,

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…
,

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…
Man in gym holding barbell with weights on it.
, ,

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
, ,

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
, ,

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
, ,

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…
,

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…
,

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…
Woman holding dumbbells and performing a lunge at the gym.
,

Bring It In: 3 Safe Indoor Workouts To Do At The Gym

We get it. Returning to the gym right now can be intimidating. You might be wondering what it’s like to work out in a mask, how to transition your workout from the outdoors to the club or simply how to start exercising again after some time…
Girl wearing black dress holding a pumpkin
,

Make Your Halloween Movie Night Extra Spooky With These Workouts

Grab your candy, popcorn and blankets, folks, because it's officially spooky movie season! If your family or friend group is anything like mine, you might find yourself watching a certain Halloween movie more than once this October (cough:…
Woman walking on a treadmill
,

Goodbye, Chicago Summer: Move Your Exercise Routine Into The Club With These Two Cardio Workouts

Here in Chicago, we joke that the city only has two seasons: winter and construction. And with winters as notoriously brutal as ours, it's no wonder that Chicagoans wait all year for the fleeting 100 days of summer. The city comes alive in…
Woman in camel pose doing yoga on mat in home.
, , ,

Feeling Stressed? Learn To Cope With Mindful Movement

Incorporate Pilates, yoga or meditation into your wellness routine to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Read more below. Americans are no strangers to stress. In fact, the United States ranked as the world’s fourth most-stressed country…
Pregnanct woman sitting cross legged on rug at home
,

Our 6 Favorite At-Home Exercises For Pregnant Women

Looking for safe but effective exercises to perform at home during your pregnancy? NovaCare Rehabilitation physical therapist Emily Grimm is sharing her favorite exercise routine that can be completed without any equipment from the comfort…
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.…
10 minute workout for beginners

10 Minute Workout for Beginners: It’s Easier to Fit In Than You Think

Only got a few minutes? That's okay - check out this 10 minute workout for beginners that will help you see you have a lot more time than you think!
Airport Yoga 101 - how to do it

Airport Yoga 101

Airport yoga can be a great way to mitigate the stresses of travel. Here's how!
Try a manual treadmill: here's why you should check out the Woodway Curve for strength and endurance
,

Try a Manual Treadmill: Here’s Why You Should Check Out the Woodway Curve for Strength & Endurance

FFC personal trainer Marques Chaplin shares tips on how to get started with a manual treadmill - specifically the Woodway Curve treadmill.
HIIT workouts for beginners - benefits and a plan to try on your own
,

HIIT Workouts for Beginners: Why Do HIIT & Sample Workout

FFC Gold Coast coach and personal trainer Jeremy Gorden shares some benefits of high intensity interval training, plus HIIT workouts for beginners. You may have heard of The Faction, but you still may be trying to figure out what it is.…
Woman stretching

Try This Quick Lower Body Workout

Pressed for time? Many of us struggle to fit exercise into our already busy days. Additionally, many of us think that a workout needs to be be at least 45 minutes to count. Throw that thought out the window and get your fitness in 30 minutes…