October 2024

Thanksgiving background with chalkboard. Autumn pumpkin and fall leaves on wooden table. View from above

Thanksgiving Weekend Hours 2024

We’re thankful for every one of our valued members. Here are the Thanksgiving holiday weekend hours for all FFC locations Wednesday, November 27 – Saturday, November 30 . All members have access to all clubs during this time. Have a great holiday!

Wednesday, November 27
All Clubs: Close at 9 PM

Thursday, November 28
West Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, East Lakeview, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Elmhurst: 7 AM – 1 PM

South Loop, Old Town, Union Station: Closed

Friday, November 29
West Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, East Lakeview, Oak Park, Park Ridge, Elmhurst: 6 AM – 9 PM

Union Station: 6 AM – 7 PM

Old Town, South Loop: 6 AM – 8 PM

Saturday, November 30 – Sunday, December 1
All Clubs: Normal business hours

Thanksgiving-Themed Group Fitness Classes

Join us during Thanksgiving weekend for some fun, themed Group Fitness classes! View the lineup of classes below, then reserve your space in the FFC+ app.

Elmhurst

Turkey Trot Triple Threat – Friday, 11/29 at 8:30 AM with Lila
Friendsgiving Formula 94 – Saturday, 11/30 at 9:15 AM with Lila – bring a friend or family member to class.

East Lakeview

Black Friday Body Blast – Friday, 11/29 at 12:00 PM with Jen

Gold Coast

Black Friday Body Blast – Friday, 11/29 at 9:00 AM with Asia
ThankSPINNING – Sunday, 12/1 at 9:00 AM with Keith

Lincoln Park

Friendsgiving Formula 94 – Saturday, 11/30 at 8:00 AM with Lois & Mari

Oak Park

ThanksSPINNING – Thursday, 11/28 at 8:30 AM with Amy and Craig
Black Friday Body Blast – Friday, 11/29 at 9:00 AM with Kari

Park Ridge

Friendsgiving The Formula Teach Team – Wednesday, 11/27 at 10:15 AM with Kareem & Mari
Pumpkin Pie Pilates – Wednesday, 11/27 at 11:15 PM with Alexandra
Friendsgiving Formula 94 – Friday, 11/29 at 9:15 AM with Mari
WTF! Team Teach – Friday, 11/29 at 10:15 AM with Sara & Alexandra
Friendsgiving Formula 94 – Saturday, 11/30 at 9:15 AM with Sara

West Loop

Pumpkin Pie Pilates – Wednesday, 11/27 at 12:15 PM with Raven

Intrigued by Pilates Group Reformer?

Take advantage of a complimentary kickstart class in November on Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday.

Email Jamie Loger at jloger@ffc.com to request your class.

‘Give Thanks’ Donation Drive

This November, join us in giving thanks and making a difference in our community with our annual Donation Drive. Drop off hygiene products at the club, and we’ll donate them to Nourishing Hope, a Chicago-native food pantry. Accepted donations include Shampoo, Conditioner, Bar Soap/Body Wash, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Pocket Tissues, and Toilet Paper (individually wrapped). Together, we can make this holiday season a little brighter for everyone.

Food Drive at FFC Elmhurst

FFC Elmhurst will be hosting a food drive benefiting the Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry from November 4 – 13. If you would like to participate, please bring non-perishable items to the club and drop off in the boxes in our lobby.

For more information, please contact Scott at sl@ffc.com.

A group of runners participating in a turkey trot

41st Annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot – Race Day Hospitality

If you are running the Dan Gibbons 5k Turkey Trot or cheering on family members in the race on Thursday, November 28, make FFC Elmhurst your pre-race, post-race and cheering destination. Members and guests are welcome. Doors open at 7 AM. DJ, hot chocolate, post-race stretching, and adult beverages for those over 21 will be available to enhance your race day experience. Stop by the club after your race and show your race number to receive a complimentary beverage.

For information, contact Aaron at aaron.smith@ffc.com.

FFC Elmhurst Drumstick Dash

Friends and Family, please join us on Thanksgiving morning at 8:00 AM for our 4th annual Drumstick Dash. Children of all ages will race 200 meters down Addison Ave.

Please RSVP to Jaime at jmules@ffc.com if you plan on making it out. A hot coco and bloody mary bar will follow at FFC’s Local’84 Cafe after the Turkey Trot!

Black Friday Parents Day Out

Join us Friday, November 29 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM for a day of fun and games. We take the kids while you enjoy scoring those BLACK FRIDAY DEALS! We will be playing games in the gym and watching a fun movie in Kids’ Club.

Stop by the Kids’ Club to pre-register or contact Jaime at jmules@ffc.com for more information.

Nerf Battle and Sports Bonanza

Join us Friday, November 8 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM for a night of Wild and Crazy Fun! We will begin the evening constructing bunkers and safety zones, attending target practice, then heading into Round 1 of Nerf Battle Royale. We will take a break and refuel with pizza and juice before heading back out for Round 2! We will end the evening with a variety of games.. Participants must provide their own safety goggles and Nerf weapons that take standard size bullets. Ages 7-9.

