Our Story
When ARM Systems launched in 2011, we have to admit, we were kind of basic. There really wasn’t anything different about us. We’d like to think we were better than the big-box gyms–and a better value too. But different? Not so much.
Around 2013, things started to change. Our approach became more holistic, our identity a little more sophisticated. We started attracting a different type of client–and that’s when things got interesting.
That’s because the people who were coming to us were living these big, impressive, but also really difficult lives. Their responsibilities were gigantic in every area–home, family, the office, local community groups, churches and other houses of worship–and the pressure was intense.
As we expanded beyond fitness into wellness, we realized that, without some recharging of the batteries, burn-out would be a serious, if also predictable, problem for these clients. So we introduced a variety of luxurious amenities–Italian espresso bar; cooling aroma-therapeutic towels; shakes and smoothies included with training services; et cetera–to ease their tension, minimize their worry, and give them little bits of joy when they needed them most.
It worked–and we realized there was even more to do....
As of summer 2016, we replaced our entire menu of fitness services with a curriculum called THE ARM ACADEMY. But wait! What does that mean? Here’s the deal…
As we continuingly reviewed our successes and failures, as well as feedback from loyal customers, we realized that what’s wanted and needed in the fitness industry–but what’s totally missing right now–is an all-inclusive solution that’s about much more than training on the floor. People want and need (A) lifestyle coaching, (B) access to wellness resources, (C) a sense that specific goals are being set and met, and (D) a progressive approach–not just the same type of training month after month, with no end in sight. Now, what we’ve heard, time and time again, is that people love a sense of graduation from one strictly defined level to another.
So we’ve scanned the global marketplace for business models from which we might borrow structures and/or metaphors. After a full month of exploration, we were surprised but delighted to realize that the organizational model best suited to our wants and needs was that of the college or university.
For example, THE ARM 100 SERIES: INTRODUCTIONS & CONSIDERATIONS is kind of like the informational sessions sponsored by most colleges, institutes, and universities. In our case, it only lasts an hour or two, and it’s completely free of charge. Conducted at our Milton campus (that’s what we’re calling it now) on a one-to-one basis–or in a group setting at your home, office, whatever–ARM 100 isn’t a sales meeting. There’s some actual value there, no matter what you choose to do next. That said, for those who want to move forward, appointments do close with opportunities to apply for ARM 200.
THE ARM 200 SERIES: EXPERIMENTS & DISCOVERIES is a week-long course that opens your mind and makes new things possible–kind of like an associate’s degree. During the course of ARM 200, we help new students understand their bodies, selves, and lives in a new way–and to evaluate what’s possible for all three. This is achieved thanks to an innovative teaching-and-learning format involving five one-on-one life-coaching experiences and five one-on-one personal-training experiences.
THE ARM 300 SERIES: FOUNDATIONS & FUNDAMENTALS is a month-long course that makes sure your mind and body are exactly where they need to be to make it “out there”–kind of like a bachelor’s degree. During the course of ARM 300, we help students correct, improve, and bring balance to their levels of mechanical, adaptational, and constitutional fitness. As with all of our courses, nutritional counseling is fully integrated–no additional fees nor charges.
THE ARM 400 SERIES: ADVENTURES & TRANSFORMATIONS is a quarter-long course that teaches you to set and meet a major project objective–kind of like a master’s degree. During the course of ARM 400, we help students design holistic, strategic, altogether realistic plans to objectively, measurably, and impactfully improve their bodies, selves, and lives.
THE ARM 500 SERIES: REFINEMENTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS is a year-long course, that teaches you to survive and thrive, no matter what–kind of like a doctorate or professional degree. During the course of ARM 500, we help students cultivate winning habits, maintain what they’re already achieved, and accomplish even more–despite life’s inevitable challenges, difficulties, obstacles, and interruptions.