Club Programming

Recent news:

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 wondered what it’s all about, you’re not alone. I mean, a name like that is sure to catch anyone’s attention! So, wtf is WTF!? Keep reading to learn how this class filled with heavyweight exercises has captivated FFC Members. And, you’ll learn why you should take it!

Okay, So WTF is WTF!?

WTF! is a 45-minute group fitness class that uses heavy weights to tone your body, strengthen your muscles, and increase your overall confidence. When you walk into the FFC group fitness studio, grab a few sets of heavy dumbbells: 1-2 of your heaviest, and 1-2 just a bit lighter. New to WTF!? Be sure to let your instructor know so they can better coach you!

The class consists of 8 exercises and 2 full rounds. The exercises vary by class. You may find yourself doing weighted lunges, chest flies, tricep extensions, bicep curls, overhead presses, and more; one thing you’ll never be during this class is bored! Each exercise starts with 45 seconds of your heaviest dumbbell, followed immediately by 45 seconds of a slightly less heavy dumbbell. There is a 30-second break between each exercise. Once all 8 exercises are complete, round 2 begins. The goal of the first 45 seconds is to work until failure; now you know why it’s called WTF!

FFC Chicago Work Till Failure (WTF!) Group Fitness Class

How and Why was WTF! Developed?

FFC develops all group fitness classes in-house. WTF! was developed this Fall (2024) by Lois Miller, FFC Group Fitness Director. Strength training is a key ingredient in a healthy lifestyle, and has been gaining popularity in recent years as more people learn its benefits.

Between the right timing and a fantastic name idea (you can’t disagree with this great name), Lois knew that FFC Members would embrace this class when it launched! Using her decades of training and group fitness experience, Lois developed WTF!, a class where participants can strength train with the guidance of a group fitness instructor.

FFC Chicago Work Till Failure (WTF!) Group Fitness Class

Why Should I Take WTF!?

WTF! is for everyone. Whether you’ve been training with heavy weights for years, or you’ve never picked up a set of dumbbells, you’ll benefit from WTF! Strength training during the WTF! class will not only strengthen your muscles, but it will also lean your figure, improve your posture, strengthen tendons and ligaments, balance out your cortisol levels, and increase your metabolism. Did you know that during a cardio workout, your calories stop burning immediately following the workout, however during a heavy strength workout (like WTF!), your body continues to burn calories long after the workout is complete?!

An even greater benefit of WTF! than those listed above is increased confidence. When you’re able to lift heavy weights, you’re able to complete everyday tasks like climbing stairs carrying children or backpacks with greater ease. You’ll feel incredibly accomplished as you begin to notice your body getting stronger. You’ll also find pride in the ability to lift heavier weights than you ever thought possible. And, you’ll have a LOT of fun while doing so. As I said above, WTF! is anything but boring!

How Do I Sign Up?

So you’re ready to try it out! Already an FFC Member? Sign up for WTF! TODAY in the FFC+ app! If you’re new to FFC, sign up to take a tour of the Club, and ask your Membership Representative to get you registered for class! 

Let’s get stronger together with WTF!, FFC Chicago!

Try WTF Group Fitness Class at FFC on us!
Blog by FFC Marketing Manager Sydney Meyer & FFC Group Fitness Director Lois Miller
2024 FFC Holiday InBody Challenge

Ready to stay fit and focused through the holidays? Join the FFC Holiday InBody Challenge and set yourself up for a stronger, healthier season! 🎄

What’s the Holiday InBody Challenge?

The Holiday InBody Challenge is designed to help you stay accountable, motivated, and progressing towards your fitness goals this holiday season. In addition to checking in to a club 8 times during the challenge dates, you’ll also be required to complete a minimum of one InBody Assessment. An InBody Assessment is a body composition analysis that measures a variety of health metrics beyond just weight, including muscle mass, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate and more giving you a comprehensive view of your health in just 30 seconds. Each InBody assessment results in an InBody Score which is a numerical value that represents your lean body mass based on your height and weight, compared to healthy averages.

Challenge Dates

December 1 – 31, 2025
You must opt in to the challenge between November 28 – December 8, 2025.

How It Works

1. Opt-In – To confirm participation, visit the ‘My Dash’ screen on the FFC+ app and select ‘JOIN NOW’ on the pop up banner that asks if you’d like to participate. Please note, you must opt-in between 11/24-12/08.

ffc holiday inbody challenge dashboard

2. Visit The Club – Check in to the club a minimum of 8 times during the challenge dates.*

3. Complete One InBody Assessment – Visit any FFC location to complete an InBody assessment. See below for instructions:

  • If you joined FFC after 4/15/25, an account has already been created for you – follow these steps to access your account:
    • Scan your barcode in the FFC+ app on the front of the InBody machine.
    • Update your height, gender and phone number on the machine.
  • If you joined FFC prior to 4/15/25, you will need to create a new account, follow these steps to get started:
    • Type in your FFC Account Number (found on your barcode in the FFC+ app) in the Input ID field. To type in a letter, click the “Text” button on the screen for access to a full keyboard.
    • Input your height, gender and phone number on the screen.
  • If you’re a returning user, follow these steps to get started:
    • Find your account by scanning your FFC+ app barcode on the front of the InBody machine, beneath the screen.

