Retro stylized view of Chicago street with subway.

10 Hidden Lunch Spots Near Chicago’s Loop

Work in the Loop and tired of your usual lunch spots? Try one of these 10 hidden gems near The Loop to add some variety to your midday meal!
Image of FFC members working out together.

5 Common Form Mistakes Experts See In HIIT Classes

Are you performing these HIIT exercises correctly? Watch below to find out. According to American College of Sports Medicine, high intensity interval training has ranked in the top three worldwide fitness trends every year since 2014. In…
Uncooked dried lentil in wooden spoon.
,

Simple Ways to Incorporate Plant-Based Proteins Into Your Diet

More and more frequently, I'm hearing my clients set goals to eat fewer animal products. Whether it's because their doctor recommended it, their friend is trying it or they've heard it's good for the planet, I'm all about this direction of behavior…
Mature entrepreneur suffering from neck pain

Q&A with Massage Therapist Tony Ryan

Ah, the mysteries of getting older. While I think the process has a lot of perks, the gradual increase of aches and pains is definitely not one of them. Luckily, the growing trend of self-care has proven to be a great motivator in paying more…
Image of a bowl of baby spinach on a granite countertop.

Chocolate Secret Spinach Oil-Free Plant-Based Muffins

Most vegan baking recipes involve lots of oil, refined sugar and refined flour. While these treats are free of animal products like butter, milk and eggs, they can often be less than nutritious. Taking a whole foods, plant-based approach to…
Woman having a massage.

Here’s How to Earn a Complimentary Massage a Month

Our Premier membership offers all access and so much more! Enjoy locker and laundry service at the club of your choice, two free guest passes a month, plus a 60 minute massage (or training session) – all INCLUDED in the monthly dues. The full…
Image of friends drinking beer together in a bar.

My Dry January: An Ugly Truth and A Beautiful Lesson

Dry January seems easy enough: no alcohol for the month of January. Coming off of Thanksgiving, followed by all the holiday festivities, one would think the last thing on anyone’s mind is more indulging. With any new year comes the resolutions,…
Man running on treadmill with headphones on listening to music

FFC Featured Playlist – Liz Silberman

Liz Silberman is the Membership Director at FFC Boystown and has been with FFC since 2018. She's lived in the Chicago area forever and has a deep connection to Chicago and the Chicago music scene, as her father was a session player in many…
Mature active female in sportswear doing side-bends while training by riverside in urban environment on summer morning
,

Smart Aging: Three Quick Tests to Assess Your Strength and Flexibility

Are you "actively aging"? Try these three tests to assess your strength and flexibility and to determine a game plan for your mobility as you age.
Pregnant woman touching her belly

The Biggest Myths of Prenatal Pilates, Debunked: My Thoughts

Have you been reading conflicting information about practicing Pilates while pregnant? FFC Pilates instructor Nicole Gibson breaks down the common myths surrounding the topic.
,

Finding Balance in Your Diet and Challenging Your Food Guilt

When it comes to eating a balanced diet, don't let your mind run the show. An indulgence every now and then won't ruin your healthy choices, and feelings of food guilt can and should be challenged.
Girl in snow holding a coffee cup

5 Coffee Shops in Lincoln Park To Help You Escape Chicago Winter

If you've got cabin fever this Chicago winter, check out our top 5 favorites coffee shops in Lincoln Park that transport you to far-away places.

How to Communicate Your Needs to Your Massage Therapist

“Finding a hairstylist takes time! It’s like dating, except you have to wear the results on your head.” That was one of the first things my hairdresser said to me when we met. Still new to Chicago, I had spent six months looking for…
Cropped shot of fitness woman standing in urban park wearing sportswear and mobile phone armband. Female model in sportswear with earphones listening to music during workout break.

FFC Featured Playlist – Rachel Gitlevich

This month, we're featuring Rachel Gitlevich's workout playlist! Rachel is a personal trainer at FFC Old Town. She loves helping people feel empowered in their mind, body and soul. Outside of the gym you can find her spending time outdoors,…
Men having coffee

Boystown’s Best Cafes for a Cup of Joe

Despite the crazy fact that only two U.S. states actually produce coffee (Hawaii and California, in case you were wondering), you can bet U.S. citizens drink a LOT of coffee. An average of 3.1 cups per day, in fact! We’ve rounded up a list…
Man on Pilates reformer performing side plank

The Science of Pilates: My Thoughts

FFC Union Station Pilates instructor Nicole Gibson shares her commentary on a great article from IDEA Health & Fitness Association. Article: The Science of Pilates: Research Update via IDEA Health & Fitness Association Article…
kale bunch on a table

Vegan, Gluten-Free Recipe: Kale Waldorf Salad

Sweet, nutty and tangy, this vegan, gluten-free salad hits it all. The ingredients in the salad work double-duty as the ingredients for the oil-free dressing. Walnuts provide healthy fats. Apples and raisins add natural sweetness, and Dijon…
Female runner holding phone and listening to music with headphones on.

FFC Featured Playlist – Victor Virgilio

This month, we're featuring Victor Virgilio's workout playlist! Victor is the Operations Manager for FFC Park Ridge. After working in hotel management, Victor decided to follow his passion and work in the health and wellness industry. He…
Woman getting head massage

Feeling Congested? Learn How Massage Therapy Can Help

Stuffy nose, splitting headache and trouble sleeping. Sinus congestion can drain your energy levels for weeks. Did you know that massage therapy can provide relief for sinus congestion, pressure and headaches? Read on to learn how massage can…
Woman's hands holding coffee mug

Coffee Shops for Any Occasion in Chicago’s South Loop

Coffee can be many things for many people. A ritual. A means of productivity. A necessary evil. Whatever it is for you, we want to help you find the best coffee for any occasion. Here are a few of our favorite coffee shops in Chicago’s South…