO Paul Bowman interviews Chris Smith, President and CEO of Fitness World Canada. The discussion goes far beyond business metrics, offering an authentic, deeply personal leadership blueprint for fitness entrepreneurs looking to lead with integrity, clarity, and purpose.
From a small rural town in Northern California to leading one of Canada’s most successful fitness brands, Chris shares a refreshingly human perspective on entrepreneurship. His story isn’t just about business growth—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and redefining what leadership looks like in the modern fitness landscape.
When To Lead From The Front And The Middle
One of the standout themes in the podcast is Chris’s perspective on leadership. It’s not just about being at the helm; it’s about knowing where you are most effective based on the needs of the team.
When relaunching Fitness World after bankruptcy, Chris had to lead from the front—working 16-hour days, personally reopening clubs, and mopping floors. But once the business stabilized, he shifted to leading from the middle: rallying his team, building culture, and empowering others to take ownership.
Chris knew his role was to cast the vision and set the tone. The success, however, was built on the shoulders of the team he developed and trusted to carry it out. His “tell, show, do” approach—explain the task, model it, then let the team execute—is a leadership methodology that encourages both autonomy and accountability.
“If you look at the best players in the world, you see them lead their team out from the front.
But in business, you need to lead from the middle. That’s sometimes where people get leadership wrong.”
~ Chris Smith, President & CEO of Fitness World Canada ~
How To Rebuild From The Ground Up
When the previous iteration of Fitness World went bankrupt during the pandemic, Chris didn’t just buy the company—he reimagined it.
He led a rapid transformation that included:
- Reworking 17 commercial leases in 45 days
- Replacing cash-based PT sales with EFT billing
- Eliminating prepaid memberships
- Shifting to a HVLP 2.0 model with bundled pricing
This new business model drove over $300,000 in additional recurring revenue annually and positioned Fitness World as a forward-thinking, member-first organization.
“Your job as the leader is to define the vision and define some of the strategy.
You count on your team to execute the tactics.”
~ Chris Smith, President & CEO of Fitness World Canada ~
Use Technology, Hybrid Models, And The Human Touch
Chris embraces technology, but he cautions fitness entrepreneurs not to over-rely on data dashboards and algorithms. The human element, he argues, is irreplaceable. Even the best AI or digital platforms can’t replicate the accountability and energy of a great coach or a supportive gym community. That’s why Fitness World blends digital convenience with high-touch support—smart equipment, recovery tools, and virtual programming alongside in-person PT and coaching.
Their tagline—“Your fitness, your way”—isn’t just marketing. It reflects a commitment to meeting members where they are and supporting them every step of the way, whether on the gym floor or through a screen.
“If there is somebody standing next to you watching your workout, you’ll work out 10% harder.
We are very invested and interested in helping you accomplish whatever brought you in in the first place.”
~ Chris Smith, President & CEO of Fitness World Canada ~
The Role Of AI, Automation, And The Future of Fitness
Looking ahead, Chris sees artificial intelligence playing a bigger role in:
- Personalized programming
- Marketing automation
- Facility access and operations
- Content creation at scale
But he stresses that these tools should support the member experience, not distract from it. The secret isn’t more complexity—it’s strategic simplicity. Entrepreneurs should leverage data to inform decisions, but not replace the fundamental work of showing up, observing, and listening.
Future Stories About All Things Fitness & Wellness
Beyond Fitness World, Chris co-founded All Things Fitness & Wellness, a growing media platform aimed at spotlighting success stories across the industry—from C-suite executives to personal trainers.
The goal? To demystify success and empower the next generation of fitness professionals. “Don’t start when you think you are ready. Start when you know you are ready,” said Chris Smith. Chris advises aspiring entrepreneurs to listen to feedback from those around them. When your mentors, peers, or partners tell you it’s time—that’s when you go.
Final Takeaways On The Leadership Blueprint
Chris’s journey offers a rich playbook for anyone navigating leadership in fitness, wellness, or entrepreneurship:
✅ Lead from the front when necessary—but from the middle to scale
✅ Let data support your decisions, not replace human insight
✅ Build business models that prioritize recurring value, not short-term sales
✅ Support members holistically: body, mind, and lifestyle
✅ Share your story, and invest in others as others once invested in you
Leadership isn’t about ego. It’s about impact. And as Chris proves, the most successful fitness entrepreneurs aren’t just chasing growth—they’re building something that lasts.
More Information:
Wexer Podcast 61