Edgard Corona’s journey to building SmartFit, the largest fitness chain in Latin America, has been
marked by both significant challenges and remarkable triumphs. As with any
entrepreneurial venture, Corona’s path was not  without obstacles, but his
ability to navigate these difficulties has been crucial to his success.
Understanding the challenges he faced and how he overcame them provides
valuable insights into the resilience and determination required to build a
business empire. 

One of the earliest challenges Edgard Corona encountered was during the founding of Bio
Ritmo, his first fitness venture, in 1996. At the time, the fitness industry in
Brazil was not as developed as it is today. There were few established models
to follow, and Corona had to learn through trial and error. The first Bio Ritmo
club struggled financially for several years, with Corona admitting that they
“did everything wrong” initially. The club lost money for nearly a decade,
forcing Corona to rethink and refine his business model. This period  of struggle
was a crucial learning experience that helped him understand the importance of
location, customer experience, and operational efficiency—lessons that would
later prove invaluable in the creation of SmartFit. 

Economic instability in Brazil presented  another significant challenge for Edgard
Corona. High inflation rates and fluctuating interest rates made it difficult
to manage costs and maintain profitability. Gym equipment, most of which had to
be imported, was prohibitively expensive, further straining the business.
Despite these financial pressures, Corona remained committed to his vision of
providing high-quality fitness experiences. He found innovative ways to reduce
costs, such as optimizing space and focusing on core services, which allowed
him to keep membership fees affordable without compromising on quality. 

The 2008 global financial crisis was another pivotal mo ment in Edgard Corona’s journey. The
economic downturn affected consumer spending across Latin America, including in
the fitness sector. Many businesses in the industry struggled to stay afloat,
but Corona saw an opportunity to innovate. It was during this time that he
launched SmartFit, a low-cost gym model that catered to consumers seeking
affordable fitness options in a challenging economic environment. This move not
only addressed the immediate financial challenges but also positioned SmartFit
as a leader in the market, appealing to a broader audience and driving
significant growth. 

One of the more recent challenges Edgard Corona faced was the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic
disrupted the fitness industry worldwide, with gyms forced to close their doors
for extended periods. For a company like SmartFit, which relies on physical
locations, this was a substantial hurdle. However, Corona’s ability to adapt
quickly was on full display. SmartFit accelerated its digital offerings,
including online workouts and virtual training sessions, to keep members
engaged during the lockdowns. This swift response not only helped the company
weather the storm but also highlighted the importance of digital transformation
in the fitness industry. 

Despite these challenges, Edgard Corona’s determination and strategic thinking have led to
numerous triumphs. Under his leadership, SmartFit has expanded to 14 countries
and operates hundreds of gyms, making it a household name across Latin America.
The company’s success  is a testament to Corona’s ability to turn challenges
into opportunities, whether by refining his business model, adapting to
economic conditions, or embracing innovation. 

In conclusion, the path to building a fitness empire was far from easy for Edgard Corona, but
his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to his vision have been
key to overcoming the challenges he faced. Corona’s journey is a powerful
reminder   that success in business often comes not from avoiding difficulties
but from confronting them head-on and emerging stronger on the other side. His
story continues to inspire entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide,
showing that with perseverance and creativity, even the most daunting
challenges can be transformed into triumphs.