15 years ago, back in 2009 I opened a gym called Fortis Fitness in a downtown East Toronto neighbourhood. The gym posed an unusual question: “What if you opened an athletic facility which embraced the equipment, methods and principles used by the best pro and Olympic athletes in the world but you welcomed anyone, regardless of experience into that facility?”
This may sounds like a recipe for disaster, but the truth is that the methods of the greatest, strongest athletes are actually scalable in terms of intensity and volume. They are in fact effective and useable by anyone, even if mostly esoteric.
I spent a lot of time trying to get information and advice on just how to open such a gym, but sources were very few. No facility really existed which answered my question. The two primary people who helped me out the most in this adventure were Louie Simmons of Westside Barbell and Starting Strength founder, Mark Rippetoe. I was profoundly lucky to actually get both of them on the phone. The other great minds – the athletes, Doctors, scientists and coaches who have influenced Fortis since then number in the hundreds.
This strategy did indeed represent a contradiction. Would anyone show up? Would they try these methods and ideas or would they instead stay in their typical commercial gyms with endless rows of cardio machines, circuits of comfortable, isolating machines and group fitness classes? Why and how would untrained individuals want to train like athletes? If it did work, it this gym would be a “working paradox”. My greatest hope was that I would be able to pay the rent and have enough money left on which I could live.
Unlike most commercial gyms in our industry, The idea behind Fortis was to seek out the most efficient and effective methods, ideas and equipment available. The reason was simple – to get the best possible results for our members. Our gym was to be represent a “search for the truth” which would never be be compromised by ego or money.
Fortis opened in earnest, filled with power racks, platforms, chains and bands, chalk and a Westside Barbell reverse hyper. There was very little “cardio” equipment. The gym was small and comprised only 2,700 square feet.
A month or two later a beautiful lady showed up at the front door and asked if I was hiring. Her name was Ninette Longsworth. She has been “reverse aging” and quietly breaking power-lifting records ever since. She has been my “partner in crime” and my rock of support for the whole ride. At 56 years old, she continues to personify the healthy results of the principles we follow regarding diet, exercise and building muscle:
IG @ms_ninette
Is it her genetics? Nope – otherwise her family members would be the same. Performance enhancing drugs? Nope – not one, not ever. Cosmetic procedures? None, ever – just the correct applications of diet, exercise and resistance training – that’s it.
People often equate me with Fortis. That would be wrong. Fortis represents a collection of ideas which are far greater than myself. These ideas comprise science, efficacy, consistency, perseverance, discipline, respect, kindness and humility, among other great attributes. Fortis has been primarily shaped by our fine members, beginners and elite athletes alike. These wonderful people represent these ideas and bring them to life. creating an atmosphere which I am told is extraordinary in our industry.
15 years later, in our 10,000 square foot facility I clean the bathrooms, get coffee and stand in awe at our members and their athletic prowess and progression. Being around so many astounding pro, amateur and Olympic athletes and coaches has been an incredible experience. Nothing compares though, to witnessing the fantastic progress and evolution of previously non-athletic members who responsibly embrace the proven methods and ideas of these elite athletes and their coaches.
Our 15 year experiment continues with great success. I thank God every day for this gym and the positive effects it has had on the minds and bodies of our members and visitors. My hope is those positive effects will grow to even greater heights and eclipse those of our first 15 years.