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When freshman Galilea Rosas first stepped foot on campus, the only thing on her mind was her major. But when she passed through the September Involvement Fair on the Shaw Quadrangle, CHAARG caught her eye with its bright blue tablecloth covered in pale pink and turquoise flyers.

CHAARG is a national fitness organization that aims to empower and inspire college students at over 100 college campuses to exercise. CHAARG stands for changing healthy attitudes surrounding working out. Its mission is to provide a safe and comfortable space for students to exercise in a social setting without feeling self-conscious or shy.

“It was something I wanted to do for my mental health because it (gave me) time to focus on myself and prioritize my well-being,” Rosas said.

Chapter founder Katie Dills brought CHAARG to Syracuse University’s campus in 2017. Seven years later, the chapter has grown to approximately 50 members. The club offers weekly workouts both on and off campus, ranging from trap aerobics to strength and conditioning. Members pay yearly dues of around $131 that go toward social events, the nationals branch and general membership.

Small groups, led by CHAARG’s executive board members, are also available to join for an additional hour of working out each week. The small groups offer a safe space for students on campus, which Rosas said she valued as a freshman.

Initially motivated by female empowerment in fitness, the club has expanded its mission for all. The group wants to support the goals and motivations of anyone who engages with it.

The safe environment and promotion of confidence has drawn students from different paths. Marlee Ecton, ambassador of the SU chapter, found contentment in exercising with CHAARG that kept her coming back.

Ecton, the ambassador of the SU chapter, praised CHAARG for balancing her commitments on campus. She appreciates being able to put an equal amount of energy into both her academic work and the club.

“It has definitely kept me loving exercise and loving trying new things, especially because I came from doing sports in high school,” Ecton said.

Amelia Fortsch, vice president of media for the organization, attended an all-girls high school, so coming to SU was a significant change for her. CHAARG helped the transition.

“I knew that I wanted to join a club or participate in something that was primarily a female-run space, just because that was something that I really loved about my high school experience and thought was really important to me,” Fortsch said.

The SU chapter occasionally partners with brands for workouts. On Tuesday, it partnered with RYSE energy drinks for its Ninja Barracks workout class, where members learned the ins and outs of parkour. Last year, Reebok sponsored a weekly running workout and members received shoes from the brand, Ecton said.

For some weekly workouts, CHAARG takes students to off campus locations, connecting them with local community members and helping them become comfortable being active outside of the Barnes Center.

Since students struggle to be active off campus, especially their freshman year, many pick CHAARG as an outlet because it helps to break out of the SU bubble, Fortsch said. By getting off campus in a positive environment, there’s more opportunity to meet new people and get a sense for the surrounding Syracuse community, Fortsch said.

“Honestly, I just love the environment, you feel like you’re getting an inside look, but also, I just have the best time,” Fortch said. “It’s always good energy. It feels like such a nice breath of fresh air.”

Published on October 22, 2024 at 10:48 pm