Looking to get involved in fitness but unsure of where to begin? This new club at LSU might be the fit for you.
CHAARG is a wellness club with over 100 chapters on college campuses across the U.S. The acronym stands for Changing Health Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls, and that is exactly what the club strives to do. The first chapter began at Ohio State in 2012, and the LSU chapter launched three weeks ago thanks to senior Brynn Davis.
When Davis was asked if she wanted to start a CHAARG club at LSU, the political science major jumped at the opportunity. Brynn has always felt very passionate about wellness and is excited to apply this passion to create a community on campus.
“I’ve done things for political science, but I love working out and would love to switch it up,” Davis said.
When people picture working out, they often picture signing up for individual workout classes or going to the gym by themselves. The CHAARG club is working to change the narrative by creating a space for women of various fitness levels to work out together and feel comfortable trying new things.
“Some of us have played sports in high school; some of us have never been to the gym before,” Davis said.
The group uses the motto “making fitness fun,” working to foster a sense of excitement in women’s wellness. The club hosts weekly group workouts on Wednesdays, and the type of workout varies each week. This week, the members will be attending a class at ToneBR.
“You won’t be alone,” Davis said. “When you try something new, you hate doing it by yourself, right? There are 40 of us. We are all gonna be going to class in two days together.”
The club also includes small groups led by different executive members. These small groups create an even more personal wellness experience for members. Each executive member hosts an additional small group workout once a week.
“Mine is Monday at 2 p.m., and I will text in the group chat, ‘Who wants to come? I am going to the gym right now,’ so they do not have to go alone,” Davis said.
The community extends beyond just physical wellness. During really busy weeks, Davis caters to her group and will host a homework hour instead of a workout if they are really stressed. CHAARG also hosts two socials every semester where the girls are able to bond beyond just the fitness room.
Davis really cherishes the people she has already met through CHAARG. She said she has especially enjoyed meeting people of all different grades and majors.
“Meeting new people and having built up the exec team has been fun,” said Davis.
Sophomore Lauren Wright, a management major, is a new member of the club and is excited for future workouts and socials.
“It is very welcoming. I am very excited,” Wright said. “Everybody is very positive and encouraging and wanting to get to know you and be friends.”
If you are interested in joining LSU CHAARG, you can learn more through the club’s website or Instagram.
