Group Fitness Spotlight: CHAARG
Image credit: University of Maryland CHAARG on Facebook
Changing Health, Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls is a group on campus designed to empower girls to workout in a driven, positive and supportive environment.
The group goal is to spark passion for exercising amongst college girls. It is also a prime example that working out can include variety and fun, not just the monotonous elliptical.
“You gain energy from others when working out in a group rather than alone. It also pushes you to try new workouts that you never would have done on your own and help[s] you to get outside of your comfort zone and achieve your fitness goals,” CHAARG member and sophomore management and supply chain management double major Natalie LaRosa said.
The first CHAARG chapter in the nation was formed in 2012. Two years after its beginning, the University of Maryland began its own chapter. Now, the fitness club has over 60 chapters across the country.
The group meets at least twice a week. There is a set weekly workout, which a large portion of the 165 members of the chapter attend in a room in Adele H. Stamp Student Union. This slot is usually hosted by a visiting studio, which teaches the girls a class. In the past, the group has done barre, yoga, P90X, HIIT and studio specific routines.
“My favorite part about being in a group fitness club is the energy and the community,” CHAARG ambassador and senior business management major Haley Martin said.
“We are a strong group of girls who are passionate about health and fitness. Both physically and mentally. Every girl looks out for each other,” Martin said.
During the week, girls from CHAARG are divided into smaller workout groups of 10 people to 15 people. The location changes from week to week, depending on the workout that the group decides to do. This small group is headed by a leader, who is an experienced CHAARG member. This system helps accommodate everyone’s schedules, while still providing the community and motivation the girls craved when joining the group.
“Our small group leader usually creates a workout for us with different circuits, and it’s so motivating to workout in a group because it pushes you to keep up,” CHAARG member and sophomore Letters and Sciences major Abby McCann said.
In addition to growing closer during their weekly sweat sessions, the girls bond over their shared interests. They participate in other activities together such as movie nights, hiking trips and a formal.
