Gym Profile: Fitness Formula Clubs, Gold Coast

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To keep up with a tradition we started during Fitness Week, we'll be delivering in-depth profiles of local gyms throughout the year (after all, enrollment doesn't end in January, and neither do our fitness goals. Right?)

This week, we're giving you the scoop on Fitness Formula Clubs, Gold Coast. Here's how reps described the gym with city skyline views, a packed class schedule, an indoor pool, and (our favorite part) a spa.

How do you know when a gym is right for you?
You should make sure you feel comfortable in the environment and with the staff. You will get what you pay for, so make sure and check out the facility and meet the staff personally. Convenience may also be a factor. Many people will go the extra mile to join a club that has everything they are looking for, but make sure it is not too far out of your way or you may not continue. Fitness Formula Clubs has nine locations in the Chicago area, and changes are you will find one close to home and close to work. Finally, make sure to visit during the time you plan to work out to check for equipment and class availability. The last thing you want is to join a club that is overcrowded.

What does your gym offer that no other Chicago gyms have?
FFC has everything you are looking for and nine locations to choose from. Between our professional staff, extensive fitness equipment, executive locker rooms, heated yoga studios, virtual spin theaters, indoor/outdoor pools, basketball courts, kids clubs, spas and Ortanic custom airbrush tanning, you may not even need to go on vacation.

What are some of the most popular classes at the gym?
FFC has several signature classes that are very popular including: Body 360, FORMULA 94, Pound, Motiv8, Iron Ride and Urban Athlete to name a few. We also offer WERQ™ and Zumba®. You can check out our complete class schedule here.

How does your personal training program work?
This is one of the best features of our clubs. Every new member who joins gets four, one-hour personal training sessions to help get them started. We even have trainers who have been with us since the club opened—talk about experience!

What are the benefits regular visitors will see?
Member always comment about the friendly staff and the clean facilities. We are known for our tagline, "Where Membership Means Something®" which is different for everyone.

How long does it take for members to see results?
You will notice immediate results in your energy levels, better sleep, and relieved stress. Physical results are usually visible after about two weeks. We recommend you visit the club three times a week. However, you may find yourself coming more often.

What kinds of exercise regimen would you recommend?
FFC has so many options: run, bike, swim, bootcamps, yoga, pilates, group classes, group training, performance training, etc. You can mix it up and do something different each time you visit the gym.

How would you describe your gym community?
Motivating, encouraging, friendly, comfortable, even competitive—if you want it to be. Definitely not intimidating!

Besides the classes, what are some of the perks of joining your gym?
Most of our facilities have steam rooms or saunas, full service spas, restaurants or snack bars, physical therapy, even dry cleaning.

What would you say to workout newbies who are timid to try a gym at all, or a new gym?
Everyone was in your same shoes at one time. The hard part is getting started and we are here to help you.

And, how do people get started?
You can visit to learn more or join online. Our memberships are month-to-month, and you can even earn your enrollment fee back by working out 36 times in 90 days.
· Fitness Formula Clubs Gold Coast [Official Site]
· All Fitness Week 2014 coverage [Racked Chicago]