Back to School B-B-Q on the Sundeck

Join us for a Back to School B-B-Q on the Sundeck on Sunday, August 25 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM on the Sundeck. Rain or Shine! Menu is as follows:

  • $9 Plant-Based Burger w/ choice of sweet potato fries or chips
  • $8 Cheeseburger w/ choice of sweet potato fries or chips
  • $7 Hamburger w/ choice of sweet potato fries or chips
  • $6 Hot dog w/ choice of sweet potato fries or chips
  • $4 ‘Basket’ of sweet potato fries

See Cafe Staff for more details!

FFC Oak Park Receives the H&F Association’s 2020 Community Service Award

One of the first industry disruptions of the pandemic was the cancellation of the 2020 IHRSA (now Health & Fitness Association) Convention & Trade Show. Among the events that were canceled along with it was the IHRSA Community Service Award, given to a member who displays unwavering dedication to supporting and building a strong local community. Earning the award that year was Chicago-area Fitness Formula Clubs Oak Park! To read the full article, click here.

Stay Active, Stay Youthful with FFC’s D.A.S.H. Program

D.A.S.H. – Developing Active Senior Health at FFC!  We invite our senior community to celebrate the joy of movement with our exclusive lineup of classes tailored just for you. Whether you’re looking to stay fit, gain strength, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded individuals, D.A.S.H. has something special to offer:

  • DASH Fitness: Kickstart your Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15 AM with energizing workouts that blend fun and fitness in perfect harmony.
  • Aqua Workouts: Dive into our Aqua Workouts Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:15 AM.

Looking to join or have any questions? Contact Alexandra Castillo at acastillo@ffc.com and discover how you can be part of our vibrant senior community!

 

 

DASH Poolside Hangout

Get your sunglasses and sandals and join us for some light snacks and raffle giveaways on our outdoor pool deck for our DASH Poolside Hangout! The hangout will be on Monday, August 12 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Belly Dancing Workshop

Bring your workout attire and a water bottle and enjoy a fun-filled Belly Dancing Workshop class on Monday, August 12 from 6:30 – 7:00 PM that invigorates the entire body and helps posture, stamina, balance and grace. This workout combines resistance training, core engagement, coordination and flow with a unique blend of Pilates and Belly Dancing. The cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members.

Register at https://dev.ffc.com/group-fitness-programs/. For questions, contact acastillo@ffc.com.

 

Splash Bar Summer Fun BBQ & DJ

Join us on Sunday, August 4 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM for a bbq at the Splash Bar with a DJ! Enjoy drink & food specials and music by local DJ, Tony Maggio. This event is 21+ and complimentary to members & guests!

Contact Ellen at eharan@ffc.com for more info.

DASH Coffee Hour: DASH & Pilates

Please join us for our DASH Coffee Hour covering DASH & Pilates with Pilates Instructor Sterling Lato on Tuesday, August 20 at 12:00 PM. Come and connect with other DASH members, enjoy coffee and muffins, win prizes and learn about the benefits of Pilates.

Contact Maryssa at mliterland@ffc.com for more information and with any questions. We hope to see you there!

Parents Night Out: Carnival Night

Join us on Friday, August 30 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM for Parent’s Night Out: Carnival Night. Participants will enjoy a fun night of carnival themed games, crafts, pizza and a fun movie. The cost is $35 per child or $45 for two children of members. This event is for children ages 3-8. There is an additional $5 charge for non-members. Registration ends Wednesday August 28.

Contact Dawn Brunner at dbrunner@ffc.com dbrunner@ffc.com for questions or to register.

Olympic Day with Antonia

Join us on Saturday, August 17 at 12 PM for an Olympic lifting day! Antonia will be teaching Olympic lifts as well as hosting a competition for prizes.

Register in the FFC+ app.

COMING SOON! Experience the Recovery Lounge

Discover the secret to faster recovery and ultimate relaxation at our Recovery Lounge. Our Recovery Lounge is included with our Signature and Premier membership types and is trusted by over 1500 members. Our state-of-the-art facility offers a serene environment equipped with the latest recovery technology, CryoLounge, Compression, Vibration Technology, and our ever so popular Massage Chairs. Whether you’re an athlete struggling with recovery or simply looking to unwind, our Recovery Lounge is designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see why our lounge is the go-to destination for relief and relaxation.

Book your appointment on the FFC app. Questions? Email Joe jhancock@ffc.com.

 

Urban Athlete: On the Turf

This turf class on Thursdays at 12:15 PM: Urban Athlete, features compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups for a full-body challenge. In just 45 minutes (including a 15-minute warm-up and cool-down), you’ll test your endurance and strength with dynamic circuit training. Get ready to challenge yourself and lift HEAVY weights!

