Tag Archive for: Oak Park

Fit strong man doing biceps curl in gym

Biceps Brachii: A Misunderstood Muscle & How Massage Can Help

When someone says the word “muscle” to you, what do you think of? Perhaps the pecs or the calves come to mind, but if someone were to ask you to flex your muscles, your go-to muscle would be biceps brachii. Maybe that’s because it is…
Smart grocery shopping tips: shopping only the perimeter is a myth

Smart Grocery Shopping Tips: You Don’t Only Have to Shop the Perimeter

Only shop the perimeter? MYTH! RD Amy Silver breaks down smart grocery shopping tips, and how they definitely include the inner aisles too. Check it out!
Keto bodybuilding: is it possible?

Keto Bodybuilding: Is It Possible?

Keto bodybuilding: is it possible? FFC Oak Park trainer shares some insights and tips for a bodybuilding on a keto diet.

3 Easy Mocktail Recipes to Try Out Now

Though a love for red wine could potentially improve one’s heart health, the latest global studies have shown that no amount of alcohol is safe for consumption. While there are some benefits to certain types, they do not outweigh the risks,…
Effects of stress on the body and how massage for stress relief can help.

Effects of Stress On The Body And How Massage for Stress Relief Can Help

FFC Oak Park spa manager Jason VonGerichten shares the effects of stress on the body and stress management tips, including strategies like massage for stress relief, among others. Check out the research and tips below! When discussing the…
How to shop organic - must-have organic grocery list items

How to Shop Organic: Must-Have Items on Your Grocery List

Are you someone who's wondering how to shop organic? Or even wondering if you should? Even if you're not ready to commit to buying EVERYTHING pesticide and additive-free, here is a quick guide on how to shop organic - plus some must-have items…
How FFC member Gary became a stroke survivor and changed the course of his life.

Member Stories: How I Became a Stroke Survivor and Turned My Life Around

FFC Oak Park member Gary shares his experience with fitness and wellness, becoming a stroke survivor and how it altered his course of life. In the fall of 2007 I was 56 years old, tired, overweight and my back hurt. My job involved a lot…

Member Stories: The Decision That Changed The Quality of My Life

Countless movies, books, and fairy tales feature magic mirrors of one kind or another. Some are portals to another world. Others have a spirit living in them, or can show the past, or reveal events far off but important to the mirror’s user.…
Member Stories: Taking Advantage of Pilates Benefits - My Weight Loss Journey

Member Stories: Taking Advantage of Pilates Benefits – My Weight Loss Journey

When I first joined FFC as a new Chicagoan in 2004, my kids were two and four. I remember watching people do Pilates through the studio window and thinking, they look so graceful and... healthy. Not to mention lean and strong. I said to myself,…
Member Stories: how FFC member John finished the Chicago Marathon

Member Stories: How FFC Helped Me Finish the Chicago Marathon

My name is John Jaramillo, and I finished the 2018 Chicago Marathon. In other words, I did something that I once deemed impossible to ever accomplish. Let me give you some context around the lack of believability in that endeavor: I grew up…
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…
A guide to successfully managing expectations while carving pumpkins with toddlers

A Guide to Successfully Managing Expectations (While Carving Pumpkins With Toddlers)

Life with toddlers is always fun and exciting. And full of managing expectations. One of our biggest joys as parents is experiencing some of our own favorite childhood traditions with them. Recently, my toddlers and I carved up our pumpkins…

Fidget SPINner: How Spinning Helped Me Overcome Anxiety, Depression and PTSD

I walked into my first spin class a very depressed woman. I’m not exaggerating—just a week before accepting my new position at FFC’s Oak Park location, I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress…
Member stories: training for the Tour du Mont Blanc Hike at FFC

Member Stories: Training for the Tour du Mont Blanc Hike at FFC

For more than 10 years, the idea of trekking in Europe had been on my mind - it only needed a focus to actually come to life. I soon found it: a 100-mile trek around the largest massif in Europe called the Tour du Mont Blanc. I have been…
A Farewell Letter To My Fitbit

A Farewell Letter To My Fitbit

FFC personal trainer Marylou Tawney pens a humorous breakup letter to her Fitbit, explaining that her fitness goals have evolved and become too complex for the step counter. Dear Fitbit, I'll never forget the first time we met. After a…
How to achieve more efficient triathlon transitions

How To Make More Efficient Triathlon Transitions

As an operations consultant, I provide information to my clients about doing things faster, more efficiently with less wasted time or money and repeatedly. If you are in business and want to grow, you really want to establish the least costly…
Group Pilates class at FFC.

Find Out If You Have a Muscular Imbalance & How Pilates Can Help

Joseph Pilates believed that we are only as young as our spine. That makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Joe Pilates created a complete system of exercises that, along with your Pilates trainer’s eyes and years of experience, can…
How FFC helped me with my weight loss journey

How FFC Helped Me With My Weight Loss Journey

I have wrestled with my weight for most of my life. I've been on every diet program. I mean every program. I joined Weight Watchers when it was just Weight Watcher (Jenny Craig). I’ve tried Slim Fast… and something called the Beverly Hills…
5 easy steps to make meal planning a regular part of your life

5 Easy Steps to Make Meal Planning a Regular Part of Your Life

Meal planning. The concept seems so simple, yet can be very daunting when you’re up to your ears in Tupperware and can’t possibly seem to find the time to make a grocery store run. It may appear easier to revert back to the old ways…
Tips to reduce inflammation in your diet and the diseases it may cause.

Tips to Reduce Inflammation in Your Diet and the Diseases It May Cause

"Inflammation" is the new buzzword, and for an important reason - it’s often a good indicator to us that something is going on we need to attend to. For example, inflammation can happen as a result of injury. Additionally, if it’s happening…