WHAT TO EXPECT IN SMITTYVILLE:
Welcome to Smittyville, the smartest small town in fitness.
Hosted by CEO Chris Smith of Fitness World, the acting Mayor of Smittyville, and Krissy Vann, national television host and fitness journalist behind the B2B media platform All Things Fitness and Wellness.
Chris built his career from personal trainer to CEO, leading one of Western Canada’s largest fitness brands. With deep experience in coaching, club operations, multi location leadership, and business strategy, he brings practical, real world insight into what helps personal trainers build successful and sustainable careers.
Krissy brings the storytelling and industry context that come from hosting the flagship ATFW Podcast, where she interviews enterprise level executives, analysts, founders, and innovators shaping the global fitness industry. Together, they bridge frontline training with big picture business knowledge, offering clear and actionable guidance for trainers who want to grow.
Smittyville is your home base for career development, training insight, fitness industry education, and smarter coaching, all delivered with honesty, clarity, and heart.
Subscribe and become a citizen of Smittyville.
COMING JANUARY 6th, 2026
New episodes arrive every second Tuesday, delivering career insight, coaching wisdom, and industry perspective straight from Smittyville.
What We Talk About in Smittyville:
• Training skills and coaching insight
• Career progression and leadership development
• How to build strong client relationships
• The business of personal training
• Lessons from industry leaders
• Real stories from the training floor
• The life lessons that shape great trainers
MEET THE MAYOR
Chris Smith began his fitness journey as a personal trainer and built his career through senior leadership roles at some of the largest fitness companies in North America, including 24 Hour Fitness, Bally Total Fitness, and Steve Nash Fitness World. His experience spans coaching, operations, multi location leadership, and large scale organizational oversight.
In 2020, Chris stepped in to guide a struggling gym chain through one of the most challenging periods in the industry. He led the successful restructuring and rebranding of the business into Fitness World Canada, which now operates 17 plus gyms across British Columbia. The company continues to grow through renewed investment in facilities, member experience, and community impact.
Chris also oversees Personal Training Institute, one of the most established education pathways for trainers in Western Canada. His work supports both the development of new trainers and the advancement of training standards across the province.
He previously served as Chair of the Health and Fitness Association, contributing to national advocacy efforts and elevating the role of fitness in public health conversations.
From the training floor to the CEO seat, Chris has lived every part of the fitness industry. As Mayor of Smittyville, he brings that full picture perspective to the trainers who want real insight, real guidance, and real career growth.