Register in the FFC+ App. Questions? Contact Kristen and Joe kicardi@ffc.com and jhancock@ffc.com.

Outdoor Danceversary Team Teach

Join us on the pool deck for a team teach class featuring, Reina, BiBi, Dominick, and Asia on Tuesday, September 17 at 5:30 PM! Enjoy a mash-up of your favorite dance formats! Bring a guest at no cost.

Register in the FFC+ App! Guests can simply walk in.

New Strength Floor

Come check out the exciting addition to our strength training area! We’ve recently renovated the old Kids Club space to make way for new equipment and expanded workout areas. This expansion significantly increases our floor space, giving our members more room to train, grow, and reach their fitness goals. We’re thrilled to offer this improvement for your benefit and can’t wait for you to see and use the upgraded facilities!

Kickboxing & Self Defense

Experience Kickboxing and Self Defense, a thrilling workout with Muay Thai-inspired kickboxing, blending practical self-defense moves with intense conditioning. The class is on Wednesdays from 7:30 – 8:30 pm, and on Saturdays from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Build strength, confidence, and real-world skills. Enjoy a Free Trial in August!

Contact Instructor Kennedy at ksabin@ffc.com or at 314-681-4586 to register and with any questions.

Experience The Recovery Lounge

The Recovery Lounge includes advanced recovery tools that help reduce soreness, enhance muscle repair and aid in relaxation & stress reduction. The Recovery Lounge is available to all Signature and above membership types and can simply reserve your session in the FFC+ App.

Looking to upgrade your membership to gain access to the Recovery Lounge, fill out the form at https://dev.ffc.com/recovery/.

Summer ’24 Cabana Contest Giveaway Rules and Regulations

To participate in our Summer ’24 Cabana Contest, head to our Instagram page!

SUMMER ’24 CABANA CONTEST GIVEAWAY RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

FFC’s Summer ’24 Cabana Contest giveaway ends Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST. Winner will be notified by Tuesday, July 23, 2024 by Instagram Direct Message. Three winners will each receive one four-hour small cabana at the FFC West Loop outdoor pool and a $75 food and beverage credit, redeemable at the FFC West Loop Splash Bar. Each winner is permitted to bring 3 guests to FFC West Loop to share the cabana with on the day of their rental. Enter to win by following @ffc_chicago and tagging 3 friends in the comments on the Instagram post from Thursday, July 18. Limit one entry per account. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram. Both FFC members and non-members are eligible to win. Employees of FFC, and their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, promotion and advertising agencies, and members of their immediate families (spouse and parents, children and siblings and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and persons living in the same household, whether or not related, of such employees, are not eligible to enter or win. Winner will be selected at random using a randomizer software platform. No purchase necessary. Purchase does not enhance the chance of winning. Void where prohibited. You must be 18 years of age or older, live in the Greater Chicago area and hold a valid photo ID with an Illinois address to be eligible to enter. The contents of the giveaway cannot be redeemed for cash value or transferred. The contents of the giveaway must be redeemed with Fitness Formula Clubs West Loop by September 9, 2024.

Unveiling the Necessity Behind the Luxury: The True Benefits of Massage

In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, it is essential to prioritize self-care and find ways to unwind. While many may consider massage as a luxury reserved for special occasions or indulgent spa retreats, it is time to shed light on the true importance of massage as a necessity for our overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the various physical, mental, and emotional benefits of massage and how it goes beyond mere relaxation.

Physical Benefits: Massage therapy offers a multitude of physical benefits that contribute to our overall health and well-being.

  1. Relieves Muscle Tension: Massage techniques like kneading, stretching, and deep tissue work to help release muscle tension, promoting better flexibility and range of motion. 
  2. Improves Blood Circulation: The pressure applied during a massage stimulates blood flow, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, and aiding in the removal of toxins.
  3. Reduces Pain and Inflammation: By targeting specific areas of discomfort, massage can effectively alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, providing relief from conditions like chronic back pain, arthritis, and sports injuries.

Mental and Emotional Benefits: Beyond its physical advantages, massage also brings about significant mental and emotional benefits that contribute to our overall well-being.

  1. Stress Relief: Massage is a powerful stress-relieving tool. It helps reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol while increasing the release of serotonin and endorphins, promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being.
  2. Improves Sleep Quality: Regular massage can improve sleep patterns by relaxing the body and mind, reducing anxiety, and promoting a deeper and more restful sleep. 
  3. Enhances Mental Clarity: By reducing stress and anxiety, massage can enhance mental clarity, focus, and productivity, allowing individuals to perform better in their daily lives. 

