Meet Middy Matthews: Finding Her Home in Chicago’s Fitness Community at FFC
When Middy Matthews moved back to Chicago in 2025, she wasn’t just looking for a gym. As a lifelong athlete, cyclist, and former tennis professional, she was searching for a place that could support her active lifestyle while helping her feel connected to others who share her passion for health and wellness. A few months after joining FFC East Lakeview, she found exactly that: a welcoming Chicago fitness community where members can pursue their goals, build relationships, and stay active for life.
A Lifetime of Movement
Fitness has been a constant throughout Middy’s life. A former tennis professional, she has spent decades immersed in sports and athletic communities, including working at several prominent Chicago-area clubs. Today, she remains heavily involved in cycling, gravel racing, pickleball, and strength training. “I’ve been active all of my life,” she says. While her athletic pursuits have evolved over the years, movement has always been a central part of who she is.
Finding a Chicago Fitness Community That Feels Like Home
Since joining FFC East Lakeview, Middy has found more than a place to work out. She has found a consistent, welcoming environment where she can focus on her fitness goals while being surrounded by people who genuinely care about health and wellness. “I love going to this gym,” she says. “I see people I’m used to seeing, and I can put my head down and get the work done.”
For Middy, the atmosphere sets FFC apart from other fitness facilities she has experienced. “It’s the most peaceful gym I’ve ever been to,” she says. She appreciates the balance of serious fitness and genuine community, where members come to work hard without the intimidation that can sometimes be associated with gym culture.
The People Behind Chicago’s Best Fitness Community
While Middy enjoys the amenities, classes, and recovery offerings available at FFC, she believes the people are what truly make the difference. “The greatest thing this gym has to offer is the staff,” she says. “I have not met a staff member who doesn’t look like they can’t wait to get to work every day. Everyone is super helpful, happy to help, and full of knowledge.”
That sense of community extends beyond the staff. Having spent years involved in cycling communities, Middy understands the power of bringing like-minded people together. She believes fitness clubs have a unique opportunity to help members form meaningful connections and lasting friendships.
“You guys are the BEST for a reason,” she says.
For Middy, that spirit of connection is what defines a great Chicago fitness community and what makes FFC feel like home.
Staying Active for Life
At 60 years old, Middy continues to race bikes, play pickleball, strength train, and challenge herself physically. Her advice is simple: “Stay active!”
It’s a philosophy that has guided her entire life and one that reflects the culture of FFC’s Chicago fitness community. Whether members are training for competition, pursuing wellness goals, or simply looking for a place to belong, FFC provides the support, expertise, and community that help make healthy living a lifelong pursuit.
Middy Matthews, FFC East Lakeview Member
