About Fitness Formula Clubs

Named Best Gym in Chicago, we’ve been building stronger communities through Fitness since 1984.

A Legacy of Fitness Since 1984

Founded in 1984 by CEO Gale Landers, FFC is a premier network of 10 multi-use health, fitness, and spa centers across Chicago. From cutting-edge group classes and personalized training to spa therapies and wellness programs, FFC delivers experiences designed to inspire, energize, and transform. Each location is rooted in its local community, and our expert staff is celebrated for creating a one-of-a-kind member experience that keeps people coming back.

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Making a Difference Through Compassion, Education, and Action

We have always worked to help those in under-served communities through organizations like By The Hand, Build, and the 11.10.02 Foundation, where our CEO and Founder serves on the board. We also donate used equipment to schools in communities that need it on a regular basis.

Our HR Department is continually expanding its education on diversity and inclusion, specifically as it relates to hiring. Before the pandemic hit and prior to the government-mandated shutdown in March 2020, we had a very diverse and inclusive workforce, before laying off 99% of our staff. As we have reopened, hiring back a diverse and inclusive workforce is of utmost priority.

FFC has helped found the Illinois Fitness Alliance to better galvanize the fitness industry, specifically in the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois. As our CEO is a founding board member, we have searched the city – from the south to the west and the north – looking for fitness businesses in under-served areas to establish social equity within the Alliance. These businesses are actively being contacted to give all fitness businesses an opportunity to have a voice with city and state officials as we move forward.

Gale Landers, Founder and CEO of FFC

Landers is a former member of the board of directors for the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IRHSA), serving as IHRSA Board President in 2000. In 2004, he was elected into the Chicago Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. He is a current board member of the Chicago Sports Commission, the 11-10-02 Foundation, the Illinois Fitness Alliance and is also the current chair of the National Health & Fitness Alliance.

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Our Mission

Build, own and operate great clubs and deliver outstanding results.

Our Purpose

Enhance the lives of our members and guests by improving their overall health and well-being. The FFC brand has expanded to more than 10 owned and managed club locations throughout the Chicagoland area, establishing us as the largest privately owned reciprocal usage provider of health, fitness and wellness facilities. All of our locations share a common vision of excellence designed to provide individualized member results, valued career paths for our experienced and dedicated staff of over 900 and financial returns to our stakeholders.

Our Core Values

Guided by our five core values—Improvement, Safety, Friendliness, Superior Service, and Integrity—FFC continually reinvests in facilities, equipment, programs, and staff training. We maintain safe, expertly managed locations, ensure our team stays certified and up to date, and operate with honesty and respect. Our goal is to create a welcoming, motivating, and fun environment that supports positive lifestyle changes for our members.