Weekly Hip and Shoulder Mobility Clinic
Join us for a Hip and Shoulder Mobility Clinic on Friday, June 7 at 10:00 AM!
Contact Ethan at ebreitenstein@ffc.com to register or with any questions.
Archive for year: 2024
Kickboxing with John
Register for a 45 boxing minute session, focused on technique and mit work.
Reach out to John at jsanchezosorio@ffc.com to set up your complimentary appointment today.
The Path from Pantry to Plate: A Nutrition Mini Series
Every Thursday evening in June from 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Who: Open to FFC members and PT residents.
What: A mini-series empowering you to take control of your meal journey, from creating a grocery list to taking your first bite. Each week we will tackle a new step in the process: 1) how to create a comprehensive grocery list, 2) how to efficiently shop for groceries, 3) how to prep foods, and 4) how to properly portion food when it’s time to eat.
Where: PT community room (meet in FFC lobby)
When: Every Thursday in June (6, 13, 20, 27)
How: Discussion led by Leah with the final week including a food demo of energy bites
Email Registered Dietitian, Leah Kostos at lkostos@ffc.com.
Not just lifting weights: Weightlifting
FFC Personal Trainer Gage Cousineau, USA Weightlifting (USAW) Certified Coach wants to share his expertise with the West Loop members.
What is Weightlifting?
Weightlifting is more than just lifting weights; it is the International and Olympic sport that contests the Snatch and Clean and Jerk. It is also one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation!
Who should learn the classic lifts and their variations?
Anyone looking to improve their power output, their mobility, perform better for a sport (whether that sport is weightlifting or not), or spice up their strength training with something that requires an aggressive dynamic effort, tempered by great technique.
Am I fit enough to start?
Yes! While mobility restrictions may slow your start into the full lift, we can work on your mobility while training in the ranges you’re capable of reaching.
Who do I contact for more info?
Email gcousineau@ffc.com with any questions.
Cabanas Available
Want to bring some friends to the outdoor pool, but can’t narrow it down? Book a cabana! With guest passes now included, along with a food and drink credit, it’s the only way to enjoy summer on the pool deck in style with your friends.
Book using your FFC+ app. Restrictions apply.
Recovery Lounge Open House
Access to the recovery lounge is open to all members. Join us on Thursday, June 20 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM for an Open House to learn more. Enjoy a small glass of champagne, and let your cares melt away as you sit in our massage chairs and strap on our compression boots.
Mikerphone Brewing is now an official sponsor of the West Loop Splash Bar!
Enjoy their collection of craft brews and seltzers at the Splash Bar from Mikerphone Brewing all summer long.
Fitness Formula Clubs Celebrates 40 Years By Being Named Chicago Reader’s 2023 Best in Chicago
Fitness Formula Clubs Celebrates 40 Years By Being Named Chicago Reader’s 2023 Best in Chicago
(Chicago, Illinois) – As Chicagoland-based Fitness Formula Clubs’ (FFC) embarks on its 40th year, another milestone is added to the celebrations: being named Chicago Reader’s Best Gyms in Chicago for 2023. Founded in 1984, FFC is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the local communities it serves across its 10 locations, seven within Chicago city limits and three in the nearby suburbs.
Since its inception, FFC has been deeply ingrained in the fabric of Chicago, embodying the spirit and energy of the city from day one. Founded on the principles of innovation, friendliness and integrity, FFC has continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of its members while staying true to its Chicago roots.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate our 40th anniversary alongside the honor of being named Chicago Reader’s 2023 Best in Chicago. That’s because we are so much more than ‘gyms’. We are in the active sports and lifestyle business of which health, fitness, wellness and nutrition are components,” said Gale Landers, FFC Founder and CEO. “This award is a testament of our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences and impacting thousands of lives. As we look to the future, we remain committed to our purpose of enhancing the lives of our members and guests by improving their overall health and wellbeing and to serving as a force for positive change in our 10 neighborhood communities.”
FFC’s recognition as the Best in Chicago underscores its rich heritage and legacy of excellence. To continuously enhance the value provided to its members, FFC takes pride in reinvesting in its clubs and staff, maintaining a steadfast commitment to delivering top-notch facilities, cutting-edge programs and personalized services tailored to the diverse needs of its members.
