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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…
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…
Woman holding a kettlebell at her shoulder
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New To Kettlebell Training? Try This Kettlebell Workout

When gyms (and just about everything else) shut down in early 2020, did you invest in at-home fitness equipment? Thousands of Americans were clamoring to get their hands on dumbbells, weight plates and kettlebells early during the Covid-19…
Chicago skyline with snow on the ground
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How To Stay Motivated To Reach Your Fitness Goals This Holiday Season

The holiday season is once again upon us, and for a lot of us, it's a season full of good old family fun and cheer. Holiday parties stocked with seasonal snacks and festive drinks keep us busy, and when our alarms go off to tell us it's time…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Photo of clapboard and digital camera in front of two people sitting
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Lights, COVID, Action: Behind The Scenes Of Bringing You Digital Fitness Classes

Oh, the challenges and obstacles 2020 (and now 2021) presented for something as simple as taking a group fitness class. We transitioned from the comfort and ease of the group fitness studio to the great outdoors, in both warm and cold weather,…
Photo of dumbbells on a weight rack
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The Great Weight Debate

Our group fitness schedule at FFC features a wide variety of classes, including yoga, dance, indoor cycling and a number of strength training classes. Depending on the class type, these strength training classes may utilize bodyweight movements…
Man at desk holding his lower back
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Combat Lower Back Pain With These Strengthening and Mobility Moves

If you have noticed aches or pains in your low back at some point over the past few months, you are not alone. This year has been filled with all sorts of changes, from transitioning to working from home to changing how we exercise or…
Woman running on treadmill wearing a mask
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Breathe Easy At The Gym With These Plastic Mask Inserts

FFC Elmhurst General Manager Scott Lewandowski is a 3-time Ironman finisher and 8-time Boston Marathon qualifier. When the statewide mandate for wearing masks while exercising indoors went into effect, Scott decided to try a variety of plastic…
Man and woman walking in fall weather with dalmations.
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Can Walking Really Help You Lose Weight?

Be honest: how many of you were lacing up your sneakers and going on regular walks pre-COVID? I don’t mean your power walk to the train or your half walk, half jog to get to the office on time; I’m talking about a dedicated, intentional…
Woman using weight machine at gym
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Mask Required: Which Face Mask Is Best For Your Workout?

Welcome to our "new normal." Nowadays if you want to return to your favorite gym/health club for a workout, wearing a mask is most likely an essential accessory. “That sounds awful!” you say? Well, I am here to tell you it’s actually…
woman with ipad watching yoga class at home
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Stream On: How I Found Value In Leading Classes Online

On Monday, March 16, I taught my final in-person group fitness class before we closed our clubs due to COVID-19. An otherwise full studio was left to only four students and me. As local government officials put our shelter-in-place order into…
Woman stretching on the floor of her living room with weights and phone nearby.
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How To Find The Perfect Workout For You On FFC On Demand

Having choices is wonderful. Having too many choices, however, can be paralyzing. The fitness industry was quick to adapt to at-home workouts and online classes, and here at FFC, we’ve been offering daily workout classes on our Facebook page…