Renu Kulkarni, Day One Program Participant
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Day One Journey: Meet Renu

In late 2021, we asked our members, “What’s Your Day One?” Dozens of members shared their 2022 fitness goals with us, and we chose four members to follow on their journeys from Day One to Goal Accomplished! Let's meet one of those members:…
Juan and trainer Joy smiling in the pool
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Day One Journey: Juan’s Journey Comes To A Close

In late 2021, we asked our members, “What’s Your Day One?” Dozens of members shared their 2022 fitness goals with us, and we chose four members to follow on their journeys from Day One to Goal Accomplished! Juan has completed his 12-week…
Juan smiling in pool with trainer Joy
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Day One Journey: Checking In With Juan At The Halfway Mark

In late 2021, we asked our members, “What’s Your Day One?” Dozens of members shared their 2022 fitness goals with us, and we chose four members to follow on their journeys from Day One to Goal Accomplished! Juan is now halfway through…
Dumbbells on a weight rack in a gym
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Got Dumbbells? Grab A Set And Complete This 15 Minute Workout

Dumbbells are ubiquitous when it comes to exercise equipment. Whether you're walking into a state-of-the-art fitness facility or a hotel gym, you can be certain you'll have a dumbbell rack at your disposal for your workout. Dumbbells are…
FFC Personal Trainer using lat pulldown weight machine at the gym
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Use These Weight Machines At The Gym For A Total Body Workout

When is the last time you used a weight machine at the gym? If strength training is part of your routine, these machines can come in handy, but a lot of gym-goers have no idea how to use these machines. These machines are a great way to introduce…
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Day One Journey: Meet Juan

In late 2021, we asked our members, “What’s Your Day One?” Dozens of members shared their 2022 fitness goals with us, and we chose four members to follow on their journeys from Day One to Goal Accomplished! First up, let's meet Juan! Juan…
Woman holding a kettlebell at her shoulder
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New To Kettlebell Training? Try This Kettlebell Workout

When gyms (and just about everything else) shut down in early 2020, did you invest in at-home fitness equipment? Thousands of Americans were clamoring to get their hands on dumbbells, weight plates and kettlebells early during the Covid-19…
Person with a dietary supplement pill in their hand.
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What You Should Know Before Taking Dietary Supplements

The use of dietary supplements seems to be more popular than ever, with more than three quarters of Americans taking them yearly. However, only about a quarter of supplement users have confirmed test results indicating a nutrient deficiency.…
Chicago skyline with snow on the ground
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How To Stay Motivated To Reach Your Fitness Goals This Holiday Season

The holiday season is once again upon us, and for a lot of us, it's a season full of good old family fun and cheer. Holiday parties stocked with seasonal snacks and festive drinks keep us busy, and when our alarms go off to tell us it's time…
Woman instructing a man on the Pilates apparatus

5 Common Misconceptions About Pilates

Have you ever curiously walked by the Pilates studio at your club wanting to try it (or give it another shot), but stopped yourself assuming that it wasn’t for you? You aren’t alone! The growing popularity of Pilates has piqued the interest…
Employee Spotlight: Corynne Cooper
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Employee Spotlight: Once A Gymnast, Always A Gymnast by Corynne Cooper

Corynne Cooper is the General Manager of 111 S. Wacker Fitness Center, managed by FFC. In part three of this three-part series, Corynne shares how her Olympic dreams lead her to collegiate athletics and how the sport of gymnastics has influenced…
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Employee Spotlight: Training With The “A” Team by Corynne Cooper

Corynne Cooper is the General Manager of 111 S. Wacker Fitness Center, managed by FFC. In part two of this three-part series, Corynne shares how her career as a gymnast began and the tough love training that accompanies the sport. Related:…
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Employee Spotlight: How My Upbringing Shaped Me by Corynne Cooper

Corynne Cooper is the General Manager of 111 S. Wacker Fitness Center, managed by FFC. In part one of this three-part series, Corynne shares her family's history and describes how her parents were early supporters of her love of sports. As…
Two women participating in a small group boxing class at a gym
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5 Ways To Easily Switch Up Your Exercise Routine

When is the last time you tried something new at the gym? Everyone - from professional athletes to weekend warriors - should vary their exercise routine from time to time. The pros have an advantage over the rest of us since they usually have…
Woman on a massage table
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What Is Massage? A Massage Therapist Explains

What is massage? That’s a big question. Anyone who has had a good massage will have a different answer. It’s something you have done once a year, on vacation, every month or twice a week. It’s for discomfort, relaxation, sports performance…
Image of a woman stepping onto an aerobics step
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The Evolution of Group Fitness: From Aerobics To Modern Day Fitness Classes

At Fitness Formula Clubs, we know that our members value variety when it comes to their fitness routines. Our members have the option of hitting the fitness floor for a solo weight-lifting session, diving into one of our indoor pools to swim…
Photo of a hand hovering over an electronic weekly planner
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How To Schedule Your Weekly Workouts According To A Personal Trainer

As a personal trainer, one of the questions I'm asked most frequently from new clients is: how should I schedule my weekly workouts? If you are wondering how many times to lift during the week or how many cardio sessions you should do to reach…
Man teaching outdoor spin class

Cross Training Your Group Fitness Workouts: How Taking Different Instructors And Formats Can Breathe New Life Into Your Program

Admit it: you have your favorite group fitness instructors whose classes you take from week to week. You reschedule meetings, change Friday night plans and show up late to Sunday brunch just to take their classes. For instructors, having a…
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Try This Full Body Dumbbell Workout On Your Next Strength Day

Now that restrictions have been lifted and we are back to a more comfortable state in our local gyms, some of you might be wondering where to start when returning to a regular fitness routine. If you are a new member at FFC, I highly recommend…
Two men walking in the forest

Using Your WorkOUT to WorkIN: 3 Ways To Tune In To Your Mind/Body Connection During Exercise

If you’re reading this blog, most likely you are a fan of working out. Our FFC clubs are bursting with enthusiastic members who LOVE a great workout, amiright?! Most of the time we think about exercise as an output and it’s done on autopilot;…