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Member Stories: How Jennifer Bruno Learned To ‘Trust The Process’ To Achieve Results

Member Jennifer Bruno shares how she found community at FFC East Lakeview and learned the power of accepting help when it’s offered.

What made you decide to join FFC East Lakeview in July 2019? 

At the time, I had been a member of another gym for about two years. I first joined in 2017 after deciding I needed to make a change. At first, I was very excited to start a workout routine but after a while, that excitement disappeared and I found myself going back to old habits. In June of 2019, a friend of mine joined FFC and highly recommended it so I thought I’d give it a try. The first time I went in for a workout at Lakeview, I immediately felt welcome. The trainers and staff were excited to have me. They always greeted me by name, even before I knew some of theirs.

Even now, every time I walk in to FFC, I’m welcomed by an entire staff of people that make me feel like I belong, like I’m part of the crew. They ask how I’m doing and take an interest in what I’m working on that day. It makes me so happy when I can tell them I’ve lost another pound or mastered a new workout. The encouragement I get from them is priceless. My old gym didn’t seem to think these minor details were important, but it’s made all the difference for me.

Since you’ve become a member, you’ve lost 50 pounds! What did you do both inside and outside of the gym to achieve these results? 

Inside the gym, I work with a trainer [Kate Malcolm] twice a week. We’ve worked together since the first week I was a member and without her, I wouldn’t be where I am. She’s kept me motivated and encouraged all this time, and I still feel the same excitement for my future that I felt on day one. During our sessions, we do strength training using weights and machines. Three to four days a week, I work out on my own which usually consists of cardio, using the treadmill and elliptical. Every workout is an hour long, sometimes more when I can.

Related: Short on time? Try this quick lower body workout

When I started at FFC, my health was at a low point. I decided to make it my number one priority, and while there are several distractions that come up in life, my health is my main focus. Therefore outside of the gym, I connect what I’m doing to the efforts I put in at the gym. I try to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water and eat foods that give me good energy. Most of my meals consist of a good bit of protein and vegetables. Possibly the biggest food change I made was a 6-month commitment to not eat pasta or noodles of any kind in the last half of 2019. Back in July, it seemed unlikely that I would actually see it through but now that I’m on the other side, it’s easy to say no. I don’t crave my old favorite pasta dishes anymore and don’t really have any interest in eating it, possibly ever again. That’s saying a lot for someone who used to eat it several times a week.

You train with Master Trainer Kate Malcolm at FFC East Lakeview. What is the biggest takeaway you have from working with Kate? 

Something Kate has said to me several times is to “trust the process.” Every time I felt like this wasn’t working, she’d prove to me that if I just kept trying, I’d see results. I’m confident in saying if it wasn’t for Kate, I would have given up long ago. She’s been my biggest supporter and teacher of all things fitness. Having someone in my life who’s as committed to my progress as I am is so helpful in motivating me to make good choices even when no one’s watching.

Personal training has without a doubt changed me. Sure, I’ve lost 50 pounds so I look different, but this change is not just physical. Training has changed the way I think. It’s taught me the importance of exercise, and how pairing training with the right foods and adequate rest results in an increase in energy and confidence and more effective workouts. These are things I already knew but somehow took me years to understand.

Tell us about your experience using your Myzone heart rate monitor. What role did it play in your weight loss journey? 

I started using the Myzone belt a couple weeks after joining FFC. Myzone seems more accurate than most other monitors since it sits in the middle of the chest. I use it to monitor my heart rate during workouts and get an idea of what moves are taking the most work for me to do. I also use it to compare workouts so I can see how I’m progressing through the weeks. Kate and I joke that she can keep an eye on me on the days we don’t meet using the Myzone app. But all joking aside, it is a good way for her to see what I’m doing when I’m on my own so she knows how to tailor our workouts together.

Related: Here’s What Happened When I Tried Myzone

One surprising thing I’ve noticed about Myzone is the crazy battery it has inside of it. We’re going on seven months of use and I have yet to charge it. When I opened the box, it had about 70% battery and it’s still at 50% now. Come to think of it, I’m not exactly sure where the charger is right now but luckily, I probably have a good 10 months to find it.

What advice would you give to someone who isn’t seeing results yet from their efforts? What motivates you to continue to work toward your goals? 

Be patient, refocus as often as you need to, and most importantly; don’t quit! The fact is, it’s hard to push yourself to make lifestyle changes. Every day is a struggle. Every workout hurts. Every meal is an internal battle. But it can be done and it’s absolutely worth it. It’s worth the struggle, the inconvenience, the sore muscles, all of it. You’ll feel better. You’ll share in activities you couldn’t before. You’ll open a whole new world of experiences to yourself. All I’m saying is try. Try sticking with it and you might be surprised where you end up.

