Photo of a wrapped gift for Christmas

Holiday-Themed Group Fitness Classes

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

Elmhurst 

Thursday, December 12:

  • Festive Formula 94 – 9:45 AM with Lila

Monday, December 16:

  • Holiday Heated Vinyasa – 6:30 PM with Greg

Wednesday, December 18:

  • Ho Ho Hydro Fit – 10:15 AM with Bianca

Thursday, December 19:

  • Jingle Barre Bootcamp – 5:30 PM with Alexandra

Saturday, December 21:

  • Candy Cane Critical Mass – 9:30 AM with Cori

Monday, December 23:

  • HoliDANCE – 5:30 PM with Cori

East Lakeview 

Friday, December 13:

  • HoliDANCE – 6:00 PM with Jen, Dominick & Matt

Saturday, December 14:

  • Jingle Barre Bootcamp – 8:30 AM with Becca
  • SLAYride – 9:15 AM with Becca
  • Ho Ho Hydro Fit – 10:00 AM with Becca

Thursday, December 19:

  • Ho Ho Hydro Fit – 9:00 AM with Becca

Monday, December 23:

  • Holly Jolly Body Blast – 5:30 PM with Matt

Gold Coast

Monday, December 16:

  • Ho Ho Hydro Fit – 10:00 AM with Becca & Arthur 
  • Jingle Barre Bootcamp – 6:30 PM with Becca

Tuesday, December 17:

  • HoliDANCE – 6:30 PM with Kaley & Romeo & Spencer

Wednesday, December 18:

  • SLAYride – 5:30 PM with Andrew

Thursday, December 19:

  • SLAYRide – 6:15 PM with Darren

Sunday, December 22:

  • Yuletide Hatha Yoga – 10:30 AM with Mary

Tuesday, December 31:

  • Resolution Ride – 9:00 AM with Keith

Lincoln Park 

Tuesday, December 17:

  • Festive Formula 94 – 5:30 PM with Becca
  • SLAYride – 6:30 PM with Becca
  • Holiday Heated Vinyasa Yoga – 6:45 with Julie

Wednesday, December 18:

  • Holiday Heated Vinyasa Yoga – 10:00 AM with Sinthia 
  • Candy Cane Critical Mass – 5:30 PM with Lara
  • SLAYride – 6:15 PM with Lara

Saturday, December 21:

  • Festive Formula 94 – 8:00 AM with Lois
  • Jingle Barre Bootcamp – 10:00 AM with Jill

Old Town

Monday, December 16

  • Candy Cane Critical Mass – 5:45 PM with Dominick

Wednesday, December 18:

  • Jingle Barre Bootcamp – 5:45 PM with Charlotte

Oak Park 

Sunday, December 15:

  • HoliDANCE – 11:30 AM with Mimi & Liz

Thursday, December 19:

  • Ho Ho Hydrofit – 5:00 PM with Ashley

Saturday, December 21:

  • SLAYride – 8:30 AM with Amy

Sunday, December 22:

  • HoliDANCE – 11:00 AM with Andrea, Liz, Michelle & Kari

Tuesday, December 31

  • Resolution Ride – 9:00 AM with Craig

Park Ridge 

Thursday, December 19:

  • SLAYride – 5:15 AM with Janelle

Saturday, December 21:

  • Festive Formula 94 – 9:15 AM with Sara 

Monday, December 23:

  • Holly Jolly Body Blast – 5:30 PM with Doreen

Monday, December 30:

  • Resolution Ride – 5:30 PM with Brian

South Loop 

Tuesday, December 17:

  • HoliDANCE – 12:15 PM with Dominick & Ramon

Sunday, December 22:

  • SLAYride- 9:30 AM with Nazha
  • Holly Jolly Body Blast – 10:15 AM with Nazha

Union Station 

  • Holly Jolly Body Blast – with Lois 

West Loop 

Monday, December 16:

  • HoliDANCE – 6:45 PM with Asia & Kaley

Wednesday, December 18:

  • SLAYride – 5:30 PM with Daniela
  • Holly Jolly Body Blast – 6:30 PM with Daniela

Thursday, December 19:

  • SLAYride – 5:30PM with Brian

Monday, December 23:

  • SLAYride – 5:30 PM with Danny

 

Christmas tree decorated and lit up

Help Decorate FFC’s Community Tree

Let’s make our FFC Community Tree look awesome throughout the month of December! Bring in an ornament and join in on the fun as we give our community tree a holiday makeover in celebration of the festive season.

New Years celebration

Noon Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in the new year a little early with workouts, toasts and plenty of celebration before the clock strikes twelve on Tuesday, December 31 at 11:30 AM! We’ll count down to noon with our favorite community and make a lot of noise as we welcome 2025!

Two people wearing ugly Christmas sweaters

Ugly Sweater Day at FFC

Get festive with us at FFC for Ugly Sweater Day—wear your wackiest, most outrageous holiday sweater and join the fun on Wednesday, December 18!

Show off your style while staying fit with the FFC community and don’t forget to tag @ffc_chicago in the fun on Instagram!

