International Fitness Holdings Doubles Down on Alberta

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - March 9, 2016) - Despite the business landscape in Alberta, International Fitness Holdings (World Health Calgary, Spa Lady and Bankers Hall Club), has made a conscious decision to invest in Alberta because they believe in the future of the province and the increasing importance of health and wellness in our lives.

Given this commitment to growth, International Fitness Holdings (IFH) has been named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2015.

"We are a people-oriented business," said Scott Wildeman, Sr. VP of Fitness and Operations, IFH. "We are dedicated to recruiting great people who build strong relationships with members and guests."

IFH is opening three new fitness centres in Alberta: a World Health executive club in downtown Calgary, and Spa Lady locations in both Calgary and Edmonton. They are also launching a nutrition department in 2016, which will offer Albertans additional career opportunities within the business.

IFH focuses on giving back to employees through their complimentary continuing education program, a greater investment in the employee and family assistance program, and other benefits.

"International Fitness Holdings is one of the rare companies that walk the talk about culture while still balancing a robust discipline towards their systems and processes. They have taken roles in the fitness industry that are traditionally transient jobs and turned them into long-term viable careers," said Debby Carreau, CEO of Calgary based Inspired HR.

There are many health benefits attributed to living a healthy and active lifestyle such as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved sleep and energy levels, and decreased stress and anxiety. IFH offers members unlimited group classes and will soon launch online personal training options. They are also launching a new 45-minute personal training package offering member accountability in a more economical format.

"We know that during harder economic times in Alberta, fitness plays a vital role in stress management and overall well-being," said Wildeman.

IFH continues to support the community by offering free fitness to local schools with their Mobile Fitness Unit, and fundraising for Wellspring Calgary.

Established in 1993, Canada's Best Managed Companies is one of the country's leading business awards programs recognizing companies that have implemented world-class business practices and created value in innovative ways. Applicants are evaluated by an independent judging panel on overall business performance, including leadership, strategy, core competencies, cross-functional collaboration throughout organization, and talent.

"I would like to congratulate the entire efforts of International Fitness Holdings. It takes a dedicated effort from an entire team to focus on a core vision, create stakeholder value and excel in the global economy to achieve this level of success," said Peter Brown, Partner, Deloitte and Co-Leader, Canada's Best Managed Companies program.

2015 winners of the Canada's Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at the annual Canada's Best Managed Companies gala in Toronto on April 12.

About International Fitness Holdings

International Fitness Holdings (World Health Calgary, Spa Lady and Bankers Hall Club) operates 14 fitness centres in Calgary and Edmonton, and has been inspiring Albertans to live a healthy and active lifestyle for over 30 years.

About Canada's Best Managed Companies

Canada's Best Managed Companies continues to be the mark of excellence for Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 million. Every year since the launch of the program in 1993, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies have competed for this designation in a rigorous and independent process that evaluates their management skills and practices. The awards are granted on five levels: 1) Best Managed winner (one of the new winners selected each year); 2) Requalified member (repeat winners retain the Best Managed designation for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 3) Gold Standard winner (After three consecutive years of maintaining their Best Managed status, these winners have demonstrated their commitment to the program and successfully reapplied for the designation); 4) Gold Requalified member (Gold Standard winners may requalify for two additional years, subject to annual operational and financial review); 5) Platinum Club member (winners that maintain Best Managed status for a minimum of six consecutive years). Program sponsors are Deloitte, CIBC, National Post, Smith School of Business and MacKay CEO Forums. For further information, visit www.bestmanagedcompanies.ca.