Lunchtime workout for your next break - a 30-45 minute treadmill class

Lunchtime Workout: Try this Efficient Treadmill Class on Your Next Break

Running is an exercise that you either enjoy or really hate. Those who enjoy it post about their sunrise views and race times and those who hate running are tired of seeing them. I am one of those people who enjoy running but only for a short…
How to be the best version of yourself - a resolution refresher

How to Be the Best Version of Yourself: A Resolution Refresher

Every year, come about April or May, we see that the resolutions we set for the “new us” during the beginning of the year are basically crumbling because of our lack of focus and discipline. First of all, don’t be hard on yourself, WE…
Best bakeries and brunch spots in Lakeview - Chicago favorites for sustainable and sweet options

Best Bakeries & Brunch Spots in Lakeview: Sweet AND Sustainable Options So You Can Stay Balanced

Believe it or not, swimsuit season is just around the corner! But don’t let that deter you from soaking up all the warmer months have to offer - it just comes down to moderation. There are choices you can make in any social situation so you…
Bad weather workout tips for any time you want to get your fitness in

Bad Weather Workout: Fitness Tips For Any Time of Year

If you’re like me - from an area where it’s always sunny, never drops below 30 degrees and frost is the closest you’ll ever get to snow- then Chicago’s infinitely long winter and elusive spring has probably sucker punched you in the…
How FFC Helped Me Lose 11% Body Fat and Reshape My Perspective on Nutrition
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How FFC Helped Me Lose 11% Body Fat and Reshape My Perspective on Nutrition

Fitness is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. I have read this mantra many times in different forums and articles. While I don't know if the ratio is 100% accurate, what I do know is that nutrition is an extremely vital part of a good fitness plan.…
How Exercise Saved My Life

How Exercise Saved My Life

We've all been there. Searched good ol' WebMD, typed in a few common symptoms, and get the news we're knocking on death's door. This is the one time I took it seriously, and boy, am I glad I did. I first realized something was off when, two…

How Physical Therapy Helped Me With Hip Surgery Recovery

My name is Erin Sneed and I have been in the fitness industry for almost 10 years. I played sports all through high school and went on to play college soccer. While in college, I grew to love group fitness and began teaching classes at my college…

Member Stories: How FFC Gold Coast Has Helped Me Sustain a Healthy Lifestyle

“Unkraut wie wir vergeht nicht.” “Weeds like us don’t perish.” That was my mother’s motto all her life. It was the motto that sustained us when, shortly after my seventh birthday, she, my brother and I were captured by the Soviet…
Workout of the month for May at FFC - check out this fitness plan!

Try This Monthly Fitness Plan & Skyrocket Your Results in the Gym

About 8 years ago I made a change to how I approached my training. Well, to be precise, I actually started training and stopped “working out”. It all started with a fitness plan. It’s made a huge difference in how I get results, my…
Avoiding mood swings with these veggie-centric recipes

Avoid Mood Swings With These Nutrition Tips

Typically, colder weather brings cravings of routine and hibernation, changes in our eating habits, and sometimes, mood. Welcome to the winter blues. In the summer, when we don't want to turn on the oven, salads are an easy go-to for incorporating…
How to prevent dehydration - keeping up with water intake
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How To Prevent Dehydration: Keeping Up with Water Intake

Water makes up 60% to 65% of our total body weight. When we exercise, we lose water through sweat - this water needs to be replaced. Even a 2% loss of body weight through sweat (i.e. 3 lbs of loss for a 150 lb person) can put you at a disadvantage.…
Woman stretching

Try This Quick Lower Body Workout

Pressed for time? Many of us struggle to fit exercise into our already busy days. Additionally, many of us think that a workout needs to be be at least 45 minutes to count. Throw that thought out the window and get your fitness in 30 minutes…
Why you should absolutely eat seaweed

Why You Absolutely Should Eat Seaweed

Seaweed? For dinner? Seriously? Yes, yes, and yes! Chances are you’ve had seaweed as part of a sushi roll or even as a side dish or salad at a Japanese restaurant, but have you considered adding it to your regular weekday at-home dining…
Healthy and delicious lunch spots in Boystown in Chicago

Healthy and Delicious Lunch Spots in Boystown

When it comes to eating lunch in Chicago, there is NO shortage of options. Trust us. But like the saying goes, moderation is key – we can’t always be indulging. On the flipside, though, we know it can sometimes be tough to eat nutritiously,…
Simple ways to practice mindfulness every day

Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness Every Day

Mindfulness is often associated with seated meditation. This is a very traditional and useful practice, but in many of our lives it can become difficult to find time to sit down and “do nothing” (or what may seem like doing nothing.) However,…
Man running on treadmill with headphones on listening to music

Get Better Fitness Results with Workout Music

A classically trained musician since age four, FFC member Kelly Richards can’t recall life without rhythm and melody. Throughout college and corporate life, music remained a focus as she kept close watch over the evolving scenes of favorite…
Tips for a first-time marathon runner with the Bright Pink team at FFC

Training Tips for A First-Time Marathon Runner

So you’ve conquered all of the other races – 5K, 10K, half-marathon... now, it’s time for the big show: your very first marathon! First, congratulations on making the plunge into one of the most difficult and rewarding achievements for…
How to achieve more efficient triathlon transitions

How To Make More Efficient Triathlon Transitions

As an operations consultant, I provide information to my clients about doing things faster, more efficiently with less wasted time or money and repeatedly. If you are in business and want to grow, you really want to establish the least costly…
Benefits of exercise for aging populations

Invaluable Benefits of Exercise for Aging Populations

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain a well-rounded diet and exercise program. Though a wellness-focused lifestyle has always been important, recent studies have shown the growing correlation between exercise and lower blood…
Best healthy airport food options to stay on track

Best Healthy Food At The Airport to Stay On Track

As you know, it's important to not let your travel plans get in the way of your fitness goals. But what about your diet? The best option for traveling is to bring your own meals and snacks, at least for the airport. However, no matter how…