History of GoodLife Fitness

Our vision is to give every Canadian the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life. Throughout our history we have always worked to fulfill this vision.

1974
  • David Patchell-Evans is severely injured in a motorcycle accident. Eight months of rehab inspires a keen interest in exercise precipitating a switch from the Business faculty to the faculty of Physical Education, University of Western Ontario.
1978
  • Patch trains for Canada’s National Rowing team going on to win 5 Canadian titles.
1979
  • With money earned from his snow ploughing business, Patch purchases his first club determined to provide an unequalled experience for members.
1983
  • GoodLife opens it’s first For Women club in Peterborough.
1983-1993
  • GoodLife adds 15 clubs, more than quadrupling in size.
1993
  • Patch becomes the first President of Canadian Fitness Professionals committing to improving education for the profession.
1995
  • GoodLife wins the London Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award.
  • Patch is diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthrititis, finds exercise helps immensely and uses that knowledge to help educate others.
1998
  • The GoodLife Kids Foundation is founded to inspire, create and support opportunities for Canadian kids to benefit from an active life.
  • GoodLife’s Personal Training Department is founded to help members more effectively reach their fitness goals.
1999
  • GoodLife opens it’s first club inside Loblaws, branding it it “GoodLife for Women”. A decade later there are 70 such clubs.
2000
2002
  • GoodLife opens it’s first club outside of Ontario in Pointe Claire, QC.
2003
2005
  • GoodLife reaches 100 clubs across Canada and secures exclusive rights for the worldrenowed Les Mills group exercise programs.
  • Canadian Business magazine names Patch, Most Innovative CEO of the Year.
  • Patch is inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame.
  • Patch receives the UWO Alumni Award of Merit.
2006
  • Patch is inducted into the International Entrepreneur of the Year Institute (Palm Springs) with a Special Citation for Customer Driven Focus.
  • GoodLife awarded Top Employer of the Year by Best Buddies for workplace inclussion of people with intellectual challenges.
2007
  • The Canadian Medical Association Medal of Honour is awarded to Patch. “David Patchell- Evans’ dedication to, and efforts on behalf of, helping scientists find a cause and cure for autism is nothing short of inspirational. He is "a very worthy recipient of this award."
2009
  • GoodLife wins the 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures in Canada award.
  • GoodLife reaches 275 clubs by adding Nubody’s Fitness (23 clubs in Atlantic Canada) and partnering with Énergie Cardio (70 clubs in Quebec).
  • Patch becomes Chair of the IHRSA Board of Directors – the world’s largest health and fitness organization (100 million club members, 78 countries).
  • Patch’s second book The Real Sexy, Smart and Strong is an overnight International Best Seller. Proceeds support autism research.
  • GoodLife celebrates its 30th Anniversary with The Tragically Hip concert – 9,000 members, staff and corporate partners rock the night away!
2010
  • One in every 43 Canadians is a GoodLife member.
  • Patch’s donations to The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group surpass $4 million and collaborations expand – including Harvard, Guelph and Queens Universities, and the Nobel Institute.
  • CVCA Entrepreneur of the Year
2011
  • GoodLife is awarded Platinum Club member, Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies
  • Platinum, Canada’s Top 10 Corporate Cultures Award

Learn more at Patch Online