FFC Park Ridge Outdoor Pool Hours
Our outdoor pool hours are:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- 21+ Years: Friday – Sunday, Holidays & Events
Family outdoor pool hours are:
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- No Family Hours: Holidays & Events
Children (3 months up to 12 years of age) must be accompanied by an adult at all times and be Kids Club Members or pay a $15 guest fee per child per visit.
Splash Bar hours are:
- Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Splash Bar Hours are Weather Permitting
All hours above are for the 2024 season only.
Emily Oberst’s Road to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games
Emily Oberst is a 25 year old Wisconsin Native, current Chicago resident, 2020 University of Illinois graduate, AND a member of Team U.S.A’s Women’s Wheelchair Basketball team. She and her team will be competing in the Paris Paralympic Games this summer! Emily is a member of FFC Gold Coast, where she completes most of her training for the Paralympics.
I met with her to learn about her background, how she found Wheelchair Basketball, her journey to making it to the Paris Paralympics, and what her training schedule looks like at FFC Gold Coast. Keep reading to learn Emily’s story, or watch our interview below!
From Cancer Survivor to Paralympic Athlete
As a young girl, Emily was obsessed with basketball. She spent her weekends traveling for tournaments, and had dreams to one day play in the WNBA and maybe even make it on the Team U.S.A Olympic Basketball team. At age 12, Emily was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a bone cancer that was in her leg. The diagnosis meant she would have to undergo a forced surgery, causing her to lose the ability to run and jump.
“At the time, I was more devastated to learn I wouldn’t be able to play basketball than the actual cancer, because I was only 12 years old and I didn’t really know what (receiving a cancer diagnosis) meant.”
The great news: after undergoing the surgery and chemotherapy, Emily is in full remission!
Emily explained that her best friends at that age were her teammates. Though she was grateful to be healthy, when she was told she wouldn’t be able to play basketball anymore, she crumbled. She stayed on her basketball team as a manager, but she couldn’t stop herself from desperately missing the sport that had been such an important part of her life.
Discovering Wheelchair Basketball
To satisfy her passion for sports and fitness, Emily explored alternative options to basketball. She tried out golf, which did not require full leg function. At age 15, she was approached by a Wheelchair Basketball coach in her hometown of Milwaukee to try out the sport. He invited her to attend one of their practices.
“I was originally very hesitant. I didn’t understand that because I walk in everyday life, I could still play an adaptive sport.”
She went to the practice anyways, with the goal of politely saying, “thanks for thinking of me, but I don’t think this sport is for me.” Emily was immediately surprised with what she saw on the court. A sport she had assumed was slower paced with little excitement seemed to be just the opposite. Emily fell in love with the energy, athleticism, and competitiveness of Wheelchair Basketball. It encompassed everything that she loved about able-bodied basketball!
But, she wasn’t in a wheelchair in everyday life. How could she participate? Emily learned that anyone who is unable to participate in able-bodied basketball as a result of a disabling conditioning or injury is able to play wheelchair basketball. Having experienced a surgery at 12 that prevented her from running and jumping, Emily was qualified to play wheelchair basketball.
From that practice on, Emily’s passion for basketball was reignited.
Journey to College and National Team Success
Emily worked on building upper body strength and learning the differing rules of the Wheelchair Basketball game. From what Emily explained, in addition to the sport being incredibly fun, the Wheelchair Basketball community is incredible. She said that everyone has a unique story that got them there. They also have many commonalities, including their love for sports and basketball, that bonds them.
Emily played Wheelchair Basketball throughout high school. She went on to be recruited for the University of Alabama College Team at age 17. She transferred to University of Illinois, where she finished her career as a college athlete. During her time at University of Illinois, she also made the U.S.A Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team and won a gold medal in the 2019 U.S. Women’s U25 World Championships!
Reigniting Passion Post-College
After graduating college in 2020, Emily’s focus turned to her career in operations and logistics. She was loving her post-college life in Chicago. However, she felt a part of her was missing without having basketball in her daily routine. In the summer of 2021, she watched as some of her college teammates competed in the Tokyo Paralympics, taking home the bronze medal for Team U.S.A.
“I have never known what (winning a Paralympic medal) felt like, so that sparked my passion (for Wheelchair Basketball) again.”
I can’t imagine what it would be like to work a full time job AND train for the Paralympics, but Emily is pulling it off flawlessly. Since picking up the sport again in 2021, Emily and the Team U.S.A Women’s Basketball Team won a bronze medal at the World Championships and a gold medal at the Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile. Her next goal? Win gold in Paris!