Metabolic Testing

Get Ahead of the New Year with Discounted RMR/Vo2 Max Testing

Why wait to get started on your New Year goals? Hit the ground running by completing your metabolism and Vo2 Max Tests now! Sign up for nutrition services and enjoy $40 OFF a Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) Test & Consultation and/or VO2 Max Test. Already a nutrition client? Get $20 OFF an RMR Test and/or Vo2 Max Test!

An RMR test is the Gold-standard test that measures exactly how many calories you need to consume for healthy weight loss, to maintain your weight but hit your nutrient requirements, or to properly gain weight at a steady pace without gaining excess fat.

A VO2 Max Test provides you with the most accurate heart rate zones to ensure you are working out smarter, not harder.

To purchase or book your sessions, email us at nutrition@ffc.com.

 

WTF is WTF!?

Learn the science behind this FFC group fitness class format that Members have been raving about.

 

WTF! (Work Till Failure) is Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC)’s newest group fitness class. If you’ve heard about the format and have wondered what it’s all about, you’re not alone. I mean, a name like that is sure to catch anyone’s attention! So, wtf is WTF!? Keep reading to learn how this class filled with heavyweight exercises has captivated FFC Members. And, you’ll learn why you should take it!

Okay, So WTF is WTF!?

WTF! is a 45-minute group fitness class that uses heavy weights to tone your body, strengthen your muscles, and increase your overall confidence. When you walk into the FFC group fitness studio, grab a few sets of heavy dumbbells: 1-2 of your heaviest, and 1-2 just a bit lighter. New to WTF!? Be sure to let your instructor know so they can better coach you!

The class consists of 8 exercises and 2 full rounds. The exercises vary by class. You may find yourself doing weighted lunges, chest flies, tricep extensions, bicep curls, overhead presses, and more; one thing you’ll never be during this class is bored! Each exercise starts with 45 seconds of your heaviest dumbbell, followed immediately by 45 seconds of a slightly less heavy dumbbell. There is a 30-second break between each exercise. Once all 8 exercises are complete, round 2 begins. The goal of the first 45 seconds is to work until failure; now you know why it’s called WTF!

FFC Chicago Work Till Failure (WTF!) Group Fitness Class

How and Why was WTF! Developed?

FFC develops all group fitness classes in-house. WTF! was developed this Fall (2024) by Lois Miller, FFC Group Fitness Director. Strength training is a key ingredient in a healthy lifestyle, and has been gaining popularity in recent years as more people learn its benefits.

Between the right timing and a fantastic name idea (you can’t disagree with this great name), Lois knew that FFC Members would embrace this class when it launched! Using her decades of training and group fitness experience, Lois developed WTF!, a class where participants can strength train with the guidance of a group fitness instructor.

FFC Chicago Work Till Failure (WTF!) Group Fitness Class

Why Should I Take WTF!?

WTF! is for everyone. Whether you’ve been training with heavy weights for years, or you’ve never picked up a set of dumbbells, you’ll benefit from WTF! Strength training during the WTF! class will not only strengthen your muscles, but it will also lean your figure, improve your posture, strengthen tendons and ligaments, balance out your cortisol levels, and increase your metabolism. Did you know that during a cardio workout, your calories stop burning immediately following the workout, however during a heavy strength workout (like WTF!), your body continues to burn calories long after the workout is complete?!

An even greater benefit of WTF! than those listed above is increased confidence. When you’re able to lift heavy weights, you’re able to complete everyday tasks like climbing stairs carrying children or backpacks with greater ease. You’ll feel incredibly accomplished as you begin to notice your body getting stronger. You’ll also find pride in the ability to lift heavier weights than you ever thought possible. And, you’ll have a LOT of fun while doing so. As I said above, WTF! is anything but boring!

How Do I Sign Up?

So you’re ready to try it out! Already an FFC Member? Sign up for WTF! TODAY in the FFC+ app! If you’re new to FFC, sign up to take a tour of the Club, and ask your Membership Representative to get you registered for class! 

Let’s get stronger together with WTF!, FFC Chicago!

 

Try WTF Group Fitness Class at FFC on us!
Blog by FFC Marketing Manager Sydney Meyer & FFC Group Fitness Director Lois Miller
Party noise makers and confetti

East Lakeview Member Appreciation Week

Staying home for the holidays? Bring your friends and family members to FFC East Lakeview for our Member Appreciation Week on Monday, December 23 to Friday, December 27! All week long, bring a guest for free and join in the FFC festivities! We’ll have cocoa, surprises for members and guests, and maybe even a Grinch sighting or two!

Questions? Contact Sarah at sfassett@ffc.com.

 

Party noise makers and confetti

FFC Elmhurst is turning 6! Let’s celebrate!

Bring the family and join us on Thursday, December 12 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM to celebrate the six-year anniversary of FFC Elmhurst. The evening will include food, drink specials, and kids activities in the gymnasium including our bouncy house. Enjoy a complimentary guest day to share the experience with your friends. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Contact Scott at sl@ffc.com with any questions.

