Chris Smith, the CEO and president of Fitness World, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Chonko to discuss current global fitness trends.
Smith highlights the industry’s resilience during economic uncertainty, the potential for expansion across different market segments and the need to serve diverse demographics, including seniors and youth. He also shares insights on political advocacy, the potential role of GLP-1s and the significance of creating meaningful community connections in fitness centers.
If you want to better understand what’s really happening on a global scale — this is the conversation for you, as Smith is a board member at the Health & Fitness Association and the Fitness Industry Council of Canada.
Listen to the full discussion below.
Show Notes
- At 1:01 Smith provides the top global fitness trends he’s seeing from his perspective.
- Learn how facility operators can be setup for success and best be adaptive to new, beneficial opportunities at 6:52.
- At 8:35 hear Smith detail advice for gym operators who might bit a little worried about ongoing economic uncertainty in the U.S.
- Smith shares his thoughts on the importance of political advocacy for the industry at 11:28.
- At 13:04 learn why Smith is still somewhat hesitant around health clubs getting involved with GLP-1 medications if they don’t have sufficient resources to do so.
- Hear what is top of mind from a Fitness World perspective in 2025 at 16:27.
- At 17:24 Smith shares what his organization is doing to better serve underserved groups in the community like marginalized youth.
- Learn about the importance of developing the community aspect of fitness centers at 19:53.
- At 20:48 hear final parting advice from Smith which includes supporting voices in the industry that champion positive change.
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