Fitness World Continues Expansion with New TRAIN by FW Location
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Fitness World is expanding its footprint in British Columbia with a new training-focused concept set to open this summer at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus, one of Canada’s largest academic institutions with more than 70,000 students, faculty, and staff.
The new TRAIN by FW location will be based in University Village, serving both the campus population and the surrounding residential community.
Rather than operating as a traditional gym, TRAIN by FW is structured around a hybrid training model. Members can train independently, work one-on-one with a personal trainer, or take part in small group sessions under a single membership. Pricing starts at $29.99 bi-weekly with no commitment, reinforcing the company’s high-value, low-price positioning.
“This location is built for community and campus life,” said Chris Smith, President and CEO of Fitness World. “Fitness World's affordability doesn't compromise experience. We're offering the equipment, programming and recovery amenities that students, young families and community members actually want, without the cost that usually comes with it.”
The facility spans approximately 13,000 square feet and is designed around strength and performance training. It includes Olympic lifting platforms, dedicated strength equipment, turf areas, and a full schedule of small group sessions through the company’s in-house program, THE WORX. Sessions are included in the membership, allowing for high-frequency usage without additional fees.
The layout also reflects continued demand for specialization within general fitness spaces, including a dedicated glute training zone and expanded strength footprint.
Recovery is a central part of the concept. The club will include sauna access, infrared therapy, compression systems, massage tools, and other amenities that are increasingly expected by performance-focused members but are less common at this price point.
From a real estate standpoint, the addition aligns with broader demand for wellness-driven tenants in mixed-use environments. University Village is designed to serve both residents of the University Endowment Lands and the campus population, with a focus on services that support daily life.
The UBC opening follows Fitness World’s previously announced $50 million growth plan. The company currently operates 17 locations across British Columbia and is expanding through both corporate-owned sites and franchising.
A second location, a Signature-format club at Gilmore Place in Brentwood, is scheduled to open later this year.
Together, these developments point to continued momentum for the brand, particularly as operators test smaller-format, training-focused models that sit between traditional gyms and boutique studios.
The UBC Vancouver location will serve as an early indicator of how that model performs in a university setting, where proximity, price, and programming flexibility tend to drive usage.
