History & Founder

GoodLife the Early Years

Two weeks into his first year in university, David Patchell-Evans was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. A lengthy and arduous period of rehabilitation at a sports medicine clinic at the University of Western Ontario sparked Patch's interest in exercise and the motivation surrounding physical recovery. His accident was pivotal in the decision to add a new focus to the business courses he was pursuing — resulting in a degree in physical education.

During this time, Patch saw an opportunity to share what he had learned. He purchased the small fitness club where he had been working out in London, Ontario in 1979 — the beginning of a company that would soon be branded GoodLife Fitness.

Early on Patch's vision was to provide an unequalled fitness club experience for members. As the leader in health and fitness in Canada, GoodLife has now grown to almost 300 clubs while remaining true to the company's core values.

David Patchell-Evans Founder & CEO GoodLife Fitness

• Five-time Canadian Rowing Champion
• Chairman of IHRSA (International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association) representing 110 million club members in 78 countries
• Co-founder of The Kilee Patchell-Evans Autism Research Group at the University o f Western Ontario with personal donations of $4 Million
• CVCA Entrepreneur of the Year
• David Patchell-Evans awarded the Canadian Medical Association Medal of Honour in 2007
• Author of International Best Seller The Real Sexy, Smart and Strong and Living The Good Life, the latter of which has exceeded 1 million copies.

Learn more at Patch Online