A VO2 Max Test involves a maximal exercise session conducted on a treadmill or bike, connected to a device that analyzes your exhaled air. The test reveals how much oxygen you utilize during exercise and determines your maximum oxygen consumption capacity. It is a key indicator of endurance. Additionally, the test assesses your ventilatory threshold based on your exhaled air. What are the advantages of this test, and why should you get one? Continue reading to find out, and learn where you can get a VO2 Max Test in Chicago! Advantages of VO2 Max Assessment Why should you get the VO2 Max Assess ..read more

Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC) are known by our members to be the best. For 40 years, Fitness Formula Clubs have the best facilities, the best equipment, the best personal trainers, the best group fitness instructors, and so much more. We are honored to have also been named the Best Gyms in Chicago in 2023 by Chicago Reader! FFC Employees work every single day to provide an excellent experience for everyone they interact with. This accolade from Chicago Reader is such an incredible testament to that. Since 1984, Fitness Formula Clubs have dedicated themselves to growing our Chicago communities to ..read more

If you’re anything like me, you love trying group fitness classes in Chicago. You love getting a sweat in, trying out a new class format, and seeing what works best for you. I’ve taken HIIT, barre, Pilates, cycle, and yoga classes. Having tried so many, I thought I was at least familiar with most Chicago group fitness classes.  That is, until I discovered Formula94 at FFC (Fitness Formula Clubs).  I was told that the Saturday morning class at FFC Lincoln Park with Lois Miller has a “cult-like following.” Men and women of all ages make a point to show up for this 8am class in Lincoln ..read more

You’re obsessed with your workout. You can’t stop talking about your favorite HIIT class, the new PR you hit this week, the cool workout machine you’ve been trying, and just how much more energy you have after your 6am gym session. Exercise is your hobby, your way to relieve stress, and the highlight of your weeks. You want to hit the gym every day that you can. It’s the best feeling, and anyone who gets it, gets it. I’m so excited that you love your fitness routine. I want you to stay committed and consistent, getting better, faster, and stronger by the day. I want to check in and make sure t ..read more

Most of us learned about African American History in school, but we likely did not dive much deeper than research on slavery, the US Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. There is so much to uncover beyond this; people from the African Diaspora (term used to denote the African people dispersed during the slave trade) have made immense contributions in countless ways that we can study and learn from. In 1915, historian Carter G. Woodson and four others established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), marking the inception of African American Studies in the US. Nea ..read more

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is an annual holiday celebrated on June 19 in the United States. It commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and holds deep historical significance. On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, marking a momentous milestone in American history. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles, resilience and triumphs of the Black community, highlighting the importance of freedom, equality and justice. Recognizing Juneteenth is crucial for se ..read more

FFC Park Ridge member, Angela Petroline, shares how she lost 100 lbs with the help of a registered dietitian nutritionist and the FFC community.  Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you made a change to your health. I recently turned 49 and am a CPA for a private company. I have struggled with weight all my life, in fact, this is the second time I’ve lost 100 lbs. The first time I was 25 and was able to keep it off for seven years, but after getting married, I got comfortable in my life and the weight slowly crept back on again.  When I embarked on my weight loss journey for ..read more

Our bodies have the ability to adapt and change based on the positions we place it in every day. This means that if you stop utilizing your joints and muscles in their full range of motion due to poor strength training techniques, injury or inactivity, your body will find comfort in a more limited range of motion. Many times, this causes us pain. Mobility is the foundation of fitness. The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) defines mobility as “a joint’s ability to explore its full range of motion, taking into account restricted muscle tissue, joints, joint capsules, soft tissu ..read more

Metabolism is a tricky topic. Every day, whether I’m seeing clients at FFC, talking to friends or getting served a targeted Instagram post, I hear/see the words metabolism or hormones. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how each individual person’s metabolism works, and in the field of nutrition, research is always ongoing.  Metabolism is complex and various factors impact it. While we can’t control all factors that impact our metabolism, we may be able to address some and ultimately optimize the way our metabolism works through nutrition, lifestyle and physical activity.  What Is Metabol ..read more

I’ve taught yoga for over 12 years now – four of which have been at FFC. In that time, I’ve had the privilege to teach all age groups, from people my age (40-ish), to my son’s hockey teams, to college students, to people just deciding to begin their yoga journey after retiring from their career.  Some of the most inspiring stories I’ve been told are from students in their 50s, 60s, even 70s.  No matter your age, your flexibility or your capabilities, every day is a good day to start a yoga practice. Here are three things to keep in mind when starting a r ..read more