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

Latest Stories

Man running on treadmill with headphones on listening to music

FFC Featured Playlist – Omar Romero

Omar Romero is a group fitness instructor at FFC South Loop and FFC Union Station. His focus is on HIIT, strength training and obstacle course races. He is a local from Chicago where serves as a technology consultant by day. Check out…

Retro stylized view of Chicago street with subway.

Food & Drink

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.

Fitness

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…

Nutrition, Tips

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

Massage Therapy

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.

Recipes

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…

Playlists

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

Fitness, Info

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.

Nutrition, Tips

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.

Food & Drink

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.

Massage Therapy

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.