TFI Expands Reach with New State-Of-The-Art Facility in Vernon Hills

TFI (formerly The FIT Institute) announces the opening of their second location in Vernon Hills, Illinois at 701 N Milwaukee Ave. TFI is a privately-owned physical therapy clinic, Pilates studio, personal training gym, and recovery room that bridges the gap between rehab and sports performance.

TFI is co-owned by certified personal trainer Luigi Degirolamo, physical therapist and recovery specialist, Ryan LeFever, and power skating trainer and marketing director, Brian Hansen. Degirolamo is credited with bringing the trio together to open TFI. Degirolamo, who worked with LeFever, a former physical therapist for the White Sox, at another clinic, introduced him to Hansen, a three-time Olympic speed skater, after training his father.

Akin to their flagship facility on the north side of Chicago, TFI is committed to delivering exceptional personalized care with an integrative approach. “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,” explains Brian Hansen. “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.”

“Less than 6 months before the 2010 Olympic trials, I herniated a disc. Very quickly, physical therapy became very important. Being in a collaborative environment between physical therapists and personal trainers became critical to stay in shape while also training with an injury,” continues Hansen. “That experience made me passionate about working in an environment where there is collaboration between those two disciplines. And this collaboration is one thing TFI does really well. Trainers and physical therapists work under one roof at both clinics in Chicago and in Vernon Hills.”

The new Vernon Hills location offers a wider range of services in a state-of-the-art facility that combines cutting-edge technology with customized care. From a modern recovery room with two cold plunge tubs and sauna to a fully-equipped Pilates studio, every aspect has been designed with the guest’s comfort and well-being in mind. The 5,500 square foot space provides access to top of the line fitness and rehabilitative equipment. A premium is placed on the quality of service, cleanliness, safety, and an encouraging, family-oriented atmosphere.

To celebrate the opening, TFI in Vernon Hills will offer FREE public classes and clinics in November and December including the following:

• FreeRecover Like a Pro
• Saturday, November 18 and Saturday, December 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Hosted by Co-Owner, Physical Therapist and Recovery Specialist, Ryan LeFever, the class will engage participants in the fire and ice protocol for recovery which includes 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. To sign up, email brian@thefitinstitutechicago.com.
• The Vernon Hills location offers a recovery room including two ice baths, a sauna, recliners and Normatec boots. Using a systematic approach designed to provide patients with the tools they need to reduce stress and allow their body to rejuvenate, the four main priorities include breathing, heat therapy (sauna), cold water immersion (cold plunge pool) and compression boots.

• Free Pilates Weekend
• Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Hosted by TFI’s experienced Pilates Instructors Meredeth Duggan and Laura Orcutt. The event includes a one-hour pilates class (limited to 6 people an hour). To sign up, email meredeth@thefitinstitutechicago.com with preferred day and time for the class.
• Pilates is part of TFI’s holistic integrative approach to health and wellness and include a Reformer Class for an intense resistance-based full body workout with an emphasis on the core, a Tower Class using a tower to provide an alternative to the typical reformer class, and a low-impact Cardio Class that applies plyometric exercises on the jumpboard for a high intensity workout.

SERVICES
Physical Therapy
With a generalized focus on injury prevention, TFI specializes in evidence-based physical therapy techniques to help individuals recover from injuries, reduce pain, and improve their overall mobility and strength. Sophisticated diagnostic methods, such as movement investigation and gait analysis, help determine which services patients will benefit from most. When appropriate, Pilates is also incorporated into physical therapy sessions at TFI. Therapists utilize Pilates based rehabilitation to address imbalance, improve strength and range of motion, correct postural deficits and promote return to optimal functioning.

TFI’s highly experienced team of physical therapists offer specialized treatment services for any pain, injury or discomfort including back pain and sciatica, neck pain, motor vehicle accident injuries, balance and gait disorders, pain relief for arthritis, pre and post-surgical, work injuries, concussion therapy, vertigo and dizziness, and more. Treatment options include Manual Therapy, Therapeutic Exercise, Trigger Point Therapy, Joint Mobilization, Kinesio Taping, Electrical Stimulation, Dry Needling, Resistance Band Training and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). TFI also has bilingual Spanish-speaking PT on staff.

Personal Training, Group Training and Sports Performance
Athletes of all levels and the health conscious can benefit from TFI’s personal training programs. Designed to enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries and optimize physical conditioning, TFI offers a premier location to train, rehab and return guests to the life they love. Personal training services include Adolescent Personal Training, Adult Personal Training, Geriatric Personal Training, Training for Children with Special Needs, and Sport-Specific Strength and Conditioning.

