‘Year of Wellness’ Means Life-Changing Impact for Member

Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC), Chicago’s largest privately-owned, reciprocal-use health club chain, has wrapped up its second-annual “Year of Wellness” contest. After a life-changing journey through 2013, Dawn La Fleur was announced as the 2014 winner in late January.

La Fleur is a community-oriented woman, serving multiple generations of her family as well as multiple community programs. Her 14-year-old daughter, Charlotte, nominated La Fleur after watching her mother lose 100 pounds in about six months through diet and exercise — in the process, becoming a happier, healthier woman and role model.

The “Year of Wellness” contest is in its second year, and has received overwhelming support and participation. Sixty-two contestants were nominated and have spent the last year working their way towards a healthy lifestyle, and a fitness goal. La Fleur was chosen from these contestants by a panel of judges as well as hundreds of voters, and received a prize package valued at $13,000.

The prize package, designed to help La Fleur maintain her newly-designed healthy lifestyle, included a plethora of fitness, diet and lifestyle prizes. Prizes included a free 12-month FFC premier membership with weekly personal training sessions, monthly Pilates sessions and massages, a year of Ortanic custom airbrush tanning, a makeover and more.

The contest began in early 2013 to publicly recognized members who had demonstrated a new commitment to fitness, honor them, and provide support for them in their continued efforts. Although the prizes may only last a year, the purpose is to help winners maintain a lifetime of health and wellness.

The “Year of Wellness” contest is an extension of a company that puts an emphasis on engaging its members and encouraging their use of the facility. FFC’s trademark, “Where Membership Means Something,” is a testament to its dedication towards its members and community. “We are the gym that actually wants you to use your membership,” said Daniela Spaid, the director of marketing for FFC. “We reward our members for working out by allowing them to earn while they burn. Join and work out 36 times in your first 90 days and we give you your enrollment fee back.”

FFC is no stranger to the Chicago community. “This year, we celebrate our 30-year anniversary,” said Spaid. “In 2013 we earned the coveted titles of Chicago Magazine’s ‘Best Gym,’ Citysearch’s ‘Best Spinning Workout,’ Competitor Magazine’s ‘Best Health Clubs’ and our [Lincoln Park] location was named the nation’s sixth USA Triathlon Certified Performance Center.”

With all 12 of its Chicago-area locations positioned close to public transportation, FFC is ideally positioned to serve its community. La Fleur is an excellent representation of that very community, and a fitting choice for the 2014 “Year of Wellness” contest.

By Maggie Cunningham

Rachel Zabonick-Chonko

Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.