When serious ski-related knee and foot injuries and subsequent surgery forced Louis Stack to give up the sport he loved, he refused to take it lying down.

Rather, he went to work on a cross-training machine that would allow him to quickly regain the strength, agility and mobility he had lost in the operating room.

The Pro Fitter 3-D Cross Trainer, as it came to be known, not only helped Stack recover and return to the slopes, it helped him become a member of the Canadian National Speed Skiing Team from 1991-95.



The Pro Fitter’s popularity with other elite athletes sparked his entrepreneurial instincts and, with help from a $3,000 loan, he launched a business from his Calgary basement in 1985.

“The idea behind Fitterfirst has always been balance and fitness for life,” says Stack. “My vision was to offer a unique product that afforded people the same outstanding results that I gained from my rehabilitation.”

Fitterfirst started with one product, but now has a catalog filled with dozens of items designed to improve anyone’s physical well-being.

For the first 14 years, Fitterfirst lived in relative obscurity despite steady growth within the elite athlete and medical communities. But in the last three years, Fitterfirst has vaulted into the mainstream as consumers from all walks seek to improve their health.

The Calgary-based firm is now a multimillion-dollar concern with global distribution and hundreds of satisfied customers. Fitterfirst, recently named one of the 25 Fastest Growing Companies in Alberta, has become a world leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of simple but highly functional balance and stability products.



“We design, manufacture and market functional products that encourage the integration of muscle and movement for rehab, fitness and general wellness,” says Stack, noting that his good friend SAM (Stability, Agility and Mobility) can make all the difference in your ability to age with grace.

And whether it’s the Pro Fitter, Balance Boards, Bongo Board, Swopper Chair, Fitter Ball Chairs, or any other item in the catalog, these products put the fun in FUNctional.

“It’s all about establishing a positive relationship with gravity, and our objective is to add a little fun to your day while helping you achieve that relationship,” he says.

“You’ll be amazed how much more enjoyable life is when you’re not slouching, limping or aching.”

Stack says helping elite athletes such as Ken Read and Dave Irwin has been gratifying, but he gets the most satisfaction from going into an office and helping establish a healthier work environment.

“Most of us spend one-third of our days slouching in front of a computer screen with little or no movement. That’s terribly unhealthy, and it carries over to the rest of our lives to the point where we can’t play as well nor sleep as well as we should.

“In terms of ergonomics, our products immediately create a healthier worksite and happier workers.”



When you sit on a Fitter Ball or Swopper Chair, for example, your spine works with gravity to natuarlly determine your best posture. It puts a little bounce in your worklife, and the active sitting means you subconsciously keep shifting your trunk to find the ideal position. Besides, encouraging you to have better posture, the Fitter Ball stimulates and tones your spinal stabilization and core trunk muscles all day long.

(Writer’s note: I’m testing a Fitter Ball as I’m writing this story, and it works great - no need for back support, and I can’t help but sit in a better posture.)

One company that has embraced Fitterfirst products in the workplace is Calgary-based ENMAX.

Since Fitterfirst’s presentation, ENMAX has purchased more than 900 Fitter Balls to complement existing traditional chairs. Wobble Boards and Digit Fidgets are also used throughout their offices.

“ENMAX management expected up to 10 per cent of staff to buy into the concept, and we’ve already trained 75 per cent of the office staff on correct use of their new functional office equipment,” says Stack. “Human resources and senior management are excited about the overwhelming acceptance of the program can see that the employees appreciate that the company is investing in their health.”

For more information on how you can put more bounce in your office, call Fitterfirst at 403.243.6830, e-mail sales@fitter1.com or visit www.fitter1.com