Vancouver fitness pioneer Ron Zalko has seen a lot since he opened his business in Kitsilano in 1980. Celebrities ranging from Jane Fonda to Ryan Reynolds, and from Amanda Seyfried to Lady Gaga have worked out in his facility.

Thirty years ago, he founded the Canadian Ironman triathlon in Penticton. And this year, as he prepares for his 40th year in business, this event will return to the Okanagan Valley.

He's also observed over the decades what is necessary to help members of Ron Zalko Fitness & Yoga regain their health—and better waistlines—after indulging over the holiday season.

“As far as fitness goes, they need to see results,” Zalko says in an interview at his 20,000-square-foot gym. “Nothing will happen unless you make it happen.”

Newcomers sometimes find it difficult to stick with their exercise regimens, so this year he’s offering three sessions with personal trainers to anyone who buys a one-year membership.

“We provide them with the best trainers in Canada—not only in Vancouver,” he says. “I screen them. I make sure that they know 100 percent what they’re doing.”

There are specialists in helping people recover from injuries and for those hoping to lose weight. Another specialist addresses other issues. He says that these trainers will design workout programs that are fun and help members achieve their goals, while ensuring that they’ll keep coming to the gym year-round.

“I wanted to create something for the new year to inspire them and help cure the January blues,” he says.

Zalko is under no illusions that exercise is a panacea. That’s why he also emphasizes the importance of a proper diet as part of a healthy lifestyle. No cheese for him—because it’s not good for the arteries.

“I stay away from sugar, fat, and salt,” he adds.

He realizes that women sometimes want to exercise away from men, so his gym includes a separate area restricted to women. It happens to be adjacent to a room where many celebrities have left their autographs and personal messages.

In addition, Zalko emphasizes the importance of avoiding injuries while exercising. That’s why he installed what he calls a “body-friendly floor”, costing $140,000. It has recycled rubber underneath the wood to provide a better cushion when people are taking classes.

“People want to sweat,” he says. “They want a hard workout. They want to feel good about that.”