70% of college-aged women feel unsatisfied with their bodies. 10 to 20% of these women face eating disorders. 54% of students experience loneliness, with 77% reporting some level of psychological distress throughout their college years. The need for wellness, communities and non judgmental support for women is critical.
CHAARG is a national women’s wellness organization that has a chapter at the University of Maine. While they are advertised primarily as a group to workout with, they are far more holistic— addressing the needs of women’s general physical and mental wellness. The Maine Campus sat down with some of the executive team Friday, Feb. 21 to learn more about this organization. CHAARG was founded in 2012 with over 100 chapters dispersed throughout the U.S. The UMaine community hosts weekly workouts, small groups and most importantly, an outlet for healthy friendships.
Over this past year, CHAARG has seen an increase of women joining. Now hosting 50 women in the chapter, their mission is addressing the most common concerns amongst college women. The start of unraveling mental health and body image is in inspiring people to go out and try new things. CHAARG offers a certain fluidity to their events, offering different outlets such as pole dancing, kickboxing and yoga.
“[Our community] is pretty tight knit. Everyone knows each other. Really close knit compared to other chapters,” said Vice President of Membership Hannah Johndro.
One obstacle the executive team identified with working out is this “imaginary audience.” The anxiety of others paying attention to you while you exercise. Going with a group, a friend or through CHAARG’s weekly workouts eases the stress.
“You think people are watching you, judging you. That is not true, everyone is in their own world” said CHAARG Ambassador Juliette Dutton.
Community is the first defense from these anxieties, body insecurity and mental health. This silent thing that happens when being around positive people is a new outlook, a new confidence. The members love picking each other up, and they love supporting each other. Finding a kind space does not have to be a tumultuous journey.
“You can be scared of judgement, but you can push it aside and find your niche and little community. You find support along the way,” said Dutton.
Unfortunately, health and fitness is often plagued by toxicity, calorie counting, scales and fear peaking through social media’s representations of it. This makes the issue of mental health systematic and rampant in today’s climate. The way to stop this, is changing one’s mindset about the goals in working out.
“Fitness should not focus on changing or fixing your body like something is wrong with it. Instead it should be about being so grateful about your body being able to do so many things… Let women have fun working out, not it being an eternal competition with our bodies,” said Johndro.
To make fitness and health more inclusive and fun, there is an urge for beginner-friendly and accessible classes at the New Balance Recreation Center. There are sample workouts at the beginning of each semester and executive roles open for those looking for a community outlet. CHAARG is also hosting a formal later this semester that will be advertised via their Instagram. If you are a woman seeking community or positivity, look no further than CHAARG.
“It is a great outlet to make friends and workout and live a healthy lifestyle where you are really supported” says Event Coordinator Caroline Salvatierra.
