Tag Archive for: The Loop

Pregnant woman touching her belly

The Biggest Myths of Prenatal Pilates, Debunked: My Thoughts

Have you been reading conflicting information about practicing Pilates while pregnant? FFC Pilates instructor Nicole Gibson breaks down the common myths surrounding the topic.
Man on Pilates reformer performing side plank

The Science of Pilates: My Thoughts

FFC Union Station Pilates instructor Nicole Gibson shares her commentary on a great article from IDEA Health & Fitness Association. Article: The Science of Pilates: Research Update via IDEA Health & Fitness Association Article…
Everything you need to know about Pilates before your first class

Everything You Need to Know About Pilates Before Your First Class: My Thoughts

FFC Pilates instructor Nicole Gibson shares everything you need to know about Pilates before your first class and her thoughts on a Women's Health article.
Pilates myths, busted!

Pilates Myths – Busted

Pilates gets a lot of hype - but it's not all hooey! Check out these two articles that bust some common Pilates myths, and an instructor's take on them.
Why matcha is having a moment: how to prepare matcha, recipes, benefits and more.

Why Matcha is Having Its Moment: How to Prepare Matcha, Recipes, Benefits and More

Nowadays, just about every coffee shop, smoothie bar and bakery features their own creative offerings using the trending superfood matcha. This green tea powder is not new to the scene, however. In fact, its use in Japanese tea ceremonies dates…
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…
Swedish massage - why you need one plus types of massage and their benefits

The Benefits of Swedish Massage: Why You Need One, Plus Other Types of Massage and Their Benefits

FFC Union Station massage therapist Aaron Gunn shares the benefits of Swedish Massage, plus other types of massage and all of their benefits. Today is the day. You’ve made the decision to take that next step. You’re going to book a massage!…

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…
How I meal prep lunch for a week plus helpful tips for meal prep

How I Meal Prep Lunch for a Week Plus Helpful Tips for Meal Prep

My friends and coworkers often ask me about weekly meal prep. I am very passionate about healthy eating. In multiple conversations with friends and coworkers, I have noticed most people want to do it, but find it difficult to justify the time…
Lunchtime workout for your next break - a 30-45 minute treadmill class

Lunchtime Workout: Try this Efficient Treadmill Class on Your Next Break

Running is an exercise that you either enjoy or really hate. Those who enjoy it post about their sunrise views and race times and those who hate running are tired of seeing them. I am one of those people who enjoy running but only for a short…
Simple ways to practice mindfulness every day

Simple Ways to Practice Mindfulness Every Day

Mindfulness is often associated with seated meditation. This is a very traditional and useful practice, but in many of our lives it can become difficult to find time to sit down and “do nothing” (or what may seem like doing nothing.) However,…
Woman on treadmill doing cardio

Do You Know Which Piece of Cardio Equipment is Best for You?

Cardiovascular training, better known as “cardio”, is the process of working to improve your heart and lung health. It mostly relies upon the aerobic energy system – a system in which the body expends energy – to complete the exercises.…
Member Stories: Here's What Happened When I Tried MYZONE

Member Stories: Here’s What Happened When I Tried MYZONE

Before MYZONE, and as a fitness fanatic, I always ask myself a few questions after each time I exercise: Was that good workout? How many calories did I burn? Was that better than last time? Typically, the answer to this was based…
How FFC Union Station helped me get fit and become a beast by 40

Member Stories: How FFC Union Station Helped Me Get Fit and Become a Beast by 40

I’ve been a member of FFC Union Station for six years with varying levels of fitness success, but got soft over the past two years. I made all the excuses: travel for work, no free time for the gym, back surgery recipient… did I really need…
Member Stories: How I Stayed Active With An Injury

Member Stories: How I Stayed Active With An Injury

Getting an injury is never a fun situation. Especially when you’ve been focused all winter and all you want to do is show off your hard work! Regardless of where you’re at in your fitness journey, it can happen to anyone. I recently sustained…
Weight training vs cardio - which achieves greater fat loss?

Weight Training VS Cardio, Which Achieves Greater Fat Loss?

How many people do you see at the gym riding the same stationary bike, gliding up the same treadmill incline, churning away at some other piece of cardio equipment or taking the same step or cycling classes? If you look at the rest of the…
Are you performing one of these potentially unsafe exercises?

Are You Performing One of These 9 Potentially Unsafe Exercises?

Exercises are like music; there are a million options to choose from, but not all of them are good. I've put together a list of some of the most common exercises found in peoples’ fitness programs that are inefficient, and often times, not…
Tips for getting back into a fitness routine

5 Tips to Get You Back Into Your Fitness Routine

We have all probably said it at some point or another – “I’ll start working out tomorrow” or “My diet starts Monday”. How often do we keep putting this off as we let time slip away from us? Too often. Fitness is about routine and…
6 best coffee spots in Chicago's Loop

The 6 Best Spots for Coffee in Chicago’s Loop

Whether you need a morning cup of coffee to start your day or afternoon pick-me-up to power through, stepping out of the office for coffee in Chicago's Loop is a great way to inject some energy into your routine. While there are arguments…
4 Best Happy Hour Spots in Chicago's Loop

4 Best Happy Hour Spots in Chicago’s Loop

There’s a reason they call it happy hour – that time of day when you can unwind with friends or coworkers after a full day of productive work and forget the stress – or just relax a little bit. And even in the fitness world, we know…