FFC News and Blogs on Fitness, Nutrition, and Inspiring Success Stories
Latest Stories

A Dietitian’s Take on GLP-1s: What You Should Actually Know
GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, and with that visibility has come a lot of confusion and misinformation.
We spoke with Kristian Johansen, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer at FFC Oak Park. His perspective…

Staying Strong as You Age: Nancy Olson’s Story at FFC Elmhurst
Nancy Olson has never thought of herself as an athlete. She grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois, moved around the country for a period of time, and eventually made her way back more than forty years ago. Since then, her life has been full in the…

No Pain, No Gain? Why That Mindset Could Be Holding You Back
For years, the phrase “no pain, no gain” has dominated gym culture. But the no pain no gain myth can actually do more harm than good. While your workout should absolutely feel challenging, there’s a big difference between productive…

Heart Healthy Eating: How Nutrition Supports Long-Term Heart Health
February is Heart Health Month. This makes it the perfect time to talk about one of the most powerful (and often overlooked) tools for cardiovascular health: heart healthy eating. While exercise, stress management, and sleep all play important…

Black History Month Chicago Community Leaders Shaping Our City
Chicago has always been a city built on community—on neighborhoods that uplift one another. It is also built on voices that push for change, and leaders who believe access, opportunity, and wellness should never be limited. At Fitness Formula…

You’re Never Too Old to Start: How FFC Gold Coast Member Gunter Nitsch Embraces Fitness at Any Age
At 88 years old, FFC Gold Coast member Gunter Nitsch is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to prioritize your health. His story shows what’s possible when movement, consistency, and community are part of your everyday life.
Gunter…

How Much Protein Do I Need? A Registered Dietitian Weighs In
If you’ve spent more than five minutes on fitness or wellness social media lately, you’ve probably seen it:
“Eat more protein.”
“You’re not eating enough protein.”
“This one macro will change everything.”
With so much conflicting…

New Year Fitness: 5 Habit-Building Tips to Stick With Your Goals All Year Long
January is full of fresh starts and big intentions. You set your new year fitness goals with the best energy — and then reality hits. Chicago winters are cold, daylight is limited, schedules get busy, and motivation can fade fast.
At FFC,…

12 Days of Fitmas: The Ultimate Holiday Workout Recap
The holiday season in Chicago can be chilly, busy, and stressful—but staying active is one of the best ways to stay warm, energized, and festive. At FFC, we wanted to make it easy and fun for everyone to keep moving, whether at home or at…

Everything You Need to Know About Cupping in Chicago: Benefits, Safety, and What to Expect at FFC
If you’ve spent any time exploring recovery trends in Chicago’s wellness scene, you’ve probably come across cupping therapy. At Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC), cupping has become a go-to add-on or standalone treatment for members looking…

A Day in the Life of Becca Russo: Chicago Group Fitness Instructor & FFC Instructor of the Year
23 Classes a Week, Endless Movement, and Coffee at Any Hour
Becca Russo’s days never look exactly the same — but in a recent “day in the life” Reel, she gave us a glimpse into what a typical day might look like for a Chicago group fitness…

What Our FFC Community Is Grateful for This Thanksgiving Season
As the seasons shift and Chicago prepares for the warmth of Thanksgiving gatherings, there’s a feeling inside every FFC club that’s hard to miss. It’s the small things — an early-morning smile from a front-desk team member, a perfectly…
