Tag Archive for: Fitness Tips

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…
What's in my gym bag? The handy gym essentials checklist - fitness resources Chicago

What’s in My Gym Bag? Gym Bag Essentials Checklist

FFC South Loop fitness specialist Matt Wallace answers the question, ‘what’s in my gym bag?’ and shares his list of top gym essentials to keep handy when you’re sure you’re forgetting something. Having the correct gear for any situation…
Fitness motivation videos: 5 essential fitness YouTube channels you should know

Fitness Motivation Videos: 5 Essential Fitness YouTube Channels

If you're like me, you may spend some nights deep in a YouTube rabbit hole, going from one topic to another until you've wasted hours you could've used to catch up on sleep. The amount of content out there can be hard to sift through, especially…
Image of hands giving the okay sign

Positivity Perspective: Body Positivity & How to Prioritize Healthy Habits

FFC Union Station personal trainer Tyler Sutphen shares a perspective on the body positivity movement and a reminder to prioritize health habits above all. As you read this, please know that I do not condone bullying of any kind. However,…
Hotel room workout: a simple bodyweight workout for when you're traveling

Hotel Room Workout: A Simple Bodyweight Workout for When You’re on the Go

FFC-exclusive group fitness instructor and trainer Austin Head shares a simple 15-minute bodyweight workout for when you’re on the go. Needing no additional equipment (just yourself!), this hotel room workout will ensure you’ll be able to…
An Interview with World Champion, Paralympic Swimmer & FFC Endurance Coach Tucker Dupree

An Interview with World Champion, Paralympic Swimmer & FFC Endurance Coach Tucker Dupree

Tucker Dupree is a professional swimmer. Not only that, he has been swimming professionally for 12 years, has swum for Team USA at the Paralympics, has won medals and World Championships, and is also one of FFC’s newest endurance coaches. FFC…

RMR Calculator vs RMR Test: Why You Should Get a Resting Metabolic Rate Test Done

A dream of mine? To be told I should eat more food – by data, no less. That dream came true during my recent resting metabolic rate test at Fitness Formula Clubs in Chicago. What’s a resting metabolic rate test, you ask? In the simplest…

Member Story: How I Lost Over 125 Pounds And Drastically Changed My Life

I didn’t grow up in a crunchy-granola, windbreaker-wearing, athletic family. Like many children of the Midwest, I was raised in a rural community full of good, old-fashioned folks with good old-fashioned mentalities. Was I fat? Hell no! I…
Work life balance importance plus plans to help you find balance between responsibilities and your passions!

Work Life Balance Importance: A Guide to Finding Balance & Pursuing Your Passions, Plus a Sample Plan

As the year comes to an end, we begin to think about the last 12 months. We ask ourselves, 'Did I accomplish the things I said I would in January? Am I happier? Am I stronger? Have I grown as an individual?' Everyone wants to be better. We always…
Students taking a pilates class

Becoming a Pilates Instructor: The Teacher’s Journey

My journey to becoming a Pilates instructor started a little over four years ago. I was working as a personal trainer and found I really loved training runners. As a marathoner myself, I was familiar with the drive, determination, and injuries…
Thanksgiving workout: try one of these two themed sweat sets on Turkey Day

Thanksgiving Workout: Try One of These Two Themed Sweat Sets on Turkey Day!

We all know that the Thanksgiving meal is the main event on Turkey Day, but there is no better way to prepare for the feast than with a fat-burning workout. As many pilgrims say, "thou shall work hard, if thou desires to play hard". You're allowed…
Indoor rock climbing in Chicago benefits for fitness

Indoor Rock Climbing in Chicago: A Great Workout for Your Mind, Body and MEPs!

Sure, running on the treadmill, busting your tail on the elliptical or kettlebell swings during a PTC class will help you rack up those Myzone Effort Points (MEPs), but that’s not the only way to score them! The cool thing about the Myzone…
6 things your doctor doesn't tell you about your workout - fitness tips

6 Things Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You About Your Workout

I frequently come across people who have come to the gym seeking a healthier lifestyle. A number of people have been told by their doctor they need to start exercising or simply need to be exercising more. As easy as it may be to prescribe exercise,…
Massage therapy benefits based on what kind of fitness you do

Massage Therapy Benefits Based on What Type of Fitness You Do

FFC Oak Park spa manager, Jason VonGerichten, shares massage therapy benefits related to exercise (even for just regular, everyday fitness enthusiasts – you don’t have to be an athlete!) and how it helps you, no matter what type of fitness…
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About a VO2 Max Test & Why You Should Get One
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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About a VO2 Max Test & Why You Should Get One

I love data. Being in marketing, I love being able to make smart decisions based on numbers and know that the route I’m taking my work has a good likelihood of succeeding. I also am a big fan of nerdy stuff when it comes to fitness and wellness…
High intensity interval training area at FFC Union Station

Top Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training & Why You Should Give HIIT a Try

Finding new ways to keep workouts interesting has always been a challenge for me. After recovering from two injuries last year and beginning to lift weights, run, and participate in group fitness again, it all started to come back as I saw the…
How to recover from burnout by getting back to your basics

How to Recover From Burnout By Getting Back To Basics

Everyone feels run down, overworked, and just plain depleted at one time or another. Getting back to a wellness baseline with your weekly schedule will keep you feeling your best and ready to take on all that life throws your way. Here are a…