For women in college, it can be difficult to find a fitness routine or feel comfortable going to the gym alone. According to a survey by FitRated, 70.9% of people have had an interaction or experience at the gym that made them feel uncomfortable. This, combined with the fact that they may be inexperienced in the gym, can make working out intimidating for women.
CHAARG is an organization that is changing the narrative around women’s health and well-being and creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere for fitness experiences at all levels. It stands for “Health, Attitude and Behavior Changes to Reinvent Girls” and has been installed on more than 100 campuses across the country.
At OU, CHAARG has about 60 members and aims to introduce different types of workouts and health-promoting activities to women who are adapting to the rigors of living at home to being independent at university.
Cailey Rogers, a third-year human development and family science student, is vice president of membership at CHAARG. She talked about joining CHAARG as a way to recreate her regime as a high school athlete.
“I think it’s very scary to go to college and try to figure out different lifestyles,” Rogers said. “I needed support on how to navigate and figure it out, and I’ve never met a more positive and kind group of women.”
Led by Ping Recreation Center staff, alumni, outside instructors, and executives, CHAARG offers a variety of training including HIIT, yoga, martial arts classes, CrossFit, cycling, pounding, and more.
While the entire club is invited to weekly workouts every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m., CHAARG offers small groups throughout the week to bring together more people with similar fitness experiences, goals, or interests. We also offer
“For small groups, this is basically a way to get closer to certain people and motivate them to participate in the training,” says Julia, a third-year marketing student and CHAARG’s vice president of media. Robinson says. “Because obviously, when you don’t know anyone or you’re at a club by yourself, it can be a little hard to muster up the courage to go.”
CHAARG focuses on mental health as well as physical fitness. They have partnered with other health-centered organizations like Her Campus and OU Nutrition Club to raise money and educate students on how to stay healthy.
Anna Richcreek, a fourth-year acting student, is CHAARG’s treasurer. She talked about bonding events outside of workouts and how CHAARG prioritizes mental health as much as physical health.
“We are working toward greater socialization this semester. We are calling it Camp CHAARG. Basically, we meet in one of our homes for a meal, a movie, and an opportunity for self-care. It’s a big bonding event that we set up,’ and that’s how we spread the love,” Richcreek said.
An important aspect of CHAARG is the inclusive and welcoming environment it fosters. As workouts become more diverse, CHAARG expands the opportunities for women to comfortably perform their workouts. Richcreek shared her purpose to help women feel less alone in their fitness journey.
“I think a lot of girls come to the gym and think, ‘I want to go to the gym and know how to use the equipment and not be intimidated by the people who use it,'” Richcreek said. . . “It’s a great way to come together and be like, ‘Let’s do this as a team.'” You’re not alone anymore, we’re going to help you and we’re going to figure it out together. ”
Organizational bonds are what keep members engaged. The friendships formed at CHAARG are strong and built on the positive pillars of women’s well-being.
“I really love spreading the idea of what a positive community can look like, and I feel like it’s really important to have that in college,” Rogers said. “Now that I’m a junior, I don’t know where I would be without the girls from CHAARG.”
CHAARG is open about mental health and provides resources for members to turn to if they are struggling. Mental health plays a huge role in your overall well-being, and this organization removes the stigma of struggling with mental health as a college girl.
“Especially at a time when school is so chaotic, we can provide a safe environment where everyone feels loved and welcome, and the girls know that there are at least seven people on this campus who can attend. I know,” Robinson said. “We are open about mental health and really trying to break down barriers.”
cd057322@ohio.edu
@Carly DeLuca
