Changing Health, Attitudes and Actions to Recreate Girls, more commonly referred to as CHAARG, is an organization with chapters found at more than one hundred universities across the nation and aims to empower women on their wellness journeys. 

Grand Valley State University’s CHAARG chapter wants to show women that working out doesn’t have to be just hopping on the treadmill or elliptical. The organization aims to create a space where women are supported, encouraged and feel safe during workouts. 

“CHAARG is important to have at GVSU because it gives women on campus a safe space to try new workouts and connect with each other,” said Chloe Bower, president of CHAARG at GVSU. “Not only does it motivate girls to try new ways to work out, but it gives women the opportunity to explore new workouts in a safe environment where everyone around you wants you to succeed and be the best version of yourself.” 

GVSU’s CHAARG holds two workout sessions every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and another from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The organization partners with local businesses once a week for various workouts including CrossFit, dancing, Pure Barre and yoga. These events bring in a new skill set for the members that they get to learn at the end of each meeting.

Aside from the physical activity-based meetings the group hosts each week, CHAARG also emphasizes helping its members form influential and strong female friendships.

“CHAARG has been such a large part of my life for the last three years and has been such an essential part of my college experience. I’ve met my closest friends and roommates through this organization, and I would not have changed a thing,” Bower said. 

In addition to helping members learn fitness skills, CHAARG helps students grow socially.

“Some skills I have learned being part of this organization are being open and trying something new by meeting new people,” said Emma Penney, a member of CHAARG. 

Aside from the Monday workout classes, the organization also hosts “small groups” that members can sign up for. These groups are made up of four to six people with meetings once a week that aim to help the members get to know each other and offer a space to hang out and decompress from the busy college semesters. Additionally, CHAARG introduced “bolt babes” a program where members are partnered with someone who shares similar interests in the hope that members can make friends and have partners to try out new things with. 

CHAARG also puts on a few social events throughout the year such as apple picking or movie nights. 

“Some of my favorite events that I have done in the past for CHAARG are yoga, boxing and cycling,” Penney said. “Some of my favorite socials were apple picking, ice skating and going to the John Ball Zoo.” 

Bower said CHAARG has been an important and influential part of her time at GVSU. 

“CHAARG has empowered me to stay active and try new workouts,” Bower said. “It has given me the motivation to continue to find new and exciting ways to move my body and stay active.” 

Students who interested in the organization can visit the CHAARG Instagram, which is filled with group pictures from many of the events and even individual member highlights. The workouts are routinely posted through the CHAARG socials as well as on LakerLink.