There have been several times where I wasn’t seeing a difference despite my hard work, and it still happens now. My process has been to reevaluate and adjust. Add more cardio here, maybe less queso here… To be honest, it happens a couple times a week. I mess up, but the beautiful thing is every new day gives me another chance to get up and try again. It takes time but eventually those good habits stick and consistency pays off. You will see results if you keep working. I can promise you that.

As far as the motivation to keep going, it really comes down to just having a desire to be better. It took years to figure out, but I’ve realized that where I was six months ago is not what I want. I want to be healthy and fit. I want to feel good in my own skin, to walk through this beautiful city without pain. Exercise is the way to get those things. So I show up. I work hard. I make better choices. But maybe most importantly, I accept help when it’s offered. We all need help when we’re starting out and most people are happy to help. The trainers at FFC have dedicated their professional lives to that very thing, and I’m grateful to them for their encouragement, support and knowledge these last six months. I absolutely wouldn’t have made it this far without them.

My time at FFC and with Kate has taught me more than I could have imagined going in. My only wish is that I had done this sooner. But there’s no time for regrets. I’ve got another 50 pounds to lose in 2020 so going forward, my focus is on staying the course, putting in the work, and as Kate would say “trusting the process.” And anyone reading this can do it, too.

Post written by FFC Member Jennifer Bruno.

Interview with long-time FFC member Dr. Gordy Siegel

Member Stories: An Interview with Long-Time FFC Member Dr. Gordy Siegel

In honor of Fitness Formula Clubs celebrating its 35th anniversary, FFC marketing manager Megan Zink had the opportunity to sit down with one of FFC’s long-time charter members, Dr. Gordy Siegel, and learn a little bit about his experience in the community.

This interview has been lightly edited for brevity.

Megan Zink: You’ve been a member of FFC for quite some time. Since then, has it been part of a regular routine for you, or has it kind of ebbed and flowed? First of all, not many people can say they go to the gym on a regular basis, but you’ve been going to FFC for a while.

Dr. Gordy Siegel: It’s a very important part of my life.

MZ: Do you have any favorite kind of workouts? What do you usually do?

DGS: Watch a lot of TV, get a lot to eat – no. I just kind of do a little bit of this, a little bit of that, trying to stay healthy. It’s nice to see the new machines come in every so often. I watch other people to see what they’re doing, and if I think I can do it without killing myself, I’ll try it.

MZ: So do you think going to FFC on a regular basis has changed you, or given benefit to your life?

DGS: I think it’s aged me a lot.

MZ: Backwards!

DGS: I don’t know that it’s changed me so much as allowed me to enjoy life and stay healthy. I would imagine that without it, I probably wouldn’t have some of the advantages I do in terms of health.

Related: take advantage of a special Anniversary Month offer to join FFC in September!

MZ: Has anything notable happened while you’ve been there?

DGS: I remember Sundays – this goes back a while – I was watching a bunch of people play basketball. And one of them looked familiar. And I am NOT a sports person, by the way. You say the name of a team and I might know what sport they play. But that’s as far as it goes.

And there was a guy on the court, and I said to myself, ‘you know, he looks familiar…’ It was Michael Jordan. He used to come over and play pickup games with people at the gym. I guess he had a place on Lakeshore Drive and he would come over every so often – that’s kind of memorable.

It’s just a nice, nice place to go. I’m probably your best advertiser around. Over the years I’ve actually tried a number of different places – I’ve never left FFC – but FFC is just a nice place with nice people.

MZ: That’s part of the reason I started focusing on the stories so much – everyone you meet is just so nice!

DGS: And we span generations. Little kids like you, old farts like me. Everything in between.

I don’t know if Larry told you how I joined?

MZ: No, but I was very curious.

DGS: For years I had said that I should join a gym to be healthy. So then I heard FFC was opening up and I thought, ‘well, you know, I’ll walk over and at least give it a try.’ And I got hooked.

You feel better. I think it’s pretty universal. Days that I go – it’s not just physical – you mentally feel better. In many ways. If I get into a situation where I get busy – sometimes I’ll miss a week – you can feel a difference. Definitely feel a difference. It’s a passion. I fell in love.

MZ: So if you had to name a couple of top favorite things about FFC, what would they be?

