Fitness World Canada Plans $50 Million Investment to Accelerate National Expansion and Franchise Launch
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Fitness World Canada is moving into its next phase of growth, announcing plans for a $50 million investment to support national expansion and the launch of its first franchise program. Guided by a five year strategy, the company intends to open 25 corporately owned clubs across Canada while introducing franchising as a parallel growth channel, a dual approach aimed at scaling the brand while maintaining operational control.
Founded in 2020, Fitness World has expanded to 17 locations across British Columbia, positioning itself around accessible, high quality, and affordable fitness supported by a strong personal training offering. Building on that momentum, upcoming corporate locations will introduce a mix of facility formats designed to meet the needs of different markets. Two new locations are scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026, marking the first step in the broader national rollout.
“This $50 million investment is more than growth capital. It’s the fuel behind our mission to make fitness more accessible, affordable, and transformative across North America,” said Chris Smith, CEO of Fitness World. He added that expanding through both corporate and franchise locations allows the company to grow while staying closely connected to day to day operations and creating opportunities for future franchise partners.
Fitness World formally introduced its franchise program at ICSC@Canada in Toronto last fall, where the company reported strong early interest. The franchise model is positioned as a turnkey offering supported by structured onboarding, operational playbooks, automated marketing and sales systems, and an established brand presence.
The company is also highlighting performance metrics it says have driven franchisee interest. Fitness World reports an average unit volume of $3.25 million, club level operating profit of approximately $925,000, and a 12 percent increase in personal training engagement. Member retention is supported by standardized systems and an optimized marketing technology stack, with the franchise opportunity aimed at experienced operators and investors entering the wellness sector.
Beyond unit growth, the expansion is expected to have a significant workforce impact. Fitness World plans to add approximately 1,000 jobs over the next five years, more than doubling its current team of 700. The investment also supports longer term growth plans beyond Canada as the company evaluates broader North American opportunities.
With a proprietary approach to personal training, the integration of artificial intelligence, and club environments designed to support long term member engagement, Fitness World is positioning itself as both a growing national operator and a franchised fitness platform built for scale.
Disclosure: Chris Smith, CEO of Fitness World Canada, is also the CEO of ATFW Media, the publisher of this article.
Disclosure: Chris Smith, CEO of Fitness World Canada, is the CEO of ATFW Media, the publisher of this article.
