Turning Failures into Fitness Success: Gabriel Hardy’s Inspiring Journey
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
In the sport of business, failure can sometimes be considered a negative. But podcasts are aimed to inspire and motivate, and at ATFW we know that some of the most remarkable stories emerge from adversity and struggle.
Our recent interview with Gabriel Hardy, the Executive Director of The Fitness Industry Council of Canada and CEO of Tonic Gym, was a testament to this fact. In a candid and heartfelt conversation, Gabriel shared his journey that is punctuated by failures, and yet, it's a journey that has ultimately led to tremendous success.
Whether Gabriel was facing dismal grades in school, navigating through bankruptcy with his gym, or striving for a spot in Canadian politics, he has had his share of setbacks. Each failure, instead of breaking him, propelled him forward. These experiences were not roadblocks but stepping stones to his ultimate success.
Gabriel's journey is a remarkable one, not just from a business perspective but also in terms of personal growth. He discovered his voice and aligned it with a cause he's deeply passionate about – getting more people moving and creating a healthier nation. His mission goes beyond just operating a successful gym; it's about unifying an entire industry under the message that fitness is essential.
In our podcast episode, Gabriel shares the roller-coaster ride of his career journey. From working with celebrated names in the world of hockey to opening his own gym and representing his industry, he has stories that will entertain and inspire you. But before we dive into those captivating tales, let's learn more about the Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC).
FIC is a not-for-profit trade association that serves as the voice of fitness facility operators across Canada. With a mandate to represent over 6,000 facilities and more than 6 million members nationwide, FIC actively pursues a legislative agenda aimed at enhancing the fitness industry for both consumers and operators. Their goal is to collaborate with both the industry and the government to improve the health and physical activity levels of Canadians.
The importance of this mission becomes evident when you look at the staggering statistics. Physical inactivity in Canada results in direct costs of $2.4 billion, indirect costs of $4.3 billion, and a whopping total of $6.8 billion in healthcare expenses*. On the flip side, getting just 10% of people in Canada to move more would have a ripple effect, increasing workplace productivity, reducing absenteeism, injecting a minimum of $1.6 billion into the economy, and slashing healthcare spending on chronic diseases by $2.6 billion**.
These statistics underscore the critical role that fitness plays in the well-being of our society. Gabriel's story and the work of FIC shine a light on the significance of fitness, not just for individuals but for the entire nation.
As fitness business professionals, we can draw inspiration from Gabriel's journey and the mission of FIC. It's a reminder that success often emerges from the ashes of failure, and that passion and determination can transform personal struggles into a movement that can change lives. Gabriel's story is a testament to the fact that fitness is not just a business; it's a calling, a mission, and an essential part of building a healthier, happier nation.