A couple of months ago, I was contacted by a group called CHAARG at Butler University. This acronym stands for Changing Health Attitudes+Actions to Recreate Girls. This organization is directed toward college-aged females and its aim is to "liberate girls from the elliptical" by exposing them to the vast variety of fitness options out there. They do so by partnering with local studios once a week; "whether it be CrossFit, Pure Barre or salsa dancing-and everything in between".

CHAARG has 2,500 members nationally, and they are a supportive community promoting health and fitness. Started in 2012, it currently has chapters at 24 universities with a "Virtual Chapter" for girls that don't have one at their university yet.

Elisabeth Tavierne is CHAARG's founder. On the website she explains her vision: "My goal is to bring CHAARG to every university in the United States-if not the world. Ultimately though my mission is to empower every CHAARG girl to be the best version of herself. While CHAARG focuses a lot on fitness, living a healthy lifestyle is so much more than the physical aspect. I hope that all of our members grow to embrace a healthy and happy lifestyle. I hope that they meet not only workout buddies but lifelong friends."

Wow, how do I wish this was around when I was in college! As a young female, before I studied fitness, I remember reluctantly going to the gym to get on the treadmill/elliptical and just doing the same boring routine day after day. Well, this group certainly doesn't have that problem at all! Every Wednesday they are exposed to a brand new local trainer/workout and for free of course! How jealous I am but also so excited that this program exists. Fitness SHOULD be fun and not a chore; and how awesome to build relationships in the meantime.

So, last week So.Be.Fit.'s turn had come to work with CHAARG! My fantastic trainer Rosie Edwards volunteered to teach for us. She's a great candidate to do so being a young 27 year old, a runner, and a Butler grad to boot. She taught 2 classes, the first had 24 girls and the second 14. I went by to check it out and it was very inspiring! The girls were working their butts off all while smiling and encouraging each other. Rosie was putting them through drills that seemed more like a game than exercise and they were having a ball. The participants varied in fitness level but not in attitude. All very upbeat and positive. If you are a parent of a female college student (or one yourself) I highly recommend joining CHAARG. There are an impressive 4 universities in Indiana including Indiana, Purdue, Ball State and Butler. But as previously mentioned, if her university doesn't have a chapter, she can be a virtual member which includes accountability meeting, challenges, national events and fitgear. You can learn details at www.chaarg.com

I am so glad that this organization exists to encourage variety, community, support and fitness all at the same time. I look forward to working with them in the future. CHAARG ahead!