Private and Group Pilates
As part of TFI’s holistic integrative approach to health and wellness, Pilates classes are offered at the Vernon Hills location. A low-impact exercise suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, pilates incorporates a series of precise movements that engage the body’s deep muscles, particularly those in the abdomen, back, and pelvis. By emphasizing controlled and flowing movements, Pilates not only strengthens the muscles but also improves coordination, balance, flexibility and range of motion.

Vernon Hills pilates classes include a Reformer Class for an intense resistance-based full body workout with an emphasis on the core, a Tower Class using a tower to provide an alternative to the typical reformer class, and a low-impact Cardio Class that applies plyometric exercises on the jumpboard for a high intensity workout.

Recovery
The Vernon Hills location offers a recovery room including two ice baths, a sauna, recliners and Normatec boots. TFI educates and has classes on various protocols that patients can choose from that are recommended by Physical Therapist and Recovery Specialist, Ryan LeFever. Using a systematic approach designed to provide patients with the tools they need to reduce stress and allow their body to rejuvenate, the four main priorities include breathing, heat therapy (sauna), cold water immersion (cold plunge pool) and compression boots. Research shows that metabolic changes from cold and heat exposure include improved insulin and growth hormone pathways, increased cold shock protein development which is important for cellular repair and immune function, increased noradrenaline and dopamine, and a decrease in cortisol concentration.

THE TEAM
Isaac Lai- Director, Physical Therapist
With over twenty years of experience, Isaac Lai, DPT treats everyone with skill and kindness, enabling them to achieve their goals, whether they plan to return to a sport, work, or simply want to enjoy an active life with less pain. Isaac is a seasoned physical therapist with a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for helping his patients. Isaac earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Duke University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Studio Art from Knox College. He is a lifelong learner, constantly seeking out new knowledge and insights to help him better serve his patients. From advanced courses in manual therapy to cutting-edge research on sports performance, he is always eager to expand his expertise and stay at the forefront of his field. Isaac’s clinical practice encompasses a wide range of patients, including those with vestibular and workers’ compensation injuries, overhead and sports athletes, pre- and postoperative care patients, individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain, and those in need of postural and body mechanics education.

Luigi Degirolamo- Co-Owner and Certified Personal Trainer
Luigi is a certified personal trainer and former collegiate soccer player who specializes in strength and conditioning, individual personal training and soccer instruction. His diverse background includes six years of personal training, exposure to physical therapy as a rehab assistant, and a head soccer coach at the high school and club level. Luigi has a combination of skills to assist each individual in achieving their goals and becoming a strong and healthy individual. His eagerness to help others and keen attention to detail sets Luigi apart from other trainers in the industry.

Ryan LeFever - Co-Owner, Physical Therapist and Recovery Specialist
Ryan has been a practicing Physical Therapist and a Performance Enhancement Specialist since 2004. He started his career by receiving a Masters of Physical Therapy degree at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Before graduating from Carroll, Ryan earned certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES). With a sports background from youth and high school athletics, being a patient himself after a season-ending basketball injury, and having a passion for health and fitness, Ryan transitioned directly into the orthopedic and performance enhancement setting upon completing his degree.

Highlights of Ryan’s career include serving as the Physical Therapist for the Chicago White Sox from 2014-2016 and acting as a consult PT for the Chicago Bears for 8 years. He is a strong believer in continuing education and has become certified in Active Release Technique (ART), received his Resistance Band Specialist Certification and is also a certified XPT Coach.

Niki Stefanov- Physical Therapist & Director of Pilates
Niki Stefanov is a licensed physical therapist and Pilates instructor. Niki attended California State University Long Beach where she received her BA in Dance Science, and then University of Illinois at Chicago where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She received her Pilates certification from Body Arts and Science International with a specialization in Pilates for dancers, and has over 10 years of experience teaching Pilates. Niki has worked in a number of physical therapy settings including outpatient orthopedic, inpatient and outpatient neurological, and home health. She has worked with a variety of patients including pre and postoperative care, musculoskeletal pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s, vestibular, MS, and geriatric care. When appropriate, Niki also integrates Pilates into her therapeutic exercises. Niki loves helping people improve their quality of life and get back to performing the activities that they love.

Brian Hansen- Co-Owner, Marketing Director, and Power Skating Training
Brian graduated from University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor's degree in business and emphasis in marketing. Brian has been working at TFI since 2021 and has filled in many roles including working front desk, running ads and email campaigns, and assisting in a new location buildout in Vernon Hills. Brian grew up competing in long track speed skating. He has competed internationally in 5 years of world cups and 3 Olympic games. At the 2010 Olympics, he won a silver medal in the team pursuit. Since retiring from speed skating, he has become a level II speed skating coach and currently coaches the Northbrook speed skating club. At TFI he coaches a strength and conditioning program for hockey players, figure skaters, or speed skaters.

TFI is located at 701 N Milwaukee Ave. #246B in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Call 773-796-3069 or visit https://thefitinstitutechicago... for more information.