Tag Archive for: Wellness

Millennial girl relaxing at home on couch, enjoying weekends, empty space
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How To Make The Most Of A Mental Health Day

When I moved from sleepy rural Arizona to bustling Chicago, I went from being an underemployed homebody to working multiple gig-based jobs on top of social outings, hobbies, and family commitments. Even my at-the-time stringent yoga schedule…

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…
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,…
A Delicious Veggie Recipe and 10 Tips for Fitting More Vegetables in Your Diet

A Delicious Veggie Recipe + 10 Easy Ways to Increase Your Vegetable Intake

Vegetables have SO many amazing benefits. They can help boost our moods, help us fight off illness, and of course, feel better and deliver all the necessary nutrients our bodies need to function. Check out these 10 easy ways to increase your…
Member Stories: How I Overcame Anorexia and Exercise Addiction

Member Stories: How I Overcame Anorexia & Exercise Addiction and Changed My Life

My story began in 2011, and in a way that is slightly different than you’d initially expect or assume when the topic of a gym or exercise gets brought into the conversation. At the time I joined FFC, I thought I became a member because my…
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…
How to overcome fear and accomplish the things

How to Overcome Fear and Accomplish The Things It Might Be Keeping You From

“I can’t run. I don’t do group fitness classes. I won’t lift weights.” Are these statements true for you? But why? Many times, the answer involves fear. Fear can take the form of many lines – such as “I’m afraid of my knees hurting.”…
Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment through massage therapy

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Through Massage Therapy

Whether you believe winter starts the second water freezes or more officially on December 21, we can all agree the changing of the seasons can create moodiness. Believed to be related to the decrease in sunlight and amount of chemicals our brains…
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!…

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…
Working on Wellness: The Ups & Downs Of Finding Moderation in Fitness and Wellness

Working on Wellness: The Ups & Downs Of Finding Moderation in Fitness and Wellness

I was never a healthy and active kid growing up. Instead of being outside running around or participating in sports, I’d rather sit myself in front of the TV for hours. My parents (my mom, in particular) noticed the bad eating and exercise…
Easy lettuce wraps: Egyptian Spiced salad with corn, avocado and radish

Easy Lettuce Wraps: Egyptian Spiced Avocado Corn Radicchio Lettuce Cups

With the weather getting colder, it’s getting easier and easier to stay inside - so much so that you might start to feel a little cabin feverish! Don’t worry - the global flavors of these easy lettuce wraps (that are also vegan AND gluten-free)…
A DIY guide to smart goal setting

A DIY Guide to Smart Goal Setting

As the year winds down (2018, where the heck did you go?), it’s only natural that we start to think about new beginnings too. And sure, you could wait until January 1 to think about your big goals — but starting a little earlier gives you…
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…
Anti-bullying month - practical tools to help stop bullying

Anti-Bullying Month: Practical Tools to Help Stop Bullying

Bullying starts earlier than you think – but you can arm your loved ones with the tools to combat it. When we think of bullying, we generally envision the jocks in high school throwing the little guy in a locker or the mean girls on the bus…

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…
FFC wellness: do you balance your yin and yang

FFC Wellness: Do You Balance Your Yin And Yang? Here’s Why You Should

Foundations are the beginning of all things, whether it be the first day of a new job, or training for the Chicago marathon. Present within these foundations is transformation, such as rain becoming snow. Thoughts transform into our attitudes…
5 reasons you actually do need a facial

5 Reasons Why You Actually Do Need a Facial

Imagine a soothing massage. Now imagine that, but for your face. Usually thought of as a pampering practice, facials are actually a very important aspect of skincare. Here’s why you need a facial, plus wellness benefits associated with a facial. Jess,…
Member Stories: Learning that More Fun Leads to Better Triathlon Training

Member Stories: Learning that More Fun Leads to Better Triathlon Training

I joined FFC in December last year as an early Christmas present to myself. After a successful year of racing, I was ready to head into the “off-season”. Even though I had a successful and enjoyable season, I was looking forward to taking…