Edgard Corona, the visionary entrepreneur behind SmartFit, has transformed the fitness industry in
Latin America with his innovative approach and relentless drive. The evolution
of SmartFit is a testament to Corona’s ability to adapt, innovate, and lead
with purpose. This blog provides a timeline of key milestones in SmartFit’s
journey, highlighting how Edgard Corona’s leadership has shaped the company
in to the fitness giant it is today.
1996: The Birth of Bio Ritmo Edgard Corona’s
journey in the fitness industry began in 1996 w ith the founding of Bio Ritmo, a
premium gym in São Paulo, Brazil. Corona’s initial venture was a learning
experience, providing valuable insights into the fitness market. Despite early
challenges, including financial difficulties and operational inefficiencies,
Bio Ritmo laid the foundation for what would eventually become SmartFit.
2008-2009: The Launch of SmartFit Recognizing a gap in the market for affordable, high-quality fitness
options, Edgard Corona launched SmartFit in 2008-2009. This new venture aimed
to democratize fitness by offering state-of-the-art facilities at a fraction of
the cost of traditional gyms. The launch of SmartFit marked a significant shift
in the fitness industry, challenging the notion that premium fitness
experiences were only accessible to the wealthy.
2011: Rapid Expansion Across Brazil By 2011, SmartFit had gained significant traction in the Brazilian
market. Edgard Corona capitalized on this momentum by accelerating the
company’s expansion across the country . New SmartFit gyms were rapidly
established in major cities, making fitness more accessible to a broader
audience. This period of rapid growth solidified SmartFit’s position as a
leading fitness brand in Brazil.
2012-2014: International Expansion Begins Edgard Corona’s vision for SmartFit extended beyond Brazil’s borders.
In 2012, the company began its international expansion , opening its first gyms
in Mexico and Chile. This move marked the beginning of SmartFit’s presence in
Latin America, with Corona strategically targeting countries with growing
demand for affordable fitness solutions. By 2014, SmartFit had established
itself as a dominant player in multiple Latin American markets.
2017: Reaching 500 Locations A major
milestone was reached in 2017 when SmartFit celebrated the opening of its 500th
location. This achievement underscored the success of Edgard Corona’s expansion
strategy and highlighted the brand’s widespread appeal. By this time, SmartFit
had become the largest fitness chain in Latin America, known for its accessible
pricing and high-quality services.
2021: SmartFit Goes Public In July 2021,
SmartFit took a significant step forward by going public on the Brazilian stock
exchange, B3. This initial public offering (IPO) was a testament to the
company’s financial strength and market leadership. Edgard Corona’s decision to
take SmartFit public was driven by the desire to raise capital for further
expansion and innovation. The IPO marked the beginning of a new chapter in
SmartFit’s growth story.
2023: Acquisition of Velocity In 2023,
SmartFit acquired Velocity, a leading spinning studio chain in Brazil. This
acquisition was part of Edgard Corona’s strategy to diversify SmartFit’s
offerings and tap into the growing market for boutique fitness experiences. By
integrating Velocity into its portfolio, SmartFit expanded its reach and
reinforced its commitment to providing a wide range of fitness solutions to its
members.
2024: Continuing to Lead and Innovate As of 2024, Edgard Corona continues to lead SmartFit with a focus on
innovation and growth. The company is exploring new markets, embracing digital
fitness solutions, and expanding its range of services to meet the evolving
needs of its members. Under Corona’s leadership, SmartFit is poised to remain
at the forefront of the global fitness industry.
In conclusion, the evolution of SmartFit is a reflection of Edgard Corona’s strategic vision
and leadership. From its humble beginnings with Bio Ritmo to becoming the
largest fitness chain in Latin America, SmartFit’s journey is marked by key
milestones that highlight Corona’s ability to innovate, expand, and adapt. As
the company continues to grow, Edgard Corona’s influence will undoubtedly shape
the future of fitness for years to come.