Since 1984

From one location in the Gold Coast to 10 locations throughout the Chicago area, FFC is celebrating 40 years strong, all year long!

 

About FFC

Established in 1984 by Founder and CEO Gale Landers, FFC owns and operates 10 upscale, mid and large size multi-use health, sports, fitness and spa centers in the Chicago area.

The company provides corporate wellness programs, health insurance reimbursable nutrition therapy services, signature group fitness programs, spa treatment services, individual and group training, physical therapy and medically based rehabilitation programs.

Each Chicagoland location is dedicated to supporting the local community. FFC is recognized by the fitness industry for creating a distinct member experience delivered by its staff professionals.

    

Compassion, Education, and Action

How We Are Making a Difference

We have always worked to help those in under-served communities through organizations like By The Hand, Build, and the 11.10.02 Foundation, where our CEO and Founder serves on the board. We also donate used equipment to schools in communities that need it on a regular basis.

Our HR Department is continually expanding its education on diversity and inclusion, specifically as it relates to hiring. Before the pandemic hit and prior to the government-mandated shutdown in March 2020, we had a very diverse and inclusive workforce, before laying off 99% of our staff. As we have reopened, hiring back a diverse and inclusive workforce is of utmost priority.

FFC has helped found the Illinois Fitness Alliance to better galvanize the fitness industry, specifically in the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois. As our CEO is a founding board member, we have searched the city - from the south to the west and the north - looking for fitness businesses in under-served areas to establish social equity within the Alliance. These businesses are actively being contacted to give all fitness businesses an opportunity to have a voice with city and state officials as we move forward.

Gale Landers

Founder and CEO of FFC

Landers is a former member of the board of directors for the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IRHSA), serving as IHRSA Board President in 2000. In 2004, he was elected into the Chicago Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. He is a current board member of the Chicago Sports Commission, the 11-10-02 Foundation, the Illinois Fitness Alliance and is also the current chair of the National Health & Fitness Alliance.
Gale Landers, Founder and CEO of Fitness Formula Clubs

Our Mission

Build, own and operate great clubs
and deliver outstanding results.

Man lifting a kettlebell.

Our Purpose

Enhance the lives of our members and guests by
improving their overall health and well-being.

In our 40 year history, the Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) brand has expanded to more than 10 owned and managed club locations throughout the Chicagoland area, establishing us as the largest privately owned reciprocal usage provider of health, fitness and wellness facilities.

All of our locations share a common vision of excellence designed to provide individualized member results, valued career paths for our experienced and dedicated staff of over 900 and financial returns to our stakeholders.

Our Core Values

We operate on the basis of the 5 core values of Improvement, Safety, Friendliness, Superior Service and Integrity. We are committed to providing new and innovative ways to serve our members in order to enhance the value of membership, and continually reinvest in our facilities, equipment, programs and training.

In addition to dedicating ourselves to maintaining safe, expertly-managed facilities, we also require our staff to stay current with CPR and AED certifications, among other trainings and courses.

We pledge to conduct our business with honesty and transparency and treat all staff, members and guests with respect. We are committed to listening, understanding and responding to the interests and needs of our members and promoting an environment of friendliness, motivation and fun in which our community is encouraged to make positive lifestyle changes.