DGS: Location. The location is very good for me. I’d have to say the people. And going that early in the morning – it’s not like people sit around and have a social hour. That being said, most of us who are there when the place opens up know each other. Maybe just by first name, but over the years you get to know people. And the more you get to know people, the more you like them. Very few jerks over the years. I guess it’s a combination of the facilities, the people – it’s a good, healthy feeling.

You feel better. I think it’s pretty universal. Days that I go – it’s not just physical – you mentally feel better. In many ways. If I get into a situation where I get busy – sometimes I’ll miss a week – you can feel a difference. Definitely feel a difference. It’s a passion. I fell in love.

Faction Family: The Fitness Community I Found at FFC

FFC Lincoln Park member Amanda George has been taking high intensity interval training classes in the performance training center (what is now called The Faction) and shares some benefits she’s achieved – including a new personal marathon record!

I have been an FFC member for about 2 years. Not only do I love the community there, but I have also seen excellent results. This past March, I was able to shave 15 minutes off my previous marathon PR to run a 3:13 on a hilly Atlanta course. It turns out that this effort was enough to earn me 3rd place female overall, which was a thrilling and unexpected experience!

I found my passion for distance running after graduating college. Therefore, I am not a very well-groomed nor experienced runner. However, I have always loved fitness and am willing to put in the hard work that comes with endurance sports. The PTC classes at FFC (now dubbed The Faction) have helped make that work even more enjoyable!

Related: why do HIIT and a sample HIIT workout for beginners!

Strength Training for Runners

I started consistently doing PTC (now Faction) classes a little over a year ago. While they do provide a cardio workout, the greatest benefit for me personally is the strength components. Although I could go out and run for hours, for whatever reason, it is hard for me to even make time for a 15 minutes strength routine, if left to my own devices.

However, once I get to class, the workout no longer feels like a chore. I get inspired by the great trainers and the group energy. Furthermore, the trainers provide feedback on my form as I go, which is something I really needed as a novice to some of these moves (deadlifts, kettlebell swings, clean/press, etc.). In my build-up to marathon training, I would attend class 4-5 times per week. This laid the groundwork of endurance and strength that set me up for a successful marathon training cycle and played a major role in my dramatic improvement as a runner.

Clearly a Community

Lastly, I can’t say enough about the Faction community. This past month, there were two occasions where we had donuts/brownies after class to celebrate a birthday and a going-away party. We may have un-done the workout with our calorie consumption, but we had fun! The trainers are enthusiastic, patient, creative, and encouraging. The positive tone that they set rubs off on the rest of the group, and I find constant encouragement from my “workout buddies.” 

Related: benefits of high intensity interval training and why you should give it a try.

Also, the trainers really go above and beyond. For instance, even when I paused Faction classes for a while (as I was ramping up mileage), they would ask me in passing how my marathon training was going. When I got an injury in the weeks leading up to the marathon, trainer, Jonathan Basuel, took time out of his busy schedule to show me a few stretches that would speed up my recovery. I didn’t even have to ask, but rather he just heard I was hurt and generously offered to lend his expertise. Experiences like that have won me over, so that I fully buy in to the power of the Faction and its strong community – in every sense of the word. :)

Post written by FFC Lincoln Park member Amanda George.

Related: trying to lose weight? Science says try HIIT!

Member stories: How Mary May overcame a health challenge and got back into fitness

Member Stories: Finding a Routine & Overcoming Health Challenges at FFC

I’ve been a member of FFC for almost 20 years. Living in the Lakeview neighborhood, I frequent the Boystown and East Lakeview locations at least 5-6 times per week, primarily in the morning. In the past few months, I’ve also started working out at least once a week at the West Loop location.

My experience with FFC over the years has been wonderful and it’s enhanced my life and overall health in so many ways. The entire staff is excellent; not only are they professional, but the encouragement they offer is invaluable. 

I’m a very active person, and love the “endorphin high” that you get from physical activity. Living in Chicago there is nothing like a run or bike ride along our lakefront. Over the years I’ve run 7 marathons, countless triathlons, as well as 10K, 8K and 5K races. 

At FFC, I love a good spin class (music is key!) and the personal training is world class. My only downside is that I hate to run on the treadmill (but I’ll do it!).

When the Rubber Hits the Road

I have a good routine going that keeps me fit and healthy. But sometimes we’re all faced with difficult challenges.   

In January 2016, I had two large fibroids surgically removed and was out of commission for three weeks. This meant no working out and resting at home. Being an active woman, that was VERY hard. Nevertheless, during my recovery I was cleared to walk on the treadmill and not much else… but it kept me sane.

However, I never fully recovered. Two days after going back to work, I found myself back in the hospital and undergoing emergency surgery due to a severe bacterial infection. For a two-week period, I was in and out of the hospital.

