Our History

We opened our first fitness club in 1996, Bio Ritmo, in São Paulo, and soon realized the need to stand out and differentiate ourselves from existing market options. Therefore, in 1997, we launched a new unit with completely innovative architecture: a special lighting design and an ambiance that ensured a sophisticated experience.

We sought benchmarking in the United States and the United Kingdom, examining the strategies of established brands in these regions. We then decided to focus primarily on cardio and strength training, rather than offering a wide range of modalities and complex structures. By prioritizing primary zones in major cities and reducing the size of our gyms, our operation was able to create the ‘WOW’ effect we had aimed for with the public.

In 2003, we adopted a new management model to improve the quality of our services. From then on, evaluated by the Net Promoter Score (NPS), our team began working entirely focused on customer satisfaction. Clear objectives and a focus on elements of the customer journey helped improve the experience in our gyms and increase productivity.

In 2008, we were already the largest high-end gym chain in Brazil, which led to an invitation to participate in a Roundtable in the United States, where a group of entrepreneurs from different countries discussed best practices and market strategies. It was at this event that our founder, Edgard Corona, was introduced to the HVLP (High Value Low Price) gym model. In 2009, we pioneered the introduction of this gym concept in Latin America with the launch of the first Smart Fit unit in São Paulo, Brazil.

From the beginning, Smart Fit maintained a high standard experience, with a pleasant training environment, modern design, and equipment from leading global manufacturers, all at a very affordable price of R$ 49 per month at the time, leaving the market and customers impressed.

The group continued its steady trajectory of growth and innovation. In 2011, we took our first step towards international expansion by opening the first unit in Mexico City. By the end of 2019, in addition to Brazil and Mexico, the Company had expanded to Chile, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Paraguay, Guatemala, and Panama.

In 2017, we expanded the reach of our Studios brands, by opening the first independent units of Race Bootcamp and Vydia, which had previously been part of Bio Ritmo gyms, and launched new Studios inspired by international fitness trends, such as Jab House.

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Group to slow down due to pandemic response measures. The adverse situation prompted the Company to accelerate its digital trajectory, with the acquisition of the digital fitness platform Queima Diária and continued investment in developing the Smart Fit ecosystem. This included enhancements to the functionality and usability of our app, as well as the introduction of ‘at home’ services on two platforms.

In July 2021, an important milestone was achieved by Smart Fit (SMFT3) with the successful completion of its initial public offering (IPO). From that point on, the Company’s shares began trading on the Novo Mercado.

In 2024, we launched the first unit of the One Pilates brand, a new Studio concept, and the Nation gym brand, focusing on high-performance strength training.

By the second quarter of 2024, the Smart Fit Group had 1,529 gyms across 15 Latin American countries, with 1,500 of those under the Smart Fit brand and 4.6 million customers. With all this growth, we are the fastest-expanding network globally over the past 5 years and the absolute leader in the fitness sector in Latin America.