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

Latest Stories

Chicago skyline
,

The 5 Best Indoor/Outdoor Spots in Gold Coast

April is weird. Between the whole ‘in like a lion, out like a lamb’ thing the month before and the old adage ‘April showers brings May flowers’, after… the weather can get confusing - especially here in Chicago. One minute you’re…
Read more
,

Need A New Show To Watch or Book To Read? See Our Recommendations To Fit Any Mood

If you’re anything like me, you alternate between thinking “there’s nothing to do” and “there’s too much media to consume” as we #stayhome and endure the weeks of our shelter-in-place order. After I plowed through season three…
Read more
people having a meal together
,

Best Post-Workout Food Spots in Old Town for Any Situation

There’s a statistic somewhere along the lines of "30% gym, 70% kitchen." In other words, it’s great to be fit and work out in the gym, but the majority of being healthy has to do with nutrition. Food and workouts go together like peanut…
Read more
Millennial girl relaxing at home on couch, enjoying weekends, empty space
,

How To Make The Most Of A Mental Health Day

When I moved from sleepy rural Arizona to bustling Chicago, I went from being an underemployed homebody to working multiple gig-based jobs on top of social outings, hobbies, and family commitments. Even my at-the-time stringent yoga schedule…
Read more
women at large table with computers, tea pot, journals

How To Support Chicago Businesses While Practicing Self-Care

Real talk: how is this quarantine affecting your mental health? I’m an introvert who, on a normal day, loves being home and would choose a quiet, solitary night over just about anything else. But my brain is not pleased with my increase in…
Read more
Person holding a remote and pointing it at a television
,

Turn Your Binge Watching Into A Workout With These Fun Challenges

Need a break from watching the news or scrolling through social media? As we adjust to finding our “new normal” during these uncertain times, it’s comforting to know that we can all seek out comedic relief in the same place: Netflix.…
Read more
Fit strong man doing biceps curl in gym

Biceps Brachii: A Misunderstood Muscle & How Massage Can Help

When someone says the word “muscle” to you, what do you think of? Perhaps the pecs or the calves come to mind, but if someone were to ask you to flex your muscles, your go-to muscle would be biceps brachii. Maybe that’s because it is…
Read more
Group of diverse women wearing pink
,

Learn How To Lower Your Risk For Breast And Ovarian Cancer With Regular Exercise

FFC has partnered with Bright Pink for 8 years as the official training sponsor for Team Bright Pink. If you are interested in running the Chicago Marathon or a number of other endurance races, consider joining us on Team Bright Pink! As…
Read more
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…
Read more
Retro stylized view of Chicago street with subway.

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!
Read more
Image of FFC members working out together.

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…
Read more
Uncooked dried lentil in wooden spoon.
,

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…
Read more