Santa hats on a string against gray wall

Santa Is Coming To Town

Have you told Santa what you want for the Holidays? Join us for pancakes and a photo with Santa Claus on Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM in the Cafe. There will also be a fun craft to work on while you visit with friends and family around the Community Table!

Contact Jaime at jmules@ffc.com for more information.

a smore by a firepit

S’Mores Kits are available at Local’84 Cafe

The outdoor plaza fire pit is your destination to make yourself a s’more this fall season between 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Stop by the cafe for a kit.

Whiskey Flight

Flight Night

Join us for Flight Night on Wednesday, December 4, 11, and 18 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM! Choose from 4 Bourbons, Whiskeys, or a mix! The cost is $25 per flight.

Pajama Party

PNO: Holiday PJ Party!

Join us Saturday, December 21 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM for a night of fun and games. We take the kids while you enjoy an evening at the theater, a romantic dinner, time with friends, or quiet time with your partner. We will be playing games in the gym and watching a fun Christmas movie in the Kids’ Club. WEAR YOUR FESTIVE PAJAMAS! Registration ends Thursday, December 19.

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

Kids drawing with chalk

Drop In Care 2025

The next day off of school is Monday, January 20. Do you need child care? We’ve got you covered. Drop In Care will be from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The cost is $100. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

To register contact Jaime Mules at jmules@ffc.com.

 

Personal trainer working with a client with weights.

Unlock Your Strength with a Free 30-Minute Training Session!

Struggling to see results with your fitness routine? Martin’s personalized training programs focus on building a strong foundation with compound lifts, tailored to your unique goals. Whether you’re aiming for strength, muscle development, or overall wellness, consistency and progressive overload are at the heart of every plan.

Sign up for a complimentary 30-minute training session! Discover how Martin can help you create long-term success in and out of the gym. Schedule with Martin at maguilera@ffc.com.

 

Holiday sugar cookies

Annual Cookie Exchange

Celebrate the holiday season with an afternoon of sweet treats, warm drinks, and meaningful connections! At the Annual Cookie Exchange, you’re invited to share your favorite homemade cookies or baked goods with fellow members of our community. Whether you love to bake or just enjoy indulging in delicious treats, this is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.

Enjoy complimentary beverages and live holidays music as you mingle with the women who make up the Ladies of Gold Coast.

Questions? Email Member Experience Manager, Daniel Ford dford@ffc.com.

What is Pilates good for, anyway? Here are some benefits of Pilates!

Pilates Group Reformer – Strength & Flexibility

Enhance core strength and mobility with our expert-led Pilates Reformer classes. Want to feel stronger and more flexible? Our Pilates Reformer classes are the perfect way to achieve both! Each full-body session is designed to tone muscles, improve flexibility, and boost your overall fitness. Sign up via the FFC+ app today and start feeling the difference!

Have questions? Email our Pilates Coordinator Suzanne Rens at SRens@ffc.com for more info.

Students using the Pilates reformers at FFC.

Interested in trying Pilates?

Choose from our 3 Reformer Class options!

#1. Upgrade to Premier Pilates and get 4 Group Apparatus classes per month included in your membership*! Commit to working on your strength, flexibility and flow every month! Come to class to stretch and strengthen your body while tightening your core and improving your posture.

#2. Want to try Pilates, but not sure you want to commit to monthly classes? Purchase a single Pilates class for $39, or four Pilates classes for one month for $128!

#3. Interested in Info on Pilates in General? Not sure if you want to take the Pilates plunge yet? Use this link https://dev.ffc.com/pilates-unlimited-program/ and one of our expert Pilates instructors will reach out to help guide you.

Have additional questions? Contact our Pilates Coordinator at SRens@ffc.com.

 

Recovery lounge with massage chairs and cryo chairs inside FFC Gold Coast Gym.

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 Larry at LDuncan@ffc.com.

 

Children playing at daycare Kids Club

Parent’s Night Out: Pancakes & Pajamas!

Join us on Saturday, December 14 and 21 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM for fun games, crafts and to eat pancakes at the kids club! Pancakes, unlimited syrup, and juice boxes are included.The cost is $35 per child and $45 for two children for FFC Members. Non-Members are welcome for an additional $5 per child. This event is for children ages 3 months – 12 years old.

Register with Marianne at mfrianeza@ffc.com.

 

Calling all vendors sign

FFC Holiday Bazaar – Calling All Vendors

We are in search of vendors to participate in our holiday shopping event on Saturday, December 7 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Bring your own setup, sell your items, keep all of the proceeds you make, and participate in the 2nd annual FFC Holiday Bazaar. Vendors must be approved. The cost is $25 for a table for members and $50 for a table for non-members. Items welcomed include arts and crafts, pottery, stained & painted glass, specialty foods, baked items, photography, floral, jewelry, candles, holiday decor, home decor, handmade crafts, booksellers, and more!

Spots are limited. Register today by contacting Maryssa at mlitherland@ffc.com.