Paralympic Training and FFC Gold Coast
Emily spends one long weekend a month at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The rest of her Paralympic training happens at FFC Gold Coast.
“It’s super nice that this (FFC) location has a basketball court so I can easily come shoot hoops when I need to get those sessions in and then lift for the conditioning portion of my training.”
How You Can Support Emily’s Journey
My first question for Emily as we were finishing up our time together was how we can best support her from back in the U.S. while she is in Paris competing with Team U.S.A. The first step is to follow her on Instagram, @emily_oberst. She posts updates on her Paralympic journey there. She will also be going to China in a few weeks to compete in a “Friendly Tournament” against China and the Netherlands. Follow along with her team there as well!
Interested in watching the games in Paris? Me too. Emily informed me that they will be streaming on Peacock!
Emily, your FFC Family can’t wait to support you in the Paralympic Games. We are so lucky to have you as a part of our community!
Post Written by FFC Marketing Manager Sydney Meyer.
Day At The Lake
Join us for a new weekend small group class on Saturdays and Sundays at 8:30 am beginning May 18! Start with a run from FFC South Loop to the lake, enjoy a 30-minute workout routine by the water, then run back to the club! Cost ranges from $32-$39.
Class Overview:
- Jog from the gym to the lakefront (10-15 minutes).
- Circuit Training at the Lakefront (30 minutes):
- Circuit 1: Amrap – 10 min
-Bodyweight squats: 15 reps
-Push-ups: 12 reps
-Lunges: 12 reps for each leg
-Plank: Hold for 30 seconds
- Circuit 2: Amrap -10 min
-Jumping jacks: 10 reps
-Mountain climbers: 20 reps
-Tricep dips using a bench or low wall: 12 reps
-Bicycle crunches: 15 reps each side
-Amrap 10min
- Circuit 3: Amrap – 10 min
-Burpees: 10 reps
-High knees: 20 reps
-Russian twists with or without a weight: 15 reps each side
-Side plank: Hold for 30 seconds each side
- Light jog back to the gym (10-15 minutes).
The program offers a mix of cardio, strength, and core exercises using only bodyweight, making it accessible for all fitness levels. It also takes advantage of the beautiful lakefront environment for added motivation and enjoyment. For more details or to register, email Jaylan at jpascascio@ffc.com.
FFC Union Station Hot Tub and Pool Maintenance Update
Heads up that the FFC Union Station Women’s Hot Tub will be closed until Monday, 5/13 for repair and refurbishment.
In addition, the pool will be closed on Wednesday, 5/1, Thursday, 5/2, and Friday, 5/3 for sprinkler system repairs. The pool will be back open at 7 am on Saturday, 5/4.
Please contact Ross at rharrison@ffc.com with any questions.
FFC West Loop Cabana Details
We are thrilled to announce the opening of cabana rentals for the 2025 Summer Season at FFC West Loop! Cabanas will open late May, weather dependant.
Cabana Rental details:
- 5 cabanas will be available for rental – 3 large (8 person max capacity) and 2 small (4 person max capacity)
- Cabanas will be available for rental for 6-hour time blocks only: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Large cabanas are $200 per 6-hour block with a $100 food & beverage credit (details below)
- Small cabanas are $150 per 6-hour block with a $75 food & beverage credit (details below)
- The pricing above NOW INCLUDES guest fees.
- 12-hour cancellation policy applies (details below)
Rules & Regulations:
- Cabanas will be reserved via our app, FFC+ in a 6 hour time block, 11 am to 5 pm.
- All reservations will adhere to our 12 hour cancellation policy, with no refunds for inclement weather.
- Any pre-emptive closures by FFC will result in a refund of the total amount of the reservation.
- Any reservation canceled within the 12 hour window will be assessed a service fee equal to 50% of the total reservation fee.
- The cabana rental includes guest passes. All guests must provide a valid ID, sign our liability waiver, and adhere to all FFC policies. Guests must be pre-registered.
- All reservations need to be made by an active member in good account standing.
- The reservation fee for the 3 middle cabanas is $200 with a $100 Food and Beverage credit to use at the Splash Bar. The reservation fee for the 2 outside cabanas is $150 with a $75 Food and Beverage credit. This credit is non-refundable.
- F&B credit only applies to alcoholic drinks, and non inventory food. Credit can not be used towards gratuity.
