Unlimited Pilates at Park Ridge
Take up to 12 Pilates classes per month with our unlimited package.
Reach out to Stephanie at scampione@ffc.com for more information on our small group schedule.
Archive for month: March, 2024
Spring Fitness Challenge
This spring (April – May), we are running a body composition fitness challenge. The winner who drops the most body fat and/ or adds the most muscle will win a prize. 1st place will win 3 Personal Training Sessions, 2nd place will win a $100 FFC Gift Card and 3rd place will win a $50 FFC Gift Card.
Contact Stephanie at scampione@ffc.com to make your appointment.
Parents Night Out: Pajama Night
On Friday, April 26 from 4:30 – 7:30 PM, bring your favorite stuffie and join us for a fun night dressed in your PJs. We will play some games, make a craft, enjoy some pizza, and watch a fun movie. The cost is $35 per child for members or $45 for 2 children of members. Non-members are welcome for $5 more. REGISTRATION ENDS Wednesday, April 24.
Contact Dawn Brunner at dbrunner@ffc.com to register.
FFC Family Bingo
Join us on Friday, April 19 at 5:30 PM for FFC Family BINGO featuring a live DJ! Pizza and refreshments will be available for purchase. Family and friends are welcome for free!
Group Zumba/Werq/BollyX Dance Classes
Do you love to dance? Are you looking to dance while also getting a workout? Try out one of FFC’s Group Dance Classes if you haven’t already! We offer Zumba, Werq, and BollyX Classes.
These classes couldn’t be more fun, and we hope you’ll join us! Sign up for the class and time that works best for you in the FFC+ App.
Intro to Pilates Reformer
Join us for a 30-minute Pilates Reformer Intro Class! Register through the FFC+ App for the event on either Tuesday, April 2 at 5:00 PM, Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30 AM, or Saturday, April 20 at 11:30 AM.
Classes are open to FFC Members who are new to Pilates at FFC.
Salsa Lesson Latin Night
Join us on Thursday, April 18 at 7:30 PM for a Salsa Lesson Latin Night! Enjoy a complimentary dance class for all levels. No partner is required!
Register by clicking here.
Improvements and New Equipment At FFC Oak Park in 2024
It may be FFC’s 40th anniversary, but we’re the ones giving the presents. See below for a list of recently completed improvements and new equipment that has landed at FFC Oak Park!
The entire natatorium has recently undergone a full upgrade with a retiling of surfaces that include the pool area and the coed steam room; a new steam room generator, water softener, and entry door system; a full refinishing of the hot tub; and a new electric water cooler with built in bottle filler.
In addition, we have added a new Recovery Lounge that opened in January 2024 that offers massage chairs; cryotherapy lounge chairs featuring both hot and cold therapy to reduce inflammation, pain, and other symptoms; and Normatec recovery boots that feature pulse massage pattern compression.
Please read below for even more improvements:
- We recently purchased an InBody composition analyzer that downloads and tracks your fitness progress into the FFC app, including key components like muscle mass, body fat percentage, basal metabolic rate and more to make losing weight and increasing muscle mass smart and easy. This feature is now included in all home club memberships, not just Signature and Premier! It’s located adjacent to the fitness desk and any fitness staff can get you started.
- Our group fitness schedule features new fitness formats and expanded class offerings!
- FFC On Demand is included with your membership. FFC On Demand features over 1,000 group fitness classes and workouts, live streaming classes, nutrition tips and tricks, and so much more!
- 2 complimentary guest passes per month are included in your membership.
- 2 hour free parking is included in your membership, and free parking all day on Sundays.
- Added the popular social game of pickleball – open play is now available.
- We’re continuing to invest in our employees, through wage increases, continuing education, and ongoing training so they can provide the safest and most effective experience to you
- Additional new equipment recently received includes:
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- All new Hammer Strength Pro 2 weight stack machines (arriving this summer)
- 10 new Matrix climbmills (arriving this summer)
- 4 new Matrix ellipticals
- New group fitness body bars and step risers
- 1 replacement Adjustable Decline Ab Crunch Bench
- 1 replacement Signature Series Back Extension Machine
- 1 replacement Smith Machine
- New common area furniture
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VO2 MAX TEST IN CHICAGO
A VO2 Max Test involves a maximal exercise session conducted on a treadmill or bike, connected to a device that analyzes your exhaled air. The test reveals how much oxygen you utilize during exercise and determines your maximum oxygen consumption capacity. It is a key indicator of endurance. Additionally, the test assesses your ventilatory threshold based on your exhaled air. What are the advantages of this test, and why should you get one? Continue reading to find out, and learn where you can get a VO2 Max Test in Chicago!
Advantages of VO2 Max Assessment
Why should you get the VO2 Max Assessment? The ventilatory threshold represents the exercise intensity at which your muscles tire due to lactic acid accumulation, a level that is not sustainable for long periods. Essentially, it is slightly above your training intensity. Some of the test’s other advantages include:
- Getting a precise gauge of your present fitness level
- Crafting of tailored training regimens
- Estimating your peak endurance capacity for running or cycling
This data helps in evaluating and tracking your fitness level. Through consistent training, your ventilatory threshold can improve and approach your VO2 max level!
