Fitness Formula Clubs has transformed how Chicago thinks about wellness education, setting new industry standards through their revolutionary approach to trainer development and member care. For nearly four decades, these clubs have cultivated an environment where professional excellence directly fuels member success, anchored by their ACE and NASM-credentialed training program — the first of its kind in the health club industry. This commitment to excellence extends throughout their ten premium Chicagoland locations, where cutting-edge facilities meet exceptional service. 

Beyond the stunning amenities and state-of-the-art equipment, Fitness Formula Clubs true distinction lies in their comprehensive vision of health and wellness. Members gain access to an integrated ecosystem of services from specialized nutritional therapy and over 100 weekly group fitness classes. This approach, guided by core values, has established FFC as more than a gym, it is a complete wellness destination where members and staff thrive together. 

Fitness Formula Clubs

Since 1984, Fitness Formula Clubs has established itself as Chicago’s premier health and wellness facility, operating ten upscale locations across the Chicagoland area. CEO Gale Landers founded Fitness Formula, the largest privately owned reciprocal usage provider of holistic health and fitness services.

Fitness Formula Clubs distinguishes itself through its commitment to five core values: improvement, safety, friendliness, superior service, and integrity, demonstrated through its extensive array of impressive services, positive customer reception, and commitment to surpassing the average and providing a top-notch experience to its clients. 

The club offers corporate wellness programs, over 100 signature group fitness classes weekly, nutrition therapy, spa treatments, personal training, and medically based rehabilitation programs. It is a truly holistic, all-in-one space for health and wellness needs. They’ve reinvested ten million dollars back into equipment so they’re always leading and have the most up-to-date offerings for their clientele. 

With a dedicated staff of over 900 professionals, FFC delivers its members individualized attention and results-driven programming. Each location provides state-of-the-art equipment, professional-led fitness classes, training, and amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, recovery lounges, and full-service spas. FFC’s continuous improvement of facilities, equipment, and programming ensures members receive an unmatched health club experience. 

Careers with Fitness Formula Clubs 

For trainers who are enthusiastic about education and growth opportunities, Fitness Formula has the career path of a lifetime. Fitness Formula puts its customers at the forefront of everything it does, so new trainers and employees undergo hospitality training programs to elevate member experience. I spoke with Jon Baraglia, the Senior Regional Director Of Club Operations and Fitness at FFC and he shared the highlights of working as a trainer at the Fitness Formula Clubs.

Jon shared, “Any place can get dumbbells and treadmills, but the differentiator is how you treat your customers, how you interact with your customers, and the results you get your customers… If our members use the club and get results, they’re typically happier, stay longer, and refer friends.” For that reason, Fitness Formula ensures their trainers and coaches are on a path of endless education and constantly working to grow and bring new things to the clubs.

This is very evident through the offered education opportunities:

• Four-day course for new hires on “Training Fundamentals” credentialed through ACE and NASM. This is the only health club with a credential onboarding program though a major certification program. This includes ALL necessary CECs for two years. 
• Education is second to none. It ranges from how to run a business to how to program for customers, how to acquire customers, and how to ask for the sale. 
• The largest provider of Fitness Education in the city of Chicago
• Partnered with major education organizations (Pain-Free Performance, Stick Mobility, Strong First Kettlebells, etc.) for ten to 12 certification opportunities throughout the year. Open to all trainers in Chicago but at a steep discount for Fitness Formula trainers
•  Up to $200 reimbursement for any education opportunities trainers seize 

As Jon shared all of the fantastic education perks offered “I care so much about every single one of these people we hire, and if they are not successful, it’s a failure on us. We can’t win unless they win.” The attitude that Fitness Formula has toward their trainers and employees is unlike any else out there, truly pushing for top-tier excellence. You can find all available Fitness Formula career openings posted now on Marketplace by Coach360.

Final Thoughts

Fitness Formula Clubs has redefined what a modern health club can achieve through its expansive vision of wellness and staff excellence. By investing heavily in trainer education and professional development, including their groundbreaking credentialed onboarding program, Formula Fitness Clubs has built a workforce that delivers exceptional results for their members. Their commitment goes far beyond standard certififcations, offering substantial educational reimbursement and partnerships with elite fitness organizations. 

The club’s success stems from a simple but powerful principle: member results drive everything. With over 900 professionals across ten premium locations, the Club combines high-end amenities with personalized attention and medical-grade services. This investment in human capital, combined with avant garde facilities and medical-grade services, has established FFC as more than a gym chain — it’s a cornerstone of wellness in the Chicagoland area. 

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.