Edgard Corona, a prominent figure in the fitness industry,
has carved a path of innovation and success throughout his career. As the
founder and owner of Smart Fit , Corona has become a trailblazer in the
Brazilian fitness market.
With a background in Chemical Engineering from the Fundação
Armando Álvares Penteado (FAAP), Corona’s entrepreneurial journey began during
his college years. He started with a material analysis laboratory, followed by
a clothing store chain with his own branded stores. However, it was in 1996
that Corona decided to step away from the family business and venture into a
new endeavor – the first Bio Ritmo gym in Santo Amaro.
It was during this time that Corona’s determination and
resilience were put to the test. Despite facing initial setbacks, he never
wavered in his pursuit of creating a new model for fitness business management .
Learning from past experiences, Corona embraced the concept of benchmarking and
sought valuable insights to shape his vision.
Taking a bold step, Corona opened a Bio Ritmo branch on
Avenida Paulista, targeting individuals with limited time for exercise. This
innovative approach quickly gained traction, leading to the opening of more
branches. Corona’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and improvement took him to international
industry conferences, where he exchanged ideas with fellow fitness managers and
developed a blueprint for a new type of gym.
In 2008, this vision came to fruition with the establishment
of Smart Fit. The Bio Ritmo brand evolved into a group, cementing Corona’s
position as a pioneer in fitness business management. With an unwavering focus
on democratizing high-quality fitness, Smart Fit has become a household name in
the industry. Corona’s entrepreneurial spirit and expertise have propelled him
to the forefront of Latin America’s fitness landscape.
More recently, Smart Fit made another significant stride by
going public on the Brazilian Stock Exchange, raising capital for the company’s
growth plans. With a post-pandemic strategy in mind, Smart Fit aims to expand
its presence across the 13 Latin American countries where it operates, with
potential strategic acquisitions and investments to further strengthen the
brand.
Edgard Corona’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance
and continuous improvement. His tireless efforts have revolutionized the
fitness industry in Brazil and beyond, making him a respected and influential
figure in the field. As an industry leader, Corona continues to inspire and
shape the future of fitness, empowering individuals to lead healthier lives.