Smart Fit CEO Edgard Corona Brought New Vision to Fitness Sector

One of the biggest success stories in Brazil over the past decade is the phenomenal growth of Smart Fit, a new kind of fitness brand that combines the traditional services of gyms & health clubs with digital technology. The latter means leveraging the use of tools like apps, smartphones, smart wristbands and more to help people get the most out of their workout regimes.

Smart Fit is the brainchild of Edgard Corona. He launched the company in 2004 after a skiing accident prompted him to seek rehabilitation exercises in a local gym. With a keen mind for business and an entrepreneurial bent, Corona established his own fitness center with a vision to transform the industry.

Since then, Smart Fit has enjoyed robust growth and can now claim to be the largest fitness franchise chain in all of Latin America. At last count, the company had 1,259 locations. Furthermore, the company completed its IPO in 2001. Now publicly traded, the sky is the limit.

It helps that Brazilians have become far more health conscious. The surging interest in specific areas, such as bodybuilding and cross-training, has translated into millions of people seeking modern, affordable fitness facilities that can help them achieve their goals. Edgard Corona said in a recent interview that a guiding principle for him is to remember that “all companies are made up of people.” His focus every day is “developing excellent teams.” That is the best way to make the culture of a company “collaborative and healthy,” he said.

Edgard Corona said a significant turning point for him was when he discovered the concept of “metanoia.” That involves a management approach that was less centralized and top-heavy in favor of team engagement and “trusting the flow.” Today, Corona said that each person in his organization carries personal responsibility for the company’s image and excellence. He said rewarding employees for bringing their best to the job every day and “giving them a personal stake in success” is the key.

One of the biggest success stories in Brazil over the past decade is the phenomenal growth of Smart Fit, a new kind of fitness brand that combines the traditional services of gyms & health clubs with digital technology. The latter means leveraging the use of tools like apps, smartphones, smart wristbands and more to help…