Highland Park’s Chris Falcon was born creative. He is a writer, artist, motivational speaker, fitness enthusiast, and host of The Rebel Mindset Podcast. Falcon recently added gym co-owner to his resume opening Glenview’s WIN Athletic Club. Founded on the beliefs that the fitness experience is better shared with like-minded people and a fitness plan works best if balanced, the gym offers eight types of classes including indoor cycling, boxing, strength and conditioning, yoga, and more. In addition to classes, music and art are incorporated into the club culture. Falcon’s artwork lines the walls and the music selection is carefully curated to encourage conversation. WIN (which stands for “What’s Important Now”) sounds like a win-win. Here is how the multi-faceted Falcon stays on-trend.

ON HIS NIGHTSTAND

“I am currently reading Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant. The book was gifted to me by serial entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore. It discusses why it’s important to skip the default setting and pave your own way through life. In many ways it reinforces a mindset that has fueled the majority of my adult life. I always take the road less traveled.”

ON HIS MOBILE

“I’ve really been into following tattoo artists and muralists lately. In a world that is loaded with so much stimulation, I find it refreshing to observe people that live their lives unapologetically, and express it visually. Chicago artists @nixxi_tattoos, @_dwightwhite are two of my favorites. I am also addicted to NPR’s How I Built This with Guy Raz podcast.”

IN HIS EARBUDS

“Music is truly my first love. I spend a lot of time creating original melodies on my Taylor acoustic guitar and experimenting with my invention the Ergopick, but when I am listening to music, which is almost always, I listen to The Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, and Chris Cornell. Most of this music is high on feel and tells a story. Music helps me connect with the true nature of the ‘Experience of Life.’ That experience is omni in nature and includes all ups, downs, love, hate, etc. I love music!”