Frequently Asked Questions
What is an APC?
An APC is an Athletics Performance Centre, a specialized fitness facility that provides the tools and training needed for sportsmen and athletes to achieve peak performance. An APC is usually comprised of indoor and outdoor training facilities that cater to a range of strength and conditioning requirements for athletes from different disciplines. APCs also provide services related to athletic assessment, sports-specific coaching, physiotherapy, nutritional counselling and more. ARC (Advanced Recalibration & Coaching) is India’s premier athletic performance centre.
Is ARC a gym?
ARC is not gym. It’s an Athletic Performance Centre. While our training facilities are similar to a gym, our focus is on improving performance. A facility like ARC is usually reserved for elite athletes, however, for the first time in India, the coaching standards, tools and services that top athletes utilize are now being made available to a wider audience — anyone who is committed to achieving specific fitness and body goals, practices a sport recreationally or is just looking to transform their bodies is welcome to join. ARC is a state-of-the art performance fitness facility that can deliver transformational experiences far superior to your traditional gym.
Who can become a member of ARC?
ARC is open to professional and amateur level athletes, recreational sports enthusiasts, and fitness enthusiasts. Anyone who is interested in maintaining or improving their fitness or performance is eligible to become a member of ARC. Members as young as 13 years old may join. There is no upper age limit. Please note that using the training facilities at ARC is for members only, however all our On-Demand services are also available to non-members.
Is ARC meant for athletes/ sportsmen only?
Not at all. While our facilities and services are designed for elite level athletes, and the focus is on athletic performance, services and membership is open to anyone who is interested in maintaining or improving their fitness or performance. You could be a recreational sports practitioner, an actor or model, a housewife, an IT professional, a retired businessperson, a college student… anyone who is looking for a premium facility to enhance their health and fitness is welcome.
I’m not an athlete, I just want to lose weight / get fit / gain muscle. Is ARC for me?
Certainly. For the first time in India, a facility of this calibre is open to the general public. The training equipment and services are designed for elite athletes so you are guaranteed an experience and level of quality that will be hard to match at a regular gym.
What are ARC’s timings?
ARC is open 6 days a week, Monday – Saturday from 06:00 to 21:30. The rooftop jogging track opens half an hour earlier at 05:30am.
Are there separate changing rooms for men and women?
Yes! ARC has changing rooms, showers, steam/sauna and locker rooms that are located in separate men and women’s wings.
Is ARC equipped for differently-abled people?
Yes. ARC is located on the second floor of Madras House at VR Chennai. The centre has ramps for wheelchair access at ground level and elevators that come up directly to ARC. The indoor training facility has a flat floor plan, without any stairs that allow for differently-abled access. An accessible toilet and changing room are also available.
Do I need to bring my own towels / toiletries?
Yes. All our members and guests are requested to bring their own towels and toiletries to adhere to our sanitation protocols and for their own safety and wellbeing in view of COVID-19 and health guidelines.
Where do I store my belongings when I’m working out?
ARC provides secure lockers in separate wings for men and women. You may store your belongings while you workout in a locker. However, you will be responsible for the safety of all your personal belongings.
Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?
Yes. As per safety and sanitation recommendations in view of COVID-19, we recommend that all our members and guests bring their own yoga mats.
Does ARC provide drinking water?
Yes, we do. Purified, RO water stations are provided. However, we encourage you to carry your own water and sports drinks as well.
What is Tiered Membership Access?
Tiered membership access refers to the different levels of membership that ARC offers. We currently offer 3 levels of access. Each level allows you to use specific facilities. The higher the level, the more facilities you unlock.
Level I – Basic Access is available in two variants — access to 3 quadrants (Resistance Machines, Free Weights, Cardio) OR access to the GroupX Circuit.
Level II – Standard Access grants you access to all four indoor quadrants (Resistance Machines, Free Weights, Cardio AND GroupX).
Level III – Premium Access entitles you to the rooftop swimming pool facility as well as all indoor quadrants.
Read more about all quadrants here.
Do you have a monthly membership plan?
At this time, we do not offer a monthly membership plan. This is because we believe that in order to achieve any fitness or performance goal, a minimum of three months is required. Memberships across all tiers are available as Quarterly (3 months), Half-yearly (6 months) and Annual (12 months) durations. Learn more about Membership Rates and Benefits.
I’m visiting Chennai only for a week. Can I get a weekly pass?
Please contact the ARC concierge to discuss the possibility of limited guest access. If you are staying at Madras House, access to the ARC’s indoor facilities will be built into your stay.
I’m staying at Madras House. Can I access ARC facilities during my stay?
Yes! All guests staying at Madras House will be granted access to ARC for the duration of their stay. Madras House guests will have temporary privileges equivalent to our highest tier of membership – Level 3 Premium Access.
Can I put my membership on hold if I am traveling / busy / unwell?
As a standard practice, we do not offer pausing or cancellation of memberships. However, we request you to contact the ARC concierge to discuss your extenuating circumstances and we will review your request, and do our best to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution.
Can I upgrade / downgrade my membership to a different tier?
You can choose to upgrade or downgrade your membership at the time of renewal – this applies to level of access as well as duration. For instance, if you originally purchased a Half-yearly Level II – Standard Access membership, when you renew you can opt for a shorter or longer duration, as well as a different level of access (downgrade to Basic, or upgrade to Premium).
If you want to upgrade your membership access level BEFORE your existing term expires, please contact the ARC concierge and we will review your eligibility for an upgrade.
