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

Latest Stories

Registered dietitian vs nutritionist - what's the difference and what a registered dietitian can do for you

Registered Dietitian vs Nutritionist: The Difference and What a Registered Dietitian Can Do For You

Feel pain in a tooth? Your first thought might be, “I need to go to the dentist”. Need help with your taxes or finances? You’d probably go see an accountant or financial planner. Car need a tune-up? Take it to the mechanic! All of these…
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National Oatmeal Muffin Day - Blueberry Muffin Recipe - Nutrition Tips

Celebrate National Oatmeal Muffin Day With Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

Oatmeal muffins were first introduced in American cookbooks in the mid-1800s. They are similar in size and shape to a cupcake, but can be healthier for you if you include the right ingredients! Check out a list of the different types of oats,…
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Work life balance importance plus plans to help you find balance between responsibilities and your passions!

Work Life Balance Importance: A Guide to Finding Balance & Pursuing Your Passions, Plus a Sample Plan

As the year comes to an end, we begin to think about the last 12 months. We ask ourselves, 'Did I accomplish the things I said I would in January? Am I happier? Am I stronger? Have I grown as an individual?' Everyone wants to be better. We always…
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Food safety temperatures and other basics for preparation to stay healthy!

Food Safety Temperatures & Other Basic Tips For Preparation

According to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC), "Each year, 1 in 6 Americans get sick from eating contaminated food." It’s important to know that foodborne illness is the most common during the months of November and December. Many of these…
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Thanksgiving workout: try one of these two themed sweat sets on Turkey Day

Thanksgiving Workout: Try One of These Two Themed Sweat Sets on Turkey Day!

We all know that the Thanksgiving meal is the main event on Turkey Day, but there is no better way to prepare for the feast than with a fat-burning workout. As many pilgrims say, "thou shall work hard, if thou desires to play hard". You're allowed…
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Indoor rock climbing in Chicago benefits for fitness

Indoor Rock Climbing in Chicago: A Great Workout for Your Mind, Body and MEPs!

Sure, running on the treadmill, busting your tail on the elliptical or kettlebell swings during a PTC class will help you rack up those Myzone Effort Points (MEPs), but that’s not the only way to score them! The cool thing about the Myzone…
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6 things your doctor doesn't tell you about your workout - fitness tips

6 Things Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You About Your Workout

I frequently come across people who have come to the gym seeking a healthier lifestyle. A number of people have been told by their doctor they need to start exercising or simply need to be exercising more. As easy as it may be to prescribe exercise,…
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Easy lettuce wraps: Egyptian Spiced salad with corn, avocado and radish

Easy Lettuce Wraps: Egyptian Spiced Avocado Corn Radicchio Lettuce Cups

With the weather getting colder, it’s getting easier and easier to stay inside - so much so that you might start to feel a little cabin feverish! Don’t worry - the global flavors of these easy lettuce wraps (that are also vegan AND gluten-free)…
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A DIY guide to smart goal setting

A DIY Guide to Smart Goal Setting

As the year winds down (2018, where the heck did you go?), it’s only natural that we start to think about new beginnings too. And sure, you could wait until January 1 to think about your big goals — but starting a little earlier gives you…
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A guide to successfully managing expectations while carving pumpkins with toddlers

A Guide to Successfully Managing Expectations (While Carving Pumpkins With Toddlers)

Life with toddlers is always fun and exciting. And full of managing expectations. One of our biggest joys as parents is experiencing some of our own favorite childhood traditions with them. Recently, my toddlers and I carved up our pumpkins…
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Massage therapy benefits based on what kind of fitness you do

Massage Therapy Benefits Based on What Type of Fitness You Do

FFC Oak Park spa manager, Jason VonGerichten, shares massage therapy benefits related to exercise (even for just regular, everyday fitness enthusiasts – you don’t have to be an athlete!) and how it helps you, no matter what type of fitness…
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Anti-bullying month - practical tools to help stop bullying

Anti-Bullying Month: Practical Tools to Help Stop Bullying

Bullying starts earlier than you think – but you can arm your loved ones with the tools to combat it. When we think of bullying, we generally envision the jocks in high school throwing the little guy in a locker or the mean girls on the bus…
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