Emily is a member and the secretary of the University of Toledo group CHAARG (Changing Health Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls). CHAARG meets once a week for a Main Event. Main Events are fitness classes which take place at a local fitness studio or a fitness instructor will meet the group on campus to teach. CHAARG members have tried: Pound, Glass City CrossFit, Extreme Results, Insanity, Pure Barre, SkyFit at Sky Zone, Hot Yoga at Bikram, a ROTC workout, BadDog Boxing, and more. Main Events can draw as many as 100 members. Members also enjoy benefits from social media connections and their national organization which provides additional workouts and meal plans.

A: CHAARG is a health and fitness organization which focuses on positive body image and healthy choices. Through the group, members are able to enjoy a social aspect with their fitness.

Q: What made you decide to join a fitness group?

A: One of the reasons I joined was the social aspect – it allows you to connect with people who have similar goals. I also wanted to try the classes and learn new things.

Q: Of all of the Main Events you have attended, which has been the most enjoyable?

A: The most enjoyable was Pound (cardio drumming) because it was upbeat and had good music. “That’s the one I’d be most eager to go back to!”

Q: Which has been the most challenging, physically or otherwise?

A: CrossFit was the most challenging because you were stepping out of your comfort zone. They had you doing things like box jumps, which I had never done before. Once you do one, you’re OK, but the first one is intimidating. The instructors there were really good about providing alternatives for certain exercises. If you couldn’t do a full pull-up, they would show you how to do it a different way. They had a lot of staff on hand to help our group and were good at explaining the workouts. Q: Do you see yourself continuing to explore similar classes or activities once you graduate from college?

A: I hope to. There are 45 chapters of CHAARG around the US and even virtual chapters and a Post-grad CHAARG, so there are a lot of ways to participate.

Q: Are there any exercise classes you haven’t tried yet that you are looking forward to trying in the future?

A: I would like to try Aerial Yoga or Acrobatics.

Q: If you met someone who is looking for a way to rejuvenate their fitness routine, what would you recommend?

A: Try Pound (or cardio drumming). It didn’t feel like a workout while you were doing it, but you were still getting a total body workout.

Q: What advice would you have for someone who is just starting out?

A: “Don’t try to take on too much right away.” It is easy to get burned out and your body needs to adjust. Keep trying different things. Your body needs variety for an effective workout.

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