- All Food and Beverage Minimums do not include taxes or an automatic 18% gratuity which will be added to the final bill.
- All persons must be 21+ to use the cabanas.
- Cabana capacity is limited to 8 for a large cabana, and 4 for a small cabana.
- You must check in at the West Loop Splash Bar host kiosk. Guests will receive a stamp at the pool desk for easy access to the club restrooms and cafe.
Purchase and book your cabana in the FFC+ app under “Booking Services.”
Please reach out to the FFC West Loop Splash Bar Manager, Tanner Fowler at tfowler@ffc.com with any questions.
Have a great summer!
Infrared Sauna coming to the FFC West Loop Spa
FFC West Loop is adding an Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy in our Spa in late May!
When your body warms up, it taps into a variety of natural, beneficial processes that increase metabolism, improve skin, boost mood, eliminate toxins, burn fat, and more. Infrared heat provides all the healthy benefits of natural sunlight without any of the dangerous effects of solar radiation.
Infrared heaters warm the body in the same manner as natural sunlight. Infrared heat therapy uses the wavelength of the visible and non-visible light spectrum of sunlight that heats the body normally. Traditional saunas raise the temperature of the air to a very high level within the chamber to warm the body. Some people have difficulty breathing in this extremely warm air. Infrared saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air within the enclosure, infrared saunas heat the body directly. The result is deeper tissue penetration. In an infrared sauna, the body perspires and receives all of the healthy benefits but avoids the harmful and extremely hot air of a traditional steam sauna.
Our Infrared sauna also has red light therapy technology. The technology dates back to the early 1990s. Red light therapy was used as a tool to help grow plants in space because it helps promote healthy cell growth and regeneration. Today the use of red light therapy is especially popular amongst athletes seeking help for joint pain and inflammation, physical performance, and skin health.
FFC Park Ridge Pickleball Clinic with Pro Scott Moore
Elevate your pickleball prowess at our upcoming clinic led by the seasoned Pickleball Pro, Scott Moore. These sessions are the perfect arena to sharpen your strategies, polish your techniques, and mingle with fellow pickleball aficionados. Mark your calendars for May 20:
🏓 9:00 – 11:00 AM: 3.0-3.5 Players
🏓 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: 3.5-4.0
The cost is $125 per member. Pre-registration is required at ffc.com/group-fitness-programs under clinic!
Don’t miss this chance to turn your pickleball game from basic to brilliant!
Want to learn how to run strong and injury free?
Run strong and injury-free this season! Are you an avid runner looking to enhance your running performance? Learn how weekly strength training sessions will help you run faster, further, and reduce the risk of injury.
Contact Deon Morrissette at dmorrissette@ffc.com for a free consultation to become a stronger, more efficient runner.
May the 4th Light Saber Workshop
Join Sam for a Star Wars-themed stage combat workout on Saturday, May 4 from 1:30 – 2:30 PM. Train with your very own “light saber,” while incorporating cardio, conditioning, and a lot of fun. Dress in costume for the chance to win a prize.
Reserve your space in the FFC+ app. Questions? Contact sam.ryan@ffc.com.
Dance Mash-Up
Jennifer and Matt team up for this Werq/Zumba Mash on Friday, May 10 at 6:00 PM. Dance into Mother’s Day weekend with this dance workout featuring music by Dua Lipa along with other empowered artists. Bring a complimentary guest.
Sign up on the FFC+ App and contact Dominick at ddefranco@ffc.com with any questions.
Trivia Night At The Club Lounge
Have a seat in the Club Lounge on Tuesday, May 7 for trivia night! Have a drink while teasing your brain and a chance to win exciting prizes. On-site registration begins at 6:00 PM. Trivia begins at 6:30 PM and will end by 7:30 PM. We will have 4 rounds of 10 questions. Form a team of 3 or register as a single player.
For more information, please contact Jack at jhennel@ffc.com.
Mini-Member Summer Camps
Join us June 3 – August 9 for some FUN in the SUN!!! Ages 4-9 are welcome to join us for arts and crafts, swimming, and outdoor play time at our local Wilder Park. The Half Day camp runs Monday – Thursday from 12:30 – 3:30 PM and the Full Day camp runs Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM with before and after care options. Sign up for 1 week or multiple weeks! Register by Friday, May 3 for the early bird special.
Stop by the Kid’s Club to pre-register or contact Jaime Mules at jmules@ffc.com.