Developed by Joseph Pilates, this namesake workout was created in the early 1900s as he was working as a self-defense instructor for Scotland Yard. During WWI, Joseph trained his fellow interns on his exercise system, and he rigged springs to hospital beds, allowing bedridden patients to exercise using resistance. This led to the later invention of the Pilates reformer machine.

At FFC, members can train with certified Pilates instructors on a variety of equipment designed to strengthen the muscles of the core (abdominals and back muscles along the spine) as well as the whole body.

Apparatus Used in FFC Pilates Classes

The Reformer – The Reformer is the most popular and most widely-known Pilates apparatus. Working on a system of springs and pulleys, each exercise is intensified with resistance. On the reformer, members can work their legs and abs using the foot bar and a gliding carriage, and their arms using the arm straps. Boxes can also be placed atop the carriage for back and other various workouts.  Working horizontally helps relieve stress and strain on joints. There are over 100 exercises for the Reformer, many of them building on each other.

The Cadillac or Trap Table – The Cadillac, also known as the Trap Table, resembles a four-poster bed with an elevated mat surface, and has springs, wooden bars and hanging trapezes attached. It’s one of the most versatile and effective pieces of apparatus. Members must concentrate on breathing and movements as they work against the resistance of the springs, to practice any of the more than 80 exercises available for the Cadillac.

The Wunda Chair – The Wunda Chair is a box-shaped apparatus with a paddled peddle that can be pushed down against spring resistance. Using a wide variety of exercises either sitting, laying or standing on the apparatus, the Wunda Chair helps work out balance and strength for proper posture in a seated position.

The  Barrel – The Barrel, an elevated, arched surface that is sometimes attached to a ladder, is an important apparatus piece for working the alignment and flexibility of the spine in relation to the strength of the center. The Barrel is used for challenging ab exercises as well as stretching and working to increase flexibility and total body strength.

FFC offers small group apparatus training as well as one-on-one sessions and partner sessions. For more information, contact your Club location’s fitness director or Pilates coordinator. Or read more about FFC’s Chicago group fitness offerings!

“By participating in these classes, over time a member would master the exercises, build confidence, and graduate to more advanced classes on the group exercise schedule,” he said.

FITKICK is one of the seven FFC signature group exercise classes, using cardio and strength exercises inspired by movements from boxing and martial arts.

Sonia Sethi teaches FITKICK at FFC West Loop. “Members can expect an  intense but fun, fast-paced workout that is easy to follow and appropriate for all fitness levels,” she said.

FITKICK offers an exhilarating workout experience. “My favorite part is seeing my members sweat,” Sethi said.

Chicago group exercise programs, like FITKICK, are a good way to mix up a workout regimen. Sethi said, “FITKICK provides members an opportunity to vary their typical exercise routine with an easy-to-follow,  rigorous workout that gets their hearts pumping, burns calories, and offers a fun way to work out.”

Members can find FITKICK classes and times on any of our locations’ Group Fitness Schedule pages, and non-members can learn more about Chicago group fitness and membership here.

Childhood Health and Fitness Tips
ages 0-12
Fitness: For children ages 6 and older the U.S. Department of Health recommends an hour of physical activity per day and vigorous exercise at least three times of week (jump rope, soccer, etc).
Nutrition: American Heart Association recommends a diet high in whole grains and fruits — but limit juices and saturated fats. Toddlers need extra fat and calories for development, but as they grow they should begin to eat a leaner diet.

Adolescent Health and Fitness Tips
ages 13-18
Fitness: Adolescence is a tough age where putting too much emphasis on appearance can trigger unhealthy body image issues. Exercise at least one hour per day. Join a sports team or engage in a physical activity.
Nutrition: Growing teens need extra calories, but help them limit high calorie, high sugar foods. Teach young adults they should not consume more calories than they burn off.

Young Adult Health and Fitness Tips
ages 19-35
Fitness: Many in this group claim they have no time to work out due to college or work demands. 2.5- 5 hours of moderate cardio exercise is recommended per week. A workout partner is especially beneficial in this age group.
Nutrition: Age where adults begin to shop and cook for themselves, limit highly processed multi-ingredient products. Take a break at work with a nutritious snack mix of dried fruit and nuts. Avoid the vending machine!

Middle Age Health and Fitness Tips
ages 36-59
Fitness: To prevent weight gain, chronic illness, it is important to get daily exercise. For balance and flexibility, doctors recommend a weekly cardio and strength training routine which can help protect against falls later in life.
Nutrition: Extra sugar in this age group can lead to extra weight gain. Nutritionists recommend a diet high in fiber and low in fat and sugar. It is also an important age to fill up on vitamin D to help prevent bone loss.

Senior Health and Fitness Tips
over 60
Fitness: Studies show that seniors who exercise have a lower risk of older adult disease, depression, arthritis and dementia. Walking is a great movement for the joints and keeps the blood pumping.
Nutrition: A lifetime of healthy eating will pay off in late adulthood. But beyond a balanced diet vitamin supplementation becomes increasingly important; Calcium, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 are essential supplements.

For members of all ages, the FFC staff provides total health, fitness and nutrition services. Learn more about our Chicago nutrition classes or membership at FFC.

At FFC Halsted St., Pilates trainer Erin Johnson is offering the Chicago athletics class Pilates for Runners, which was created to educate runners using Pilates mat and apparatus exercises focusing on core stabilization and functional stretching.

“The program, which is open to both members and non-members, entails a small amount of lecture with handouts and Pilates training,” Johnson said. These Chicago pilates classes meet two times a week. One meeting is for mat work and an informal lecture, woven into the class as a dialogue about body awareness and different muscle imbalances. The second meeting is for apparatus training. There is also an optional running session.

Chicago members don’t need to be marathon runners to participate. “Serious runners, casual runners, new runners and even non-runners can join this program,” Johnson said. “Anyone who wants to increase the efficiency of their body and prevent injury can join.”

Participants can expect to receive multiple benefits from the program. Pilates for Runners helps to build up back muscles evenly, elongate and align the spine for better stability, expand the diaphragm muscle, increase overall flexibility, strength and balance, increase hip and shoulder range of motion, enhance concentration through focused breathing and help bodies recover from injuries.

Runners will also see specific benefits to their overall running regime. By building a more stable core through Pilates classes, Johnson said that this helps runners  run more efficiently up- and downhill, experience less neck and shoulder tightness, increase oxygenation and stamina, focus on proper movement, decrease fatigue, shave seconds of time and run without pain.

Pilates For Runners classes begin the week of July 11 and runs for 4 weeks. The cost of $199 for members and $279 for non-members.