Scaling Fitness Through People, Technology, & Leadership With Chris Smith

In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O'Rourke welcomes Chris Smith, President & CEO of Fitness World Canada.

Over the past several years, Fitness World has experienced significant growth across British Columbia and is now entering its next phase with a $50 million national expansion strategy. The plan includes new corporate-owned locations and the launch of the company's first franchise program—an important milestone that reflects both the brand's momentum and the continued evolution of the fitness industry.

Chris has spent more than 25 years in the fitness industry, witnessing its transformation from a niche offering into an essential part of how people live, work, and prioritize their health. Throughout his career, he has focused on building accessible, high-quality fitness experiences, developing strong teams, and creating scalable business models designed for long-term success.

In addition to leading Fitness World, Chris has founded and scaled several complementary businesses, including the Personal Training Institute of BC and TRAIN by FW, the company's boutique fitness concept. He also serves as CEO of All Things Fitness & Wellness (ATFW), where he is known as the "Mayor of Smittyville"—a video-first podcast and content platform exploring the real conversations fitness professionals have about leadership, careers, and life inside the gym.

In this conversation, Bryan and Chris discuss Fitness World's growth strategy, technology adoption, the importance of human capital, and the leadership principles shaping the future of the fitness industry.

Check out FIT-C's 2026 Digital Pulse Report: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTV2QT18

Learn more about Fitness Brazil 2026: https://www.fitnessbrasil.com.br/fitness-brasil-expo-2026/

One Powerful Quote:

8:49: "Don't under appreciate human capital."

4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

4:09: Chris shares his career journey and the growth story behind Fitness World Canada.

8:10: Bryan asks Chris which industry trends are currently being underestimated.

12:17: Chris discusses how technology has influenced both his leadership approach and business strategy.

15:03: Chris explains the most common mistakes organizations make when adopting new technology.

17:53: Chris concludes with his advice and key takeaways for fitness industry leaders.

Bullet List of Resources:

https://fitnessworld.ca/

https://www.atfw.ca/

Guest Contact Information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-smith-1874138/

https://www.bryankorourke.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://www.youtube.com/user/bko61163