    Click Here for complete instructions on how to complete an InBody assessment.

    4. Stay Motivated – Receive tips, workout suggestions, and nutrition support from FFC experts.

    6. Track Your Progress – Keep tabs on your progress in the “My Dash” section of the FFC+ app. Once you’ve completed a component of the challenge, the metric will turn Green on the dashboard.

    7. Celebrate Your Results! – Once you’ve completed both components of the challenge, a notification will appear to confirm you submission into the prize draw.

    What’s The Prize?

    All participants that ‘opt-in’ to the challenge, check in to the club a minimum of 8 days, and successfully complete at least one InBody assessment will be entered into a raffle to win the ultimate FFC Wellness Package (1 Massage, 1 Personal Training Session, 1 Nutrition Session).

    Why Join?

    – Stay Motivated: Holidays are full of distractions, but this challenge will keep you focused.

    –  Track Real Progress: Weight is just one metric – InBody shows the whole picture.

    –  Challenge Yourself with Friends: Build community, cheer each other on, and stay accountable together.

    Join Today!

    Make this holiday season about health and wellness. Opt-In for the 2nd Annual Holiday InBody Challenge between November 24 – December 8 and step into the new year with confidence!

    *Must have and use the FFC+ app to participate. The challenge runs from December 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Participants must ‘opt-in’ to the challenge via the FFC+ app by December 8, 2025 to confirm participation. Participants that ‘opt-in’ to the challenge must check in to the club a minimum of 8 times during the challenge dates and complete at least one InBody assessment to be entered into the raffle. Only one club check in per day counts. Other restrictions may apply. Three winners will be selected at random and announced by January 20, 2026.

Food drive items

This November, join us in giving thanks and making a difference in our community with our annual Food Drive. Drop off your non-perishable food items at the club, and we’ll donate them to the Chicago Help Initiative, a Chicago-native organization dedicated to helping the homeless. 

Donation ideas include: beef jerky, trail mix, granola bars, cans of tuna, sports drinks, low salt V8, to-go fruit cups, energy bars, apple sauce cups, pudding packs, peanut butter crackers, nuts or seeds, dried fruit, juice boxes.

Together, we can make this holiday season a little brighter for everyone.

Photo of a brain and stethoscope for mental health

Join us as we honor World Mental Health Day with “Unplug” – a 15 minute meditation class following one of our regular scheduled classes on Thursday, October 10! Learn how to calm your brain and body with simple meditation techniques. Experience an increase in self awareness, clarity and creativity. See below for which class will have a meditation class following it. Register for a spot in the FFC+  App!

Elmhurst:

  • Unplug: 11:45-12:00 PM with Denise

Gold Coast:

  • Unplug: 9:45-10:00 AM, following the 9:00 AM Vinyasa Yoga

Lincoln Park:

  • Unplug: 7:30-7:45 PM, following the 6:45 PM Candlelight Yoga

Old Town:

  • Unplug: 12:45-1:00 PM, following the 12:00 PM Vinyasa Yoga

Park Ridge:

  • Unplug: 7:30-7:45 PM with Anna

South Loop:

  • Unplug: 8:00 AM with Tony, following the 7:00 AM Sunrise Salutation class

West Loop:

  • Unplug: 8:30 PM with Alice, following the 7:30 PM Hot Yoga class

To participate in our Summer ’24 FFC Elmhurst x Brewpoint Coffee Giveaway, head to our Instagram page!

SUMMER ’24 FFC ELMHURST X BREWPOINT COFFEE GIVEAWAY RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

FFC Elmhurst x Brewpoint Coffee (https://brewpointcoffee.com/) Summer ’24 Giveaway ends Monday, September 2, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST. Winner will be notified by Tuesday, September 3, 2024 by Instagram Direct Message. One winner will receive a party at the FFC Elmhurst Splash Bar and/or Outdoor Pool for themselves and three friends with a $100 food and beverage credit, 1 $50 Brewpoint Coffee gift card (can be redeemed instore or online), 1 FFC t-shirt, 1 FFC drawstring bag, 1 Brewpoint bag, 1 bottle of Brewpoint Nova Cold Brew Concentrate (32 oz. glass bottle with approximately 16 servings), 1 glass beer can from Brewpoint, and a couple of fun Brewpoint decals! This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram. Both FFC members and non-members are eligible to win. Employees of FFC, and their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, promotion and advertising agencies, and members of their immediate families (spouse and parents, children and siblings and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and persons living in the same household, whether or not related, of such employees, are not eligible to enter or win. Winner will be selected at random using a randomizer software platform. No purchase necessary. Purchase does not enhance the chance of winning. Void where prohibited. You must be 18 years of age or older, live in the Greater Chicago area and hold a valid photo ID with an Illinois address to be eligible to enter. The contents of the giveaway cannot be redeemed for cash value or transferred. The contents of the giveaway must be redeemed with Fitness Formula Clubs Elmhurst by October 31, 2024.