At the ATN Innovation Summit 2026, Fitness World Canada CEO Chris Smith announced plans to open operating clubs in the United States by the end of 2026. The initial phase of expansion will focus primarily on a franchise model. Earlier this year, Fitness World announced a $50 million investment to accelerate growth—opening 25 new company-owned clubs and selling franchise licenses for the first time. The company currently has 18 clubs, all in British Columbia, a team of 700 employees, and plans to add 1,000 jobs over the next five years. Smith, a former 24 Hour Fitness executive and former HFA board chair, believes international operators can bring fresh innovation to the U.S. market, such as the biweekly billing model commonly used in Canada. He acknowledged that the U.S. HVLP market is highly competitive, but believes Fitness World’s key differentiator is its profitable personal training business, with average monthly PT revenue exceeding $90,000 per club.