If you are approved for an upgrade, your existing membership will be paused, and fees for unused months of the membership will be prorated and used to discount your new upgraded membership, with a 25% penalty. For example, if you purchased a 3 month Basic membership and 1 month into your membership you decide you want to upgrade to Standard access, if you are approved for the upgrade, you will need to purchase a new Standard access membership of the duration of your choice. The fees you pay will be the Standard access membership fee minus the sum equivalent to 75% of 2 months Basic access you have already paid for.
Please note that ARC reserves the right to deny or approve requests for upgrades.
If you want to downgrade your membership you can only do so at the time of renewal. Downgrading to a lower tier of access or shorter duration during the course of your current membership will not be possible as all purchases are final and non-refundable.
Can I cancel my membership and get a refund?
All membership purchases, for all durations and levels are final and non-refundable.
In certain special circumstances, such as an approved upgrade of an existing membership, fees already paid may be transferred to the new category of membership and your previous membership will be considered as cancelled.
However, under all other circumstances including but not limited to health-related, travel, relocation, closure of business, acts of nature, man-made disasters and so on, memberships cannot be cancelled by members and no refunds will be issued.
Under certain extenuating circumstances, if there is loss of service or access to facilities is affected, ARC may pause existing memberships and validity preserved and extended to when services resume.
When do I have to renew my membership?
Please renew your membership before the term you have purchased expires.
The term of your renewed membership will start the day after your previous membership expires, if you renew your membership before the expiry of your current term.
If membership is renewed after the expiry of your term, your renewed membership will commence on the day you make full and complete payment and agree to all terms and conditions of membership.
Membership fees are subject to revision. There is no guarantee that your renewal will be available at the same price as your previous membership. The only way to lock-in membership fees is to pick up a long-term membership. Currently, the longest term you can purchase is 12 months.
What is Solo Training vs One-on-One Training?
Solo Training is if you train on your own, without hiring a personal trainer. One-on-One training is what you will experience if you engage a personal trainer, sports scientist or physiotherapist to assist you with your training. Learn more about One-on-One training fees.
Are personal training services included with my membership?
No. Your membership fees grants you specific privileges and access to the facilities. While a floor supervisor will be present who can guide you on equipment use, if you require personal training services, you will need to engage one of our specialists at an additional cost. Please review our One-on-One trainers fee structure.
What is the charge for a personal trainer?
Personal Training is available in 12-session or 24-session packages. The validity of these sessions is 1 month. We offer two levels of Personal Trainers, based on your requirements and goals — Fitness cadre trainers are suitable for most people. For elite level athletes or anyone interested in serious body transformation, expert Sports Scientist cadre trainers are available. Please review our One-on-One trainers fee structure.
How do I get a custom workout plan?
All clients that purchase our Testing & Analytics services will receive a custom work out plan that is individually tailored to meet their specific physiology, level of fitness and goals.
Fundamental Assessment involves a one-day baseline measurement and metrics consisting of posture, flexibility, anthropometry, and complete body composition analysis. This type of assessment is ideal for general fitness practitioners.
Elite Assessment involves comprehensive testing and profiling designed to track your physiology and progress. In addition to the basic tests, advanced tests will be conducted and will include balance, proprioception, mental focus and ability, strength, agility, endurance, and intermittent recovery. This assessment is suitable for professional and amateur athletes or anyone who is seriously committed to achieving specific fitness and body goals.
Both assessments include reports and recommendations that clients can follow in our facility by becoming members, with or without the assistance of a personal trainer/sports scientist. Alternatively, clients are free to utilize the custom workout regimen and protocols generated at ARC in their own home gyms or at a third-party facility of their choice. Learn about Testing & Analytics fees.
What is the difference between Fundamental and Elite Assessment?
Fundamental Assessment is our base offering under our Testing & Analytics service. This type of assessment is ideal for general fitness practitioners.
Elite Assessment is a much more comprehensive testing and profiling service suitable for professional and amateur athletes or anyone who is seriously committed to achieving specific fitness and body goals.
Both assessments include reports and recommendations that clients can follow in our facility by becoming members, with or without the assistance of a personal trainer/sports scientist. Alternatively, clients are free to utilize the custom workout regimen and protocols generated at ARC in their own home gyms or at a third-party facility of their choice. Learn about Testing & Analytics fees.
Can I practice my custom workout on my own?
Of course. Once you complete a Testing & Analytics assessment you will receive a custom workout regimen. Clients are free to utilize the regimen and protocols generated at ARC in their own home gyms or at a third-party facility of their choice. Learn about Testing & Analytics fees. If you want to practice your workout plan at ARC, you will need to become a member.
What is a Guided vs Coached Nutrition Protocol (meal plans)?
Guided and Coached Nutrition Protocols are the two types of nutritionist-guided meal plans that we offer through our partners – Optimal Nutrition Protocol. These protocols are generated based on a highly scientific method that takes into account your specific health status and fitness goals. The meal plans are generated after taking a blood test to understand your biochemical profile.
Guided Protocol: This consists of a 1 Month Personalized Meal Plan + 4 Standard Nutritionist Phone Consultations (one per week) as well as a Blood Biomarker Report (cost includes a Blood Test covering 125 Parameters with 18 Biomarkers).
Coached Protocol: This consists of a 1 Month Personalized Meal Plan + Daily WhatsApp Support + 2 Standard Nutritionist Phone Consultations (one every two week) as well as a Blood Biomarker Report (cost includes a Blood Test covering 125 Parameters with 18 Biomarkers).
The key difference between the two offerings is the level of guidance and support you receive. Guided Protocol provides once weekly support. Coached Protocol is for clients who desire daily support.
