The positive effects of establishing a regular workout routine cannot be understated, and they expand beyond improved strength, flexibility and mobility. While maintaining good physical health is not the only key to great mental fitness, exercising, according to the Office of Disease Prevention and Control, “directly contributes to improved mental health.”
Many, including me, can attest to this. I’ve played sports my entire life, ranging from volleyball to track and field. I decided to try something new in high school: cross country. I was a slow sprinter and believed running cross country would improve my 100m and 200m endurance. Within a year, I’d quit short distance running and transitioned into a long-distance runner. I still run today six days a week while incorporating core workouts into my routine.
Running has no negative consequences for me. It has served different roles in my life over the past four years. Some days, it’s my escape. I’m exposed to nature and fresh air, something I don’t get while sitting in a classroom or on the ground floor of Lewis-Beck.
Running also improved my mental health. My high school cross country team was the first team I felt a part of. All the girls and guys had genuine love and support for one another, and I still keep in touch with the team today. I still get excited when I come even remotely close to what I did in high school.
For many, creating a fitness routine in college is difficult. Erin Holloway, a nursing major here at Florida A&M, felt this way. As a former cheerleading and track captain, she struggled to adapt to a new environment and was nervous about going to the gym. This led her to champion a new chapter of an organization called CHAARG at FAMU. CHAARG is a health and wellness organization that builds community among girls who seek self-improvement through fitness.
The national organization contacted Holloway and she has been training with them for this semester. Recently, she announced that the FAMU chapter of CHAARG was official.
Holloway hopes through CHAARG that girls on campus can foster a healthy, thriving community centered around health. She feels that exercise, while improving her physical health, also enhances her mental health.
“After a workout,” said Holloway. “I experience a notable improvement in my mental state, which encourages me to stay consistent with my exercise routine.”
According to Holloway, CHAARG has some exciting events lined up for the semester, including a yoga class. Girls interested in joining CHAARG can join through their website, CHAARG.com. You can follow FAMU on Instagram @1887_CHAARG.
A love for fitness can give someone the tools to help others achieve their fitness goals. That was the case with Caleb Barr, a business administration student here at FAMU. Barr played basketball and did weightlifting in high school. His love of fitness has evolved into a business geared towards helping others achieve their fitness goals. Barr says a need for fitness and nutrition education in the black community motivated him to begin a personal training business.
“I started off my business as a steward of the black community,” said Barr. “I understand that as a collective whole, we are not well equipped in the health and wellness industry, often not, by choice.”
When asked what motivates him to exercise, Barr states, “Whenever I feel lazy and tired, I know that I could be inspiring someone else to become a better version of themselves.”
Those interested in his program can check out MD Wellness Strategies on Instagram @md.wellness.strategies.