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More Than the Workout: How Group Fitness Builds Confidence and Community

Fitness That Sticks "It’s not always so much about the physicality of working out, it’s about our mental health as well. It's about going to a place where we feel like we can make mistakes, where our bodies don’t need to be perfect, where…
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Member Spotlight: Michael Costello’s Powerful Journey Toward Health at FFC Oak Park

“If I can learn this stuff, anyone can.” That’s how FFC Oak Park member Michael Costello sums up the incredible progress made since starting on a fitness journey in January. With the support of personal trainer Lawrence Kay, a meaningful…
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Benefits of Standing/Walking Throughout the Workday

Think Sitting All Day at Work is Harmless? Think Again. Spending hours at your desk might feel like part of the job, but too much sitting can take a real toll on your health. While it may not seem like a big deal in the moment, a sedentary…
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Show Your Heart Some Love

Just like your biceps, quadriceps, and abdominal muscles, your heart muscle needs to be worked out. How do you maintain your heart health? With proper nutrition and physical activity! Below, FFC Registered Dietitian Amanda Angelopoulos, and…
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So, What Are VO2 Max & Resting Metabolic Rate Tests, Anyway?

As a 21-year-old college student living in the fast-paced city of Chicago, my life is all about staying on the go. Between juggling internships, school projects, and the general irregularities of college life, I’ve learned how important it…
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WTF is WTF!?

Learn the science behind this FFC group fitness class format that Members have been raving about.   WTF! (Work Till Failure) is Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC)’s newest group fitness class. If you’ve heard about the format and have…
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How Pilates Helped an FFC Member Finish the Chicago Marathon

There is nothing easy about training for a marathon; it requires dedication, discipline, and strategy. For Channing (Silky) Harris, a fitness enthusiast and weightlifter, Pilates at FFC turned out to be the unexpected key to completing the Chicago…
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FFC: Your Holistic Health Solution

Lisa Brigham has been a member of Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) in the Chicago Suburbs for over 17 years. Lisa has always prioritized health and wellness in her busy life. A mom of 3 teens who works a full-time job, Lisa has always been determined…
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Maria Vazquez – Fighting Negative Fitness Biases and Making Lasting Life Changes with FFC

Maria Vazquez used to be intimidated by the gym. She had the impression that gym-goers were unwelcoming and judgmental of people early in their fitness journey. Her mindset completely shifted when she met the friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable…
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How Sophie Lester Found Physical and Mental Confidence at FFC

In August of 2021, Sophie Lester was experiencing something that many of us adults have also experienced: burnout. She needed a way to take time for herself and relieve stress. Seeking a way to build physical and mental confidence outside…
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Emily Oberst’s Road to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Emily Oberst is a 25 year old Wisconsin Native, current Chicago resident, 2020 University of Illinois graduate, AND a member of Team U.S.A’s Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team. She and her team will be competing in the Paris Paralympic…
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DE-STRESS AT FFC OLD TOWN’S BOXING STUDIO IN CHICAGO

“It just feels really good to punch something after a long day at work,” said Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) Member Drew, on taking a Boxing Class at FFC Old Town in Chicago. Maybe you love working on your boxing technique. Maybe you’re…
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VO2 MAX TEST IN CHICAGO

A VO2 Max Test involves a maximal exercise session conducted on a treadmill or bike, connected to a device that analyzes your exhaled air. The test reveals how much oxygen you utilize during exercise and determines your maximum oxygen consumption…
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Group Fitness Class to Try in Chicago: Formula94 with FFC

If you’re anything like me, you love trying group fitness classes in Chicago. You love getting a sweat in, trying out a new class format, and seeing what works best for you. I’ve taken HIIT, barre, Pilates, cycle, and yoga classes. Having…
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Elevate Your Fitness Recovery Routine

You’re obsessed with your workout. You can’t stop talking about your favorite HIIT class, the new PR you hit this week, the cool workout machine you’ve been trying, and just how much more energy you have after your 6am gym session. Exercise…
Three orange pickleballs and two paddles set on a court
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How To Play Pickleball: Everything You Need To Know About America’s Fastest Growing Sport

The pickleball craze is sweeping the nation - but what exactly is it, how do you play and why is it beloved by so many? We answer everything you need to know about pickleball below. What is pickleball? Pickleball is a raquet sport similar…
Woman standing in Mountain Pose in Yoga Class
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Start Practicing Yoga Today With These 3 Tips

I've taught yoga for over 12 years now - four of which have been at FFC. In that time, I've had the privilege to teach all age groups, from people my age (40-ish), to my son's hockey teams, to college students, to people just deciding…
Man in gym holding barbell with weights on it.
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Get Started With Barbell Training By Trying These 3 Exercises

Working on strength training at the gym? If you're comfortable using strength machines, dumbbells and kettlebells, you might be ready to start training with the barbell. The barbell is an advanced tool used to perform compound movements…
Dumbbells on a weight rack in a gym
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Got Dumbbells? Grab A Set And Complete This 15 Minute Workout

Dumbbells are ubiquitous when it comes to exercise equipment. Whether you're walking into a state-of-the-art fitness facility or a hotel gym, you can be certain you'll have a dumbbell rack at your disposal for your workout. Dumbbells are…
FFC Personal Trainer using lat pulldown weight machine at the gym
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Use These Weight Machines At The Gym For A Total Body Workout

When is the last time you used a weight machine at the gym? If strength training is part of your routine, these machines can come in handy, but a lot of gym-goers have no idea how to use these machines. These machines are a great way to introduce…