Edgard Corona’s Smart Fit active membership base reached 5.21 million by December 2024, representing 36% growth compared to the prior year. The milestone underscores continued demand for affordable fitness options across Latin America despite economic pressures affecting consumer discretionary spending in multiple markets.
The Smart Fit founder attributes the membership growth to the company’s value proposition combining quality facilities with low monthly fees. Smart Fit’s R$89 to R$149 membership prices in Brazil, with comparable pricing in other Latin American markets, appeal to middle-class consumers seeking fitness solutions without premium gym costs.
Geographic Membership Distribution
Brazil accounts for approximately 47% of Smart Fit’s total membership, with 2.45 million active members across 823 domestic facilities. Mexico represents the second-largest market with roughly 1.2 million members in 395 locations, while remaining Latin American countries contribute 1.56 million members across 525 gyms.
The membership distribution reflects Edgard Corona’s deliberate expansion beyond Brazil to reduce dependence on any single market. International operations generated 56% of 2024 revenue, demonstrating how geographic diversification translates into balanced revenue contributions across the company’s footprint.
New gym openings drive member growth as facilities typically ramp to 2,500 members within months of opening. The dono da Smart Fit opened 305 locations during 2024, adding capacity for approximately 750,000 members at average unit size. Existing facilities also contributed to member growth through improved retention rates and local market penetration.
Membership Economics
Edgard Corona’s business model depends on generating sufficient revenue per member to cover facility costs while maintaining affordable monthly fees. The company targets membership levels of 3,000 to 4,000 members per location, with mature facilities often exceeding these benchmarks in dense urban markets.
Average revenue per member increased approximately 8% during 2024 through a combination of price adjustments and higher uptake of premium membership tiers. Smart Fit offers multiple membership options including basic plans limiting access to single locations and premium plans allowing members to visit any Smart Fit facility.
The company’s membership retention rates improved compared to 2023, indicating that new members continue their subscriptions beyond initial signup periods. Improved retention reduces customer acquisition costs and enhances lifetime value calculations that underpin Smart Fit’s unit economics.
Growth Trajectory
Edgard Corona projects membership will continue growing as the company adds facilities and penetrates existing markets more deeply. The planned 300 gym openings during 2025 should add capacity for roughly 900,000 members, supporting continued membership expansion.
Smart Fit’s 5.21 million member base positions the company among the largest fitness operators globally by active membership. Only a few gym chains worldwide operate at comparable scale, with most concentrated in developed markets rather than emerging economies where the dono da Smart Fit maintains its presence. Continued membership growth depends on economic conditions across Latin America and Smart Fit’s ability to maintain its value proposition.