Once released, I was connected to a wound-vac to heal the massive incision on my abdomen, and I had to administer antibiotics through an IV PICC line. For six weeks, I had a nurse come to my home and change my bandages and PICC line, and draw blood in order to monitor my infection.

Slowly But Surely

While I was recovering, a one-block walk became a walk around the corner… and then a walk to the lake and back. Once my doctor gave me permission, I was able to go back to the gym and attempt light workouts… and of course I did a little more than I was cleared to do! Getting back to where I was before my illness was very important to me and FFC played an enormous role with my goal.

Once I returned to work, normalcy started to creep back in, Hallelujah! As I kept getting stronger, I decided I was really going to challenge myself… I signed up for a race. On Sunday, September 25, I completed the Chicago Half Marathon!

Related: how one FFC member overcame a devastating sports injury and refocused his energy into finding his life purpose, through FFC.

Soon after the race, I started training with trainer Beth Peterka – I’ve learned so much about the importance of resistance and weight training and aerobic/anerobic exercise. I’m also flipping tires, pushing weighted sleds, climbing the Jacobs Ladder, rowing, doing bench presses, lunges, planks, slamming ropes and much more. Even the treadmill has become fun.

Beth also introduced me to a new obsession that has enhanced my workouts so much that I am stronger and in better shape than I have ever been: MYZONE. I’ve had more fun working out and logging as many MEPs as I can, that ‘MEPing’ has become part of my vocabulary!

Post written & photography provided by FFC member Mary May.

Member stories: conquering my roller coaster weight loss journey.

Member Stories: Conquering The Roller Coaster Weight Loss Story

FFC Old Town member Bryce shares her inspirational weight loss story: triumphs and trials, her experience finding a trainer that fit her needs and everything she learned along the way.

Ever since my senior year of college I have been on a roller coaster of gaining weight and losing weight. I couldn’t go a season of being the same weight. In the summer of 2014, my sister got engaged. I knew that if I wanted to look good in the bridesmaid dress, I needed to lose the weight. I joined Weight Watchers for what would have been the billionth time and joined FFC Old Town for the first time. By the spring of 2015 I had successfully lost almost 50 pounds with the help of a trainer and nutrition plan.

That July I was let go from my job due to budget cuts and essentially gave up and returned to my old ways. I stopped eating healthfully and returned to fast food; I also stopped going to the gym. Within 16 months, not only did I regain the weight I’d lost, I gained an additional 25 pounds, for a total of 75 pounds. It was like a BOGO sale – ‘gain back 50 plus half more!’ You would have thought the pain in my joints walking short distances, falling to the floor with a large thump while squatting to play with my then 6-month old niece, the fact that people at Jimmy/Papa John’s knew my order by the sound of my voice or the realization that I was barely one size away from only plus-sized clothing would have encouraged me to lose the weight, but it didn’t.

One Foot in Front of the Other – The Journey Back to Healthy Habits

It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom and was fed up with my situation that I finally faced the facts and stepped on the scale in November of 2016. I should also mention that one of the main motivators to lose weight was due to my plantar fasciitis. I had been experiencing pain since September and when I saw my podiatrist two months later, he confirmed the diagnosis. I have flat feet and have been wearing custom orthotics since I was a child. The excess weight only flattened my feet more and contributed to the diagnosis. Once I stepped off that scale I was mortified and disappointed to learn I had gained 75 – making me now over 200 pounds. Seeing ‘2’ as the first number was extremely painful. I joined Weight Watchers the next day and entered a grocery store for the first time in forever. I didn’t want to rejoin the gym, though, because I was embarrassed to walk in and show that I’d gained back all the weight, plus more.

Related: read about what led up to member Eric’s life-changing decision and what impact it had on his health.

With the persuasion of my mom (because she knew I was so successful on my last weight loss journey) and the fact that it was a good stress reliever, I rejoined the gym in December that year at 13 pounds down. I signed up with a trainer (I’ve had 3 since I restarted). In my mind I was going to have a good connection with my trainer because I’d experienced that the last time, but sadly, that wasn’t the case.

Trainer 1 never ‘got me’ or understood my limitations (especially with my plantar fasciitis). I don’t think he ever thought I could successfully lose the weight; in some ways I don’t blame him, I wasn’t full committed, partially because I wasn’t the biggest fan and he didn’t motivate me. Every exercise I did was painful. I couldn’t walk over 3.2 mph on the treadmill without feeling winded; using the elliptical was nearly impossible. I felt truly defeated – it wouldn’t be a lie to say I hated the gym. After a little more than a month with Trainer 1, I started working with Trainer 2. I liked her more, but didn’t feel 100% comfortable with her. She was passive aggressive and I am the opposite; I avoid confrontation at all costs. She also spent more time looking at herself in the mirror, talking about herself and cleaning up the equipment than helping me. I never shared my concerns because I thought that was the best I was going to get and I avoid confrontation at all costs. She moved away and in December of 2017 I began training with Trainer 3, Eric, who met my needs.

