Header image: visualisation of how the boiler house will look from January.
We have been doing personal training in Cham since 2016. It started small, at our studio on Riedstrasse. Physiotherapy followed a few years later. And at some point we started hearing the same question almost every week: "Can I just come and train on my own?"
Until now, the answer was no. From 2 January 2027, it is yes. That is the day we open our gym in the Papieri quarter in Cham.
Why the old boiler house
If you have walked through the Papieri quarter, you know the building. We fell for it on our first visit. It still has its industrial character, and we made a point of keeping it.
The building has one quirk. The entrance is at the very top, eleven metres up. You come in, get changed and head downstairs to train. It feels unusual the first time. After a week, you won't want it any other way.
Three floors, each with a purpose
Reception is at the top. This is where you arrive, where the changing rooms are and where the lounge is. If you want to sit for a while after your session, this is the place.
Cardio and classes are in the middle. Treadmills, cross trainers and bikes from Star Trac, plus two StairMaster stepmills. Yoga and Core & More take place in the round boiler room. Our physiotherapy practice is on the same floor.
Strength is at the bottom. At almost 390 m², it is the largest floor in the building. The machines are from Atlantis Strength, a Canadian brand you rarely find in public gyms. There are four racks and eight squat stations in total, along with dumbbells, benches and cable stations. The functional zone has a sprint track with 12.5 metres of marked lanes, with sleds, SkiErgs, a rower and wall balls right next to it. If you are training for HYROX, you will find everything you need here. All other group classes, from HIIT to Athletic, also take place on this floor.
Why we stop at 700 members
We have deliberately capped membership at 700. It was one of the first decisions we made, before a single piece of equipment was ordered.
We want to offer the people who train with us real added value. If you want to train on your own, you should be able to do so in peace. If you would like support, you should get it from someone who takes the time and knows you. That only works if the number of members matches the time we have for them.
So, 700. At that number there is time for questions, for a quick correction mid-session and for a proper conversation. And you are a person with a name, not a number.
Physiotherapy in the same building
In January our physiotherapy practice moves from Riedstrasse to the Papieri. For the first time, treatment and training are under one roof.
What that means for you: when therapy ends, the care doesn't. You keep training in the same building, with people who know your history. With a doctor's referral, physiotherapy is covered by Swiss basic health insurance. Find out more about physiotherapy in Cham.
Personal training is still at the heart of what we do
The Papieri doesn't replace anything. It adds to it. Our personal training in Cham and Zug continues as before: one to one, with a plan built around you. Every personal training programme starts with an entry check. We measure first, then we train.
Riedstrasse 7 remains our personal training studio. During the day, we will also train with our clients at the Papieri. Our small group personal training also moves to the Papieri during daytime hours from January. And if you book personal training with us, you can also train on your own at the gym for as long as your package runs.
Group classes
Yoga and Core & More in the boiler room, plus HIIT and Strength, Hypertrophy, Athletic and an early Wake-Up HIIT at quarter past six in the functional zone. All classes are included in every membership. You will find the current schedule under group classes. Some times may still change before we open.
You decide how much support you want
There are three memberships. With Performance you train independently and have access to all floors and classes. Coaching adds personal training sessions and a plan that evolves with you. Transformation is full support, including physiotherapy or massage, nutrition and testing.
Our team is regularly on the gym floor. Just ask if you have a question about technique or would like some input. That goes for every member. You will find all the details on our Papieri gym page.
Opening hours and address
ARB Fitness, Papieri-Ring 1, 6330 Cham
Monday to Friday 6 am to 10 pm, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 8 am to 6 pm
Come and meet us
Memberships are already on sale. If you would like to talk to us first, book a free consultation with one of our coaches, in English or German. Email us at or call +41 75 424 02 64.
We look forward to meeting you.
Anina and René Back
Frequently asked questions
When does the gym in the Papieri quarter open?
On Saturday, 2 January 2027.
Where exactly is it?
In the old boiler house at Papieri-Ring 1, 6330 Cham. The entrance is on the top floor.
Will you still offer personal training on Riedstrasse?
Yes. Riedstrasse 7 in Cham remains our personal training studio. During the day, we also train at the Papieri.
Does health insurance cover physiotherapy?
With a doctor's referral, Swiss basic health insurance covers the treatment.
Why is membership capped?
So that there is time and capacity for support whenever you want it. That is why we accept no more than 700 members.
Can I train for HYROX?
Yes. We have a sprint track, sleds, SkiErgs, a rower, kettlebells, sandbags and wall balls, including competition weights.