Lisa Brigham has been a member of Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) in the Chicago Suburbs for over 17 years. Lisa has always prioritized health and wellness in her busy life. A mom of 3 teens who works a full-time job, Lisa has always been determined to improve her health. FFC Oak Park has provided a space for her to focus on herself outside her busy work and family life. Through Lisa’s 17 years of being a member, FFC has continuously given her more ways to enhance her workouts. Her health has benefited in unexpected and exciting ways.
FFC in Chicago is the holistic health solution that has immensely improved Lisa’s mental and physical well being. FFC has given Lisa much more than a fitness floor with machines. For 17 years out of the 40 years FFC has been around, FFC has provided her with an entire community filled with group fitness classes, nutrition guidance, a relaxing space for recovery and so much more.
“I am obsessed with the benefits FFC has added to my life, and I have been able to climb towards my goals and become my healthiest self, all thanks to my membership.”
Group Fitness Classes Impacting Health
Lisa started attending daily group fitness classes and quickly realized how beneficial the classes were for her health journey. Through Lisa’s fitness journey at FFC, she has lost over 20 pounds due to her dedication. She has more energy and is in a better mood after spending her mornings at FFC each day.
FFC Group Fitness Classes have been a key aspect in Lisa’s health journey. She has tried an exceptional amount of classes from Pilates to yoga to strength training. Not only are FFC classes convenient for her extremely busy schedule; they also push her out of her comfort zone. Lisa has a blast trying various forms of exercise through a variety of exciting classes that FFC offers. As someone who used to say, “I hate spin,” she now adores it and takes a spin class every Monday and Friday morning! She is able to enjoy and appreciate spin as it puts less pressure on her joints, allowing her to maintain a fitness routine even when her muscles are sore from her other FFC Group Fitness Classes.
In addition to her spin classes, Lisa frequently prioritizes the 9:00 am Endura 94 heated workout classes. This heated workout class focuses on building endurance while simultaneously strengthening every muscle in your body. When Lisa wants to give up during a particularly tough workout, she is encouraged to keep going through the supportive atmosphere of her instructors and friends, motivating her to push through her discomfort.
These classes remind Lisa of why she attends FFC daily and why she decided to become a member. The combination of mentally and physically challenging classes help her stay motivated. Fitness has become not just a routine for Lisa, but also a rewarding experience. Convincing friends and family around her to join classes has become a hobby. Lisa loves seeing them discover their own strength and resilience! The progress Lisa sees in herself and her community reinforces her commitment to FFC. Her daily attendance is nonnegotiable. These classes are more than just workouts; they are a significant part of her journey to becoming a healthier and happier individual.
Mental Health
Lisa has built close friendships through FFC that encourage her to wake up each morning and come to class. FFC Group Fitness Classes have helped Lisa establish these friendships both in and outside of the club. As Lisa has explored new motives for fitness, she has encouraged her friends to to step out of their comfort zone as well. These bonds are a key reason Lisa eagerly wakes up each morning to attend class.
The environment has expanded beyond FFC. Attending morning classes has lead to catch ups with her gym friends after class. After a hard workout, Lisa and her friends will treat themselves to coffee before beginning their workday. They enjoy talking about their fitness journey in addition to other activities going on in their hectic lives, blossoming a strong friendship. These friendships provide Lisa with the benefit of feeling part of a tight-knit community. Her overall mood is boosted both in and out of the club.
Lisa knows that mental health is just as important as physical in one’s overall health. Working out and engaging with the FFC community has helped decrease her stress and enhance her job satisfaction. Beginning each day with a workout has given Lisa a sense of focus, making tackling work tasks tremendously easier. Not only does starting the day with a workout energize Lisa, but it also sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. With a busy schedule, it is crucial for her to stay on top of tasks and her morning ritual. FFC has become an essential part of maintaining balance and achieving her goals.
The Impact of Nutrition
Exercising at FFC has helped Lisa feel great for 17 years. However, there was one part of wellness that Lisa knew she needed to tackle in order to feel her absolute best: her diet. Lisa was able to seek out one of FFC’s Registered Dietitians to get personalized guidance for her body’s needs. In 2020 when Lisa realized that she wanted to improve her overall health to an even greater extent, she understood that what she consumed was a major part of this journey. Lisa and her FFC Registered Dietitian crafted a plan that would work for her. They focused on incorporating more whole foods into her diet and cutting out the processed ones. When changing her diet, Lisa noticed an immediate boost in her energy. She felt more in tune with her body during her fitness classes than ever before.
She has been able to change her lifestyle at home, as she grocery shops with her new fitness community that she created through FFC! Lisa uses this beneficial and social time to find healthy options to bring into her pantry. This has become a fun and exciting experience for Lisa. She enjoys learning new types of food to incorporate into recipes from her friends. Lisa has makes sure to choose each item carefully, using her newfound nutrition knowledge from FFC to help guide her decisions.
Not only does she feel better about what she eats, but she also now enjoys healthy eating! Working with a dietitian has proven to be the final piece to the wellness puzzle that has allowed Lisa to finish the complete transformation of her lifestyle. She now feels more empowered and energized in every aspect of her life.
Influence on Family
Having been a first-hand witness to the full range of benefits that FFC has provided Lisa over the years, her husband and her 3 kids were encouraged to walk into the FFC doors and see what changes the club would provide them. Her kids, all involved in athletics, carve out time to come into FFC. They’ve seen increased results in their athletic performance. Lisa’s kids access the main fitness floor then after, use the recovery lounge to prevent injuries in their sports.
Although Lisa’s kids are highly dedicated to their fitness, they are also still in school. Her kids often stay after a workout to get work done at the Local’84 cafe. Lisa is able to feel confident in her kids future as they are able to properly balance their time by using FFC resources. Lisa loves getting to see her kids follow on their own fitness journey, guiding them to better success as a whole.
According to Lisa’s daughter Kennedi, “Watching my mom flourish with her membership at FFC has been truly special. The relationships my mom has built, and the support she has been given, is inspiring. I have loved getting to watch her thrive in her fitness journey. Witnessing her commitment has had an incredible impact on me. On the days that I struggle to find motivation, I think of the fact that my mom is already at the gym. Through my mom, I have found a passion in creating my own community at FFC.”
FFC As Lisa’s Holistic Health Solution
Fitness Formula Clubs tailors an approach to provide a different experience for individuals’ unique needs and values. Through her 17 years as a member, Lisa has consistently felt a personal connection with the FFC team. They have encouraged her in achieving her health and fitness goals, constructing her to be confident in continued progress. Lisa believes that as long as she remains an FFC Member, she will keep improving her health. The combination of expert support, personalized attention, and a powerful sense of community at FFC has transformed Lisa’s approach to health and fitness. Wellness is now one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of her life.
“Becoming a member of FFC has led me to feel amazing both mentally and physically.”
Post Written by Kennedi Brigham, FFC Summer 2024 Marketing Intern.