Eric is by far the best trainer I have ever worked with – he is kind, attentive to my injuries and motivating. Before every session he greets me with a, ‘Hi champ – how was your day?’. He also has the ability to put me in my place, and I truly appreciate it. Professionally, I work with kids with special needs, and often am utterly exhausted when I get to the gym. As soon as he sees me, if he notices my face/attitude look defeated, he tells me to ‘fix my face and walk back in’, which totally changes my attitude. It’s the kick in the butt I need.

Overcoming Obstacles and Seeing Sustainable Success

As soon as I started working with Eric, I started enjoying the gym. I once noticed someone deadlifting and told Eric I wanted to do that one day – he said I could, but I didn’t believe it. He gave me the tools and I am forever grateful. The very next session we started using kettlebells to work up to a deadlift. After that, I practiced my form on the bar. Finally, he put weight on the bar, and I officially did my first deadlift. Over time, I was able to create a bond with Eric – he not only was my trainer, but became a friend as well.

Eric is by far the best trainer I have ever worked with – he is kind, attentive to my injuries and motivating. Before every session he greets me with a, ‘Hi champ – how was your day?’. He also has the ability to put me in my place, and I truly appreciate it. Professionally, I work with kids with special needs, and often am utterly exhausted when I get to the gym. As soon as he sees me, if he notices my face/attitude look defeated, he tells me to ‘fix my face and walk back in’, which totally changes my attitude. It’s the kick in the butt I need.

When I first started my weight loss journey, walking was the only exercise I did outside the gym. I used my Fitbit as a motivator to see how many steps I could get in a day. I would walk back and forth down the halls at my school during all my breaks and even at lunch. At first, I think my coworkers thought it was weird, but when they noticed I had lost weight, they would root me on and ask how many steps I was at. We did a Fitbit challenge to see who could get the most steps in for the month of April in 2017 – I won. It was during that challenge that I became motivated with Myzone.

Myzone for weight lossI remember going to the gym and getting on the treadmill because I wanted get the most steps for that challenge. I remember looking at the Myzone display screens and for some reason I was dead set on burning 1000 calories. Why? I couldn’t tell you. Maybe I just wanted to see how far I could go. Well after an hour and forty-five minutes of walking fast on an incline on the treadmill I hit that 1000 calories. I was so proud of myself I took a picture of it because I was in shock that I was able to do it. I have used my Myzone as a motivator to add more movement to my day. Before my sessions with Eric I’ll dance around my apartment, walk back and forth down the halls at school or climb stairs to gain MEPs. I have participated in three Myzone challenges. I was never motivated to actually win – the motivation for me is to be healthier and to be the best I could be.

Related: how Laura, despite living in Mexico City, sustainably lost weight with Myzone.

As I said earlier, I have never been able to maintain my weight. This time I am keeping the weight off. Part of it was knowing my “why” and “how”. My ‘how’ is through my workout and nutrition. I would like to think I eat pretty clean. I love fruit. Now, I’d rather have fruit than a candy bar. My fitness goals now include continuing to get stronger and add more tone. I am proud to say that so far, I have lost 80 pounds, and for the first time since I was a senior in college have been able to keep the weight off for many seasons.

My why is because I couldn’t keep riding the roller coaster of weight changes. I realized I needed to make my health my priority I needed to take care of myself. Now, I feel better about myself. I have more confidence and I carry myself differently. I am a happier person.

Post written by FFC Old Town member Bryce L.

I remember going to the gym and getting on the treadmill because I wanted get the most steps for that challenge. I remember looking at the Myzone display screens and for some reason I was dead set on burning 1000 calories. Why? I couldn’t tell you. Maybe I just wanted to see how far I could go. Well after an hour and forty-five minutes of walking fast on an incline on the treadmill I hit that 1000 calories. I was so proud of myself I took a picture of it because I was in shock that I was able to do it. I have used my Myzone as a motivator to add more movement to my day. Before my sessions with Eric I’ll dance around my apartment, walk back and forth down the halls at school or climb stairs to gain MEPs. I have participated in three Myzone challenges. I was never motivated to actually win – the motivation for me is to be healthier and to be the best I could be.