Throughout my freshman year of college, I tried out a few different organizations, but I never found one I really enjoyed enough to fully commit to. However, as a sophomore, I have found one that stands out above the rest: CHAARG.

CHAARG is an organization dedicated to fitness, but it provides so much more than just getting in shape. With a wide range of benefits and events, I would recommend this to every girl in college.

1. Support network all around the country

With more than 7,000 girls in CHAARG nationwide and an average of 140 members per chapter, you instantly become part of a huge community when you join! Upon joining, members are encouraged to create a CHAARG-dedicated Instagram account. Girls from around the country can share workout plans, healthy recipes, meditations, and more with their followers that helps keep you on track. This provides a platform for people to communicate and encourage others, helping to keep them on track towards their goals. Being a member of CHAARG, there will always be someone there for you if you need someone to study with, a shoulder to cry on, a ride to the airport, a dinner date, or anything else.

2. Social Events

While the workout part of CHAARG is definitely partly social, we also have events focused purely on socializing. This includes Halloween parties, breakfast for dinner socials, and many others. Most of these events are for members only, but there are some open to friends or in coordination with sororities. I joined CHAARG with the intention of not only just getting in better shape but also meeting new people and making new friends. These social events are an excellent way of attaining both of those goals.

3. Try Out New Workout Studios

Throughout the semester, there are studio spotlights where members are able to try out a workout studio around town. I've personally tried out many studios in Tuscaloosa including Pure Barre, Crossfit, and 9Round, among others. We will also have instructors come and lead a workout or meditation at Government Plaza. These events are all a great way to learn what kind of workout is best for you.

4. Involvement / Resumé Builder

With events up to three times a week and numerous leadership positions available, CHAARG is the perfect way to get involved on campus. All of the events are optional but the more you attend, the more you will get out of CHAARG. With leadership positions ranging from managing finances to planning parties, CHAARG is a good way to gain experience in your area of interest, and it makes for an excellent extracurricular on any resume or application.

"While CHAARG focuses a lot on fitness, living a healthy life is so much more than the physical aspect. I hope all of our members grow to embrace a healthy + happy lifestyle. I hope that they find a supportive + encouraging community + that they meet not only workout buddies, but lifelong friends.” -Elizabeth Tavierne, CHAARG Founder