For more information and to register contact Jaime at jmules@ffc.com.

Hydrofit Saturday – Free Class & Swag Giveaway!

It’s back! Kickstart your weekend with the return of our Saturday Hydrofit class on November 2 from 10:00 – 10:45 AM. After the class, stick around for coffee, muffins, and great conversation from 11:00 – 11:45 AM in the cafe. As a bonus, everyone who joins us will be entered to win some awesome swag!
Questions? Contact our Group Exercise Manager, Lara at LMele@ffc.com.

Man stretching his hamstrings on a Pilates reformer

COMING SOON: D.A.S.H. Pilates Reformer

Thank you to everyone who joined our recent D.A.S.H. Pilates Reformer event – it was a huge hit! If you loved the combination of flexibility, strength, and core work, you’ll be thrilled to hear we’ve got something even better on the way. Soon, we’ll be launching the D.A.S.H. Pilates Reformer class to help you stretch deeper, strengthen more effectively, and feel your best. Stay tuned for more details and class times. You won’t want to miss out!

Questions? Contact our Pilates Manager, Suzanne Rens at SRens@ffc.com.

Men’s Fitness Fusion: Boxing Basics with Marco

This class isn’t just about boxing; it’s a holistic approach to men’s health and wellness, combining the fundamentals of boxing with strength, cardio, and flexibility exercises. Whether you’re looking to get into shape, improve your endurance, or simply blow off some steam in a supportive environment, Marco’s session is your go-to. Join us on Thursday’s at 6:00 PM. All levels welcome!

Classes are $32 each and require pre-registration by emailing Jessica at jkorda@ffc.com.

Be a Changemaker: Support Operation Basketball

This November, join us in making a difference! Support Operation Basketball by donating essential clothing and food items to those in need. The most requested items are new socks and underwear, so drop them off in our café’s lobby today. Every little bit helps keep our community warm and comfortable. Let’s come together, be the change, and help those in need!

Questions? Contact Member Experience Manager Daniel Ford at Dford@ffc.com.

Two people on a turf pushing weighted sleds during a Faction workout class.

Force Factor

Join us on November 13 at 6:00 PM for a power-focused workout designed to build explosive strength, speed, and overall muscular power. It combines high-intensity compound movements, plyometrics, and resistance training to develop fast-twitch muscle fibers and enhance performance in sports or strength-based activities. Register under Club Events in the FFC+ app.

Email rreed@ffc.com to register a friend.

Gobble and Grind G-Row

Get ready to torch calories and jumpstart your Thanksgiving with this *high-energy pre-holiday workout* on November 18 at 5:15 PM! This fast-paced, calorie-blasting routine will get your heart pumping and your muscles burning, setting you up to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast guilt-free. Friends and family are always welcome.

Register yourself in the FFC+ and email rreed@ffc.com to register a friend.

Bear Down Showdown Watch Party

It’s time to settle the score and watch one of the greatest rivalries in football! Whether you bleed navy and orange or cheer for the green and gold, join us for a night of fierce competition, food, and fun as the Bears take on the Packers on November 17 at 12 PM.

Free guests are welcome for the watch party, please register your guest with rreed@ffc.com.

Member of the Month – Emma Dugan

Meet our Member of the Month, Emma Dugan! See the Q&A to learn more about Emma’s FFC Story:

What does membership at FFC mean to you?

A community where I can work to better myself with people around me who are working towards the same goals.

When I am at FFC you will find me…

Either zoned out in the middle of my workout or talking to Cayla at the trainer’s desk.

I work out to…

Be able to rep out pull ups when the marines bring the pull up bar to Windy City smoke out next summer.

Students using the Pilates reformers at FFC.

Intro to Pilates Reformer

Have you ever been curious about the apparatus in the Pilates Studio? Join us on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 PM for an Intro to Pilates Reformer. The Reformer along with other pieces of apparatus in the studio is here to help assist you to:

• Enjoy better control of your body
• Move more freely and efficiently
• Increase your range of motion
• Improve your posture

This class is geared strictly for beginners, brand new to the fun world of Pilates. Reserve your spot on the FFC+ app!

Back in the Game – Elite Training for Former Athletes

As a former athlete myself, I know what it feels like to lose the spark you had in your training with no structure, accountability, or purpose. Bringing my master’s degree in exercise science, playing football at the collegiate level, and winning bodybuilding competitions, I bring together performance, aesthetics, and science-based training methods to get you results. If you are ready to get back in the game and reclaim your athletic drive, mindset, and physique, contact me for a game plan session.

Schedule a complimentary Game Plan session with Mark. Call 907-365-9913 or email Mhogan@ffc.com.

Beginner/Intermediate Pickleball Play

This 8 week league is for newer players who have been playing for less than a year beginning on October 28 and going until December 16 on Monday’s at 6 PM. Each week begins with a lesson or drill followed by 3-4 scored games and open play.

Email sryan@ffc.com to register.