How to pick the best classes at the gym and set up a workout schedule

How to Choose the Best Classes at the Gym

Ever wondered how to pick the best workout classes at the gym? Wonder no more! FFC's Julia Baraglia shares tips & how to set up a schedule.
Manly men do Pilates

Yes, Manly Men Do Pilates: A Personal Account Plus Sample Workout by Natasha Tsoutsouris

The constant quest for most Pilates instructors? To get men to do Pilates. And not just any men - but the manliest men ever created. Sure, hearing the occasional professional athlete dude brag about his recent "despite all odds" love for Pilates…
What is Pilates good for, anyway? Here are some benefits of Pilates!

What is Pilates Good for, Anyway? 3 Scenarios Perfect for Pilates & Their Benefits

What is Pilates good for, anyway? Read on for 3 different situations perfect for Pilates.
Behind the scenes with a trainer - Mike Meyers at FFC Park Ridge

Get to Know Your Trainer: An Interview with FFC Park Ridge’s Mike Meyers

How many of you walk into a Fitness Formula Club to meet with a trainer? One. Three. Five. Okay, let’s cut to the chase. There are a handful of members who seek out a personal trainer when they join a Fitness Formula Club. Every member has…
Farmers Markets 101: reasons to shop at your city's farmers markets

Farmers Markets 101: Reasons to Shop at Your City’s Farmers Markets

Warm weather brings awesome farmers markets - here are 5 reasons why you need to start shopping local, at your city's farmers market!
My resting metabolic rate test experience and what I learned

My Resting Metabolic Rate Test Experience & What I Learned

Ever heard of a resting metabolic rate analysis? Check out this post about why you should consider having an RMR test done and what you can learn.
,

Strong Mind | Strong Body #1: How I Discovered My Passion for Bodybuilding

Have you ever had that one ‘aha!’ moment that changed your life? For me, that ‘aha’ moment was back in August 2016, when I trained at the USA Gym in Bridgeview, IL. Prior to this, I was already a regular gym-goer, but I did not train…
Try a manual treadmill: here's why you should check out the Woodway Curve for strength and endurance
,

Try a Manual Treadmill: Here’s Why You Should Check Out the Woodway Curve for Strength & Endurance

FFC personal trainer Marques Chaplin shares tips on how to get started with a manual treadmill - specifically the Woodway Curve treadmill.
Digital detox: do you need one plus how to do a digital detox

How to Do a Digital Detox (After Figuring Out If You Need One)

Jeanne Barker has been with FFC for over 8 years, and in addition to her extensive fitness background, she also specializes in stress management and other wellness topics. She is excited to contribute her expertise to the Formula content platform,…
Employee spotlight: Steve Parkin

Developing a Passion for Fitness & The Passport for Success It Became

FFC group fitness instructor Steve Parkin has a pretty incredible story – and relationship with fitness and wellness. Check out this account below! I was born and raised in Jamaica. As a boy, I took up running at the age of 10 and…
Member stories: How Mary May overcame a health challenge and got back into fitness

Member Stories: Finding a Routine & Overcoming Health Challenges at FFC

I’ve been a member of FFC for almost 20 years. Living in the Lakeview neighborhood, I frequent the Boystown and East Lakeview locations at least 5-6 times per week, primarily in the morning. In the past few months, I’ve also started working…
HIIT workouts for beginners - benefits and a plan to try on your own
,

HIIT Workouts for Beginners: Why Do HIIT & Sample Workout

FFC Gold Coast coach and personal trainer Jeremy Gorden shares some benefits of high intensity interval training, plus HIIT workouts for beginners. You may have heard of The Faction, but you still may be trying to figure out what it is.…
How to find motivation - even when things get tough

Strong Mind | Strong Body #2: How to Find Motivation Even When Things Get Tough

FFC Old Town membership representative Sophia shares her tips for how to find motivation, set goals and achieve them - even when things get tough.
Pilates testimonial of a trainee to a trainer

Pilates: More Than I Signed Up For – a Testimonial of a Pilates Trainee of His Trainer

Not sure about Pilates? Check out this testimonial from a Pilates trainee about his trainer, FFC Old Town Pilates instructor Natasha T.
What's in my gym bag? The handy gym essentials checklist - fitness resources Chicago

What’s in My Gym Bag? Gym Bag Essentials Checklist

FFC South Loop fitness specialist Matt Wallace answers the question, ‘what’s in my gym bag?’ and shares his list of top gym essentials to keep handy when you’re sure you’re forgetting something. Having the correct gear for any situation…
Healthy stir fry recipe for Vietnamese orange ginger cashew stir fry.

Healthy Stir Fry: Vietnamese Ginger Orange Cashew Stir-fry with Brown Rice Noodles

Fun fact: ginger is one of the 6 spices that will help improve your health. It can help fight inflammation, which means you’ll feel less sore after an intense workout. In this Vietnamese ginger orange cashew healthy stir fry recipe, the spicy…

3 Easy Mocktail Recipes to Try Out Now

Though a love for red wine could potentially improve one’s heart health, the latest global studies have shown that no amount of alcohol is safe for consumption. While there are some benefits to certain types, they do not outweigh the risks,…
Effects of stress on the body and how massage for stress relief can help.

Effects of Stress On The Body And How Massage for Stress Relief Can Help

FFC Oak Park spa manager Jason VonGerichten shares the effects of stress on the body and stress management tips, including strategies like massage for stress relief, among others. Check out the research and tips below! When discussing the…
Cinco de Mayo party ideas Mexican Shepherd's Pie with Smoky Sweet Potato Crust

Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas: Mexican Shepherd’s Pies with Smoky Sweet Potato Crust (Tartas Pastores)

Looking for Cinco de Mayo party ideas? Look no further! Traditional Shepherd’s Pie gets a Mexican twist with this spicy vegan recipe. A hearty filling of black beans and corn will give you healthy protein and complex carbs – essential nutrients…
Member stories: conquering my roller coaster weight loss journey.

Member Stories: Conquering The Roller Coaster Weight Loss Story

FFC Old Town member Bryce shares her inspirational weight loss story: triumphs and trials, her experience finding a trainer that fit her needs and everything she learned along the way. Ever since my senior year of college I have been on a…