Fitness World Canada is making a move to accelerate its growth, announcing a $50 million investment designed to scale the brand nationally and introduce its first-ever franchise program. Anchored by an ambitious five-year strategy, the company plans to open 25 corporately owned clubs across Canada while simultaneously building a franchise network—an approach that positions Fitness World as an emerging force in the country’s competitive fitness landscape.
Founded in 2020, Fitness World has grown rapidly, expanding to 17 locations across British Columbia in just five years. The brand has built its reputation on delivering accessible, high-quality and affordable fitness experiences, supported by industry-leading personal training. That momentum is now fueling its next phase of growth, which will bring Fitness World into new markets across Canada through a mix of corporate-owned facilities and franchise locations. Two new corporate clubs are already slated to open in Q2 2026.
“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, in a statement. “Expanding through both corporate and franchise locations underscores our commitment to growth while staying connected to the day-to-day business. Advancing both strategies allows us to scale with impact, remain nimble and create meaningful opportunities for future franchise partners.”
Franchise Program Makes Its Debut
Fitness World formally introduced its franchise program at ICSC@Canada in Toronto last fall, where it received strong interest from prospective partners. The franchise model is designed as a turnkey operation, offering franchisees comprehensive onboarding, detailed operations playbooks, automated marketing and sales funnels, and the backing of an established and growing brand.
The performance metrics behind the model are a key part of the appeal. Fitness World reports an average unit volume of $3.25 million, with club operating profit averaging $925,000. The brand also notes a 12% increase in personal training engagement, strong member retention driven by scalable systems and a fully optimized marketing technology stack. Ideal franchise candidates include experienced multi-unit operators and investors seeking entry into the expanding wellness sector with a performance-driven partner.
Growth With a Community Focus
Beyond club openings, the expansion is expected to have a significant employment impact. Fitness World plans to add approximately 1,000 new jobs over the next five years, more than doubling its current workforce of 700. The investment also establishes a foundation for longer-term expansion beyond Canada and into broader North American markets.
With a proprietary personal training approach, AI-powered integrations and club environments designed to drive long-term engagement, Fitness World is positioning itself as more than a traditional gym operator. As it enters this next growth phase, the brand is aiming to build not only a national footprint, but a franchise platform designed for the future of fitness.
