Gold Coast Archives

The Healing Sound Bowl

Join us every Thursday at 6:45 PM for Sound Mind/Body Flow, a rejuvenating Vinyasa yoga practice that connects flowing postures with your breath to enhance strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. This class also includes a transformative Sound Bowl and Guided Meditation segment designed to clear energy blocks and restore harmony and peace in your body.

Sign up on the FFC app or contact Lara at LMele@ffc.com for more information. Start your journey to balance and renewal this New Year!

InBody machine for body composition analysis

Measure, Track, Achieve: Complete A Free InBody Test to Begin Your Year Right!

Kickstart your wellness journey this January with a Free InBody Test at FFC! Whether you’re setting new fitness goals or looking to track your progress, the InBody Test provides a detailed analysis of your body composition, helping you understand your starting point and plan your path to success.

Take the first step toward a healthier you schedule your free test today by emailing Jessica at JKorda@ffc.com and make this year your best one yet!

Indoor Triathlon

Come join us for the 2025 FFC Indoor Triathlon Series, powered by Grit Endurance! This is a great opportunity for athletes of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Whether you are looking to complete your first triathlon in a controlled environment or challenge yourself to improve your performance, this race is for you!

Race Dates and Locations:

Saturday, January 18 at 8:00 AM AND Saturday, March 8 at 8:00 AM
FFC Union Station (444 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60606)
$75 per person for one race | $125 per person for both races – To register, visit the group fitness section in FFC+ app, set your club location to Union Station, then choose the date of the event from the calendar.

What’s included with your race entry:

Finisher’s Certificate
$15 off a Grit Endurance Swim Lesson
$15 off a FFC massage

Race structure:

10-minute pool swim
15-minute transition to spin bikes
30-minute bike
5-minute transition to treadmills
20-minute run

How it will work and FAQs:

Waves of 4 athletes will start the race every 25-minutes, beginning at 8:00 AM. Your wave time will be first come first serve based on your registration order (i.e, the first 4 registrants start at 8:00 AM, next 4 at 8:25 AM, etc.)
Athletes will have access to the pool for 15 minutes prior to their wave to warm up
Race results will be based on total distance covered during the swim, bike and run portions based on the following weighting system:
-Swim: 10x distance covered
-Bike: 1x distance covered
-Run: 3x distance covered
Athletes will have access to the locker rooms, showers, drinking fountains, etc., but should bring their own nutrition / hydration as needed
Athletes should arrive at least 20 minutes prior to their wave time to check in, get changed, and get to the pool for the swim start (you must be on time to your wave start in order to participate!)
The pool is 24.6 yards long, and is a maximum of 4 feet and 3 inches deep

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.

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.

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

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.

Try Our New Cold Brew in 3 Delicious Flavors!

Cool Down with Fresh Ingredients and Flavor in Every Sip! We’re excited to introduce our new cold brew coffee, now available in three delicious flavors! Made with only the freshest, high-quality coffee beans and natural ingredients, our cold brew is the perfect way to refresh your day. Whether you’re a fan of classic coffee or something a little different, we’ve got a flavor for you.

Photo of a brain and stethoscope for mental health

Group Fitness Classes In Honor Of World Mental Health Day

Join us as we honor World Mental Health Day with “Unplug” – a 15 minute meditation class following one of our regular scheduled classes on Thursday, October 10! Learn how to calm your brain and body with simple meditation techniques. Experience an increase in self awareness, clarity and creativity. See below for which class will have a meditation class following it. Register for a spot in the FFC+ App!

Elmhurst:

Unplug: 11:45-12:00 PM with Denise

Gold Coast:

Unplug: 9:45-10:00 AM, following the 9:00 AM Vinyasa Yoga

Lincoln Park:

Unplug: 7:30-7:45 PM, following the 6:45 PM Candlelight Yoga

Old Town:

Unplug: 12:45-1:00 PM, following the 12:00 PM Vinyasa Yoga

Park Ridge:

Unplug: 7:30-7:45 PM with Anna

South Loop:

Unplug: 8:00 AM with Tony, following the 7:00 AM Sunrise Salutation class

West Loop:

Unplug: 8:30 PM with Alice, following the 7:30 PM Hot Yoga class

Experience the Love: Member Appreciation Events Are Here!

Celebrate the spirit of community and connection with our exclusive Member Appreciation Week! We’re rolling out a week of fun-filled, specially curated events just for you. Whether you’re looking to unwind, socialize, or simply enjoy some member-only perks, we’ve got something for everyone. It’s our way of saying thank you for being an essential part of our club. Come join the festivities and feel the love – because you deserve it!

NEW GF Class…WTF! (Work Till Failure)

This full body, strength training workout tackles every major muscle group with the use of heavy weights for eight exercises. Each exercise is performed for 45 seconds with your heaviest weight selection then immediately dropped to slightly lighter weight for the last 45 seconds. Following this 90 second set is a 30 second rest. Once all eight exercises are completed, the circuit will run for one more round.

Tuesdays at 5:30 PM
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
Fridays at 6:30 AM

Tone & Toast

Join us for “Tone & Toast,” offered after each Pilates group class during Member Week September 16 – 21. After your workout, raise a glass of prosecco and celebrate your effort with fellow members. It’s the perfect way to tone your body and toast to your progress—don’t miss out on this special experience!

How to prevent dehydration - keeping up with water intake

Hydrate & Nourish Stop

Stay refreshed and energized with our “Hydrate & Nourish Stop,” available after select group fitness classes during Member Appreciation Week. Keep your eyes out for this pop-up station, where you can grab healthy snacks and hydration to refuel after your workout.

Don’t miss the chance to recharge and recover post-class!

Mighty Member Challenge

Unleash your inner strength with the “Mighty Member Challenge,” happening daily from Monday, September 16, to Saturday, September 21. Each day, we’ll feature a different strength move to find the strongest members in our community, with categories available to ensure fairness for all participants.

Are you ready to prove your might and take the title? Join us and find out!