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

Latest Stories

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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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;…
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Try This Core Workout For Beginners

You've likely heard a fitness instructor or personal trainer tell you to "engage your core" during exercise. There is no doubt, your core is very important. You need your core for everything, from getting out of bed in the morning to grabbing…
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Man and woman biking outside

Support These Local Chicago Businesses During National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month, and FFC is partnering with local Chicago neighborhood bike shops for special club events like bike tune-ups, helmet safety clinics, road safety seminars and more! Check out our list of partners below, as well as…
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Woman stretching her triceps.
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Your Breath, Your Power: How To Harness Your Biggest Training Asset

If you’ve ever been to a yoga class, chances are the instructor talked about controlling your breathing, even if it’s just to align your inhales and exhales to your poses. Have you ever wondered why breath work is such an important part…
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Woman lifting heavy kettlebell
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Women And Weights: Why You Should Lift Heavy

FFC Group Fitness Manager Lara Mele debunks the theory that lifting heavy weights will make women “bulky” and shares why weightlifting is a great form of exercise for women.  I am definitely of the opinion that women should lift…
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