How to Improve Your VO2 Max
Your VO2 max has the potential to improve through specific exercises:
High-intensity training: A highly effective method is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This involves pushing yourself hard for a brief period, resting, and then repeating this process with various exercises. HIIT is optimal with fewer than 3 sessions per week.
Low-intensity training: This involves less intense exercises with minimal or no rest intervals during the workout. Examples of lower-intensity steady-state exercises include running, biking, hiking, and rowing. Although slightly less effective than HIIT for increasing VO2 max, you can perform low-intensity training daily as it is gentler on your body.
Let’s Get Started!
So you’re ready to take the test! Now what? Follow these simple steps:
- Sign up for your VO2 Max Test in Chicago with Fitness Formula Clubs by emailing nutrition@ffc.com.
- Allow 60 minutes for setup, testing, and consultation.
- Rest (no intense physical activity) for 24 hours prior to the test.
- Fast and eliminate caffeine for 5 hours prior to the test.
Take an important step in your fitness journey by signing up for your VO2 Max Test today!
Post Written by Brianne Baker, Dietetic Graduate Student.
FITNESS FORMULA CLUBS NAMED CHICAGO READER’S BEST GYMS OF 2023!
Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) are known by our members to be the best. For 40 years, Fitness Formula Clubs have the best facilities, the best equipment, the best personal trainers, the best group fitness instructors, and so much more. We are honored to have also been named the Best Gyms in Chicago in 2023 by Chicago Reader!
FFC Employees work every single day to provide an excellent experience for everyone they interact with. This accolade from Chicago Reader is such an incredible testament to that. Since 1984, Fitness Formula Clubs have dedicated themselves to growing our Chicago communities to be healthier, stronger, and more fulfilled. Chicago Reader serves as a voice for those communities. Being recognized by Chicago Reader is a humble affirmation of the impact that Fitness Formula Clubs make on Chicago.
We love our FFC employees. Fitness Formula Clubs, however, couldn’t be the Best Gyms in Chicago without our members. Our clubs are so much more than just a place to workout. We not only have the best facilities, equipment, trainers, and instructors, we have built a culture within a community. The foundation of that culture is our extraordinary members. The membership base at Fitness Formula Clubs consist of dedicated, passionate individuals that strive to be better every day and support and encourage fellow members to do the same.
Let’s Hear from Some FFC Members (and Former Members) Themselves!
I was a member at FFC Gold Coast for 8+ years and can say that it is by far the best gym I’ve ever joined. This gym has a wide variety of high-quality cardio machines (I’ve never had to wait for a machine) and great weight machines that are spread out nicely. The staff is very friendly but not in an annoying way (they’re not following you around asking you to sign up for private training). I’m not into group fitness classes, but I’ve heard good things about their classes. Bottom line is that this gym truly has everything. I recently moved and had to cancel my membership at FFC. As ridiculous as this may sound, canceling my membership was one of the hardest parts of the move. I just toured a gym in my new neighborhood and was so disappointed – I blame FFC Gold Coast for setting my expectations too high!
Olivia G, FFC Gold Coast
There’s an old saying, “you get what you pay for.” Well sometimes that’s true…and sometimes it’s not. Here, it’s the former. In my combined 3 1/2 years (at FFC) I have never had anyone at any level be anything except friendly. From the people at the reception desk, the trainers, locker room managers and management. Here, trainers are all friendly and will occasionally volunteer technique tips if you are doing an exercise wrong. I’ve never seen that at another club. By the way, if you can afford it, training sessions are a real treat. I have been to around five FFC facilities. They are all spotless. Also, not only do the staff put the weights on the racks, but most of the time the members are considerate in doing so as well. Not only are they on the rack, they actually are in their designated location. Finally, I have found the members to be very polite and considerate.
Edward S, FFC Union Station
Having been a loyal member of FFC East Lakeview for nearly four years, I can confidently say it’s a five-star fitness haven. The staff, over the years, has consistently displayed a remarkable level of professionalism and friendliness. Their dedication to member satisfaction is evident in every interaction. Moreover, the cleanliness of the facility is commendable. The maintenance team does an outstanding job, ensuring a spotless environment that enhances the overall experience. FFC East Lakeview is not just a gym; it’s a place where the staff’s commitment to excellence and the pristine surroundings make every workout enjoyable. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a top-notch fitness experience.
Dustin P, FFC East Lakeview
FFC members are so much more than just avid gym-goers. Paula Bublitz, FFC Elmhurst member, has a “dinner club” with fellow members once a month. Guy Zambetti, another FFC Elmhurst member, is retired and plays pickleball with old and new friends. These intangible aspects to our FFC community are what set us apart.
As Chicago Reader’s Best Gyms in Chicago, Fitness Formula Clubs are eager to continue to grow and shape our Chicago community. We are hopeful for an even better 2024, building on our strong, 40 year foundation, and leaving our communities and members better than when they found us.
Post Written by FFC Marketing Manager Sydney Meyer.