Getting fit and staying healthy seems to be a growing trend among college students, and one Ball State student group makes it its mission to do just that.
CHAARG (Changing Health, Attitudes, and Actions to Recreate Girls) is a national organization founded to help girls “find their fit," and is now featured in 37 universities throughout the U.S.
CHAARG was introduced at Ball State in Fall 2015 and began with 70 members.
Now, the group has expanded to 125 members and hopes to continue to grow. Ashya Thomas, the student leader for the organization, expressed her excitement and passion about the organization.
She said it is a very hands-on club, in which members' input is valued. They are encouraged to speak up and express what they would like to work on, and in return, those suggestions are taken into consideration when it comes to planning future workouts and classes.
“What makes this organization special is that it offers a safe space where girls can socialize, as well as get the kind of workouts that they deserve," Thomas said.
The organization hosts its workouts both on and off campus, partnering with places such as Arsenal located in downtown Muncie, as well as Studio fitness. CHAARG has even partnered with the ROTC program, which has allowed the group to expand the kinds of workouts they offer. The group offers classes with certified instructors in workout classes such as Zumba, hot yoga, Cross-fit and Pilates. They have classes in the dance studio, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and even out on the lawn of campus, making classes accessible for students.
The excitement and the drive that the leaders had for the program while they welcomed in the new members this year was apparent as they shared information about the club with prospective members.
“I was a transfer and found out about the organization when I came to Ball State and I fell in love with it. It’s crazy fun," said Hannah Pulver, who runs the group's social media sites.
Hers was a response that seemed to be mutual among all of the girls both new and old as the evening progressed.
The steps for becoming a member of CHAARG is easy, Thomas said. All you have to do is go to the CHAARG website and join the Ball State group. There is a $45 fee to join. The money goes to help pay for amenities such as transportation and renting equipment that will be used in certain classes.
Members receive a weekly newsletter that will inform them of the classes and events for the upcoming week, and they are able to sign up for any of the classes offered.
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