New Rehab Facility, Gym Offers Free Classes This Weekend

VERNON HILLS, IL — A new health and wellness center in Vernon Hills will be offering free classes to the public in November and December.

Those wishing to check out the offerings at TFI Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, 701 N. Milwaukee Ave., can stop out to the following classes and clinics:

• From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 18 and Dec. 9: Physical therapist and recovery specialist Ryan LeFever, co-owner of TFI, will offer a free fire and ice protocol session. This will include a breathing session, movement, sauna and cold plunge. The event is open to the public and free for first-time customers and $40 for returning participants. Those interested in stopping out can sign up via email to brian@thefitinstitutechicago.com.
• From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2 and Dec. 3: Free pilates weekend will include a free one-hour pilates class taught by pilates instructors Meredeth Duggan and Laura Orcutt. . To sign up, email meredeth@thefitinstitutechicago.com with preferred day and time for the class.

The recently opened clinic — TFI's second following the opening of its clinic on the north side of Chicago — is owned by 2010 Olympic silver medalist Brian Hansen. The co-owner of the facility is Ryan LeFever, a former physical therapist for the Chicago White Sox.

Hansen became inspired to open his business when he was left with a herniated disc six months before the 2010 Olympic trials and relied on a collaborative effort between physical therapists and personal trainers to to stay in shape while recovering from his injury.

“Our physical therapists and trainers work together to provide unmatched service that is paramount in assisting clients of all ages during their recovery and journey to optimal performance,” Hansen said. “From youth to high school and college athletes to senior and geriatric fitness enthusiasts, our staff is knowledgeable in a variety of specialties like baseball, soccer, track, volleyball, recovery techniques, injury prevention and even neurological physical therapy.”

The Vernon Hills location offers a recovery room including two ice baths, a sauna, recliners and Normatec boots, according to a news release. The health and wellness center also offers physical therapy, pilates and personal training, according to a news release.

TFI will also be planning to host other free clinics this winter, including a geriatric mobility class and a pilates and sip event, a spokeswoman with TFI told Patch.