Fitness Industry Council of Canada (FIC) has announced the appointment of a new full-time Executive Director, Gabriel Hardy, who will “boldly lead the FIC in a new direction.”

Sara Hodson, President of FIC, says Hardy stood out amongst the over 250 candidates who applied for the role because of his dedication to the industry and because of his clear vision and strategic plan for leading the association in the next phase. “Gabriel will help fitness businesses not simply rebound from the pandemic, but achieve lasting success, through new partnerships, and strong  lobbying efforts at the provincial and federal level. We are excited to watch what he will do!” 

Hardy impressed the FIC selection committee with not only his continuous lobbying efforts in Quebec, but his ability to create strong relationships with multiple sectors, including government, private industry and non-for-profits. He comes to his role as FIC Executive Director with extensive knowledge and experience from running his own successful fitness business, managing his team, a solid educational  and training background, and considerable business acumen.  “He has a strong vision for where our association needs to go, and we believe he will be a powerful voice for our industry,” says Hodson.

Gabriel Hardy is a kinesiology graduate from Laval University’s preventative medicine faculty, and began his career in the fitness industry in 2006 as a personal trainer for the Quebec Remparts, coaching a variety of athletes including figure skating national competitors, bodybuilders and hockey stars. Over the last 20 years, Hardy has built his company, Gym Chalet / TONIC Crossfit / HARDGYM to a team of over 30 kinesiologists, and is a thriving multi-faceted facility in Quebec City, with over 2000 members, including high performance athletes,  crossfit fans, and the average gym goer. Hardy is father of two young boys, and believes strongly in developing FIC as a strong association that not only lobbies the government, but continues to champion the fitness industry, and provides members with ongoing support to achieve their business goals. 

“FIC became a powerful voice in the pandemic, when the fitness industry needed us the most. We have made incredible gains at the national level, and at the provincial level and now it is time for us to grow, to become more than we thought we could be,” says Hardy. “I intend on using everything I have learned in private business, and in running FIC-Quebec, to take our association to the next level.”

Hardy was officially announced as the new Executive Director at the FIC National Call on Friday, March 3. Hardy’s first act as Executive Director will be to meet with government officials, and with global fitness leaders at IHRSA in San Diego. He will present his strategic plan to FIC in April.