Self-Care and Wellness: Massage serves as an essential part of self-care and overall wellness. Incorporating regular massage sessions into our routines can have transformative effects on our physical and mental well-being.

  1. Preventative Care: Massage can play a crucial role in preventing injuries and maintaining optimal health. By addressing muscle imbalances, improving posture, and enhancing flexibility, it helps prevent future injuries and promote overall wellness. 
  2. Boosts Immune System: Studies have shown that massage therapy boosts the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and lymphocytes, helping the body fight off infections and diseases.
  3. Emotional Support: Massage provides a nurturing and supportive environment, allowing individuals to relax, unwind, and release emotional tension. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, or grief. 

Massage is much more than a luxury or indulgence; it is a necessity for our overall well-being. It offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that contribute to a healthier and happier life. By prioritizing regular massage sessions as part of our self-care routine, we can unlock the true potential of this ancient healing practice and experience its transformative effects firsthand. Remember, taking care of ourselves is not a luxury; it is an essential investment in our well-being. So, let us embrace the necessity behind the luxury and reap the numerous benefits that massage has to offer.

 

Book your massage with FFC to discover Massage Benefits for yourself!
BLOG BY: KATHRYN MCGINNIS, FFC LICENCED MASSAGE THERAPIST

Corner Bakery Cafe Opens At Fitness Formula Clubs Union Station

(Chicago, Illinois) – In the midst of its 40th Year, Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) is welcoming neighbor, Corner Bakery Cafe, to the building at 444 W Jackson Blvd.

The remodeled Cafe will reopen its doors and serve the community once again. The fresh, made-to-order menu and legendary service are what made Corner Bakery Cafe a guest favorite for nearly 33 years. The brand has a rich history that is deeply rooted in Chicago, going back to 1991. The Union Station Cafe will be the sixth location in the city and #14 in the state. Corner Bakery has a national footprint, serving guests across 18 states and DC.

“We are thrilled to welcome Corner Bakery Cafe back to FFC at Union Station,” said Gale Landers, Founder & CEO of FFC. “With a continuous focus and effort to revitalize the Chicago Loop area, this reopening is one exciting step in the right direction. We look forward to the outstanding service they will bring to our members and the surrounding office buildings and residents.”

Corner Bakery Cafe is inviting the surrounding community to its official Grand Opening on Monday, July 15, 2024, starting at 6:00 AM. There will be a special Ribbon cutting followed by a Cinnamon Crème Cake Cutting Ceremony at 2:00 PM. Plus, the first 100 people in line at 6:00 AM will receive a free coffee tumbler with free refills for one year!

We hope to see you there!

About Fitness Formula Clubs
Established in 1984 by Founder and CEO Gale Landers, FFC owns and operates 10 upscale, mid and large size multi-use health, sports, fitness and spa centers in the Chicago area. The company provides corporate wellness programs, health insurance reimbursable nutrition therapy services, signature group fitness programs, spa treatment services, individual and group training, physical therapy and medically-based rehabilitation programs. Each Chicagoland location is dedicated to supporting the local community. FFC is recognized by the fitness industry for creating a distinct member experience delivered by its staff professionals. For more information, please visit www.ffc.com.

About Corner Bakery Cafe
Corner Bakery CafeⓇ is a fast-casual restaurant serving kitchen-crafted breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering to guests in 18 states and Washington, D.C. In 1991, inspired by great fresh ingredients, the small neighborhood bakery on a corner in downtown Chicago began creating artisan breads and freshly baked sweets. For the last 33 years, Corner Bakery CafesⓇ have been a neighborhood favorite. Founded on a philosophy of creating a warm and comfortable place for people to relax with friends, family and neighbors, the restaurants feature artisan-inspired, seasonal menu options made with fresh ingredients, while delivering a premier bakery experience in the heart of neighborhoods across the nation. Guest favorites include the crave-worthy Anaheim Scrambler for breakfast, the grilled-to-perfection Chicken Pomodori Panini for lunch, the kitchen-crafted Pesto Cavatappi pasta for dinner and a slice of rich, flavorful Cinnamon Creme Cake for a sweet treat. The catering menu includes freshly scrambled eggs and Berry & Almond Overnight Oats, baskets of assorted specialty sandwiches, signature pastas and hot and delicious soups. Corner Bakery CafeⓇ is owned by an affiliate of SSCP, a Dallas-based enterprise and an award-winning leader in the restaurant industry. For more information, visit cornerbakerycafe.com, or follow Corner Bakery CafeⓇ on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or TikTok.