New ‘Girl Gains’ Club Empowers Female Students 

Written by Alyssa Wilson ~ Editor-in-Chief 

After seeing a need for female support in the gym, a Lynchburg student started a ‘Girl Gains’ chapter on campus to bring women together and give them a safe gym space to learn and grow together. 

‘Girl Gains’ is a college oriented organization with chapters across the country. Alexandria Russell, sophomore, took it upon herself to start a chapter at the University of Lynchburg after realizing that she probably was not the only woman who experiences some anxiety in the gym. 

“When I first started my journey I was scared to go to the gym,” says Russell. “As time went on, I realized that I could do anything anyone else could, so I wanted to start ‘Girl Gains’ to help women who struggle to get into the gym and have someone to support them.” 

The club has had three meetings so far, the second one being a beginner lifting meeting which taught the basics of lifting and offered support to participants. 

In order to attend the club, one does not have to have experience in the gym. Madison Claudy, freshman, has picked up new techniques from her fellow club members. 

“I’m a lot more comfortable in the gym now that they have built my confidence,” says Claudy.

The club hosts educational meetings in addition to group lifts that happen every other Thursday. Previously, Russell had a guest speaker come to teach the women about overall wellness, and a future meeting focusing on intuitive wellness will take place on April 5 with a tentative location. 

“I think this club is important because a lot of girls struggle with gym anxiety and this is a great way to overcome that, because you are working out with girls who struggle or have struggled with the same thing in the past,” says Claudy. 

A second group lift will take place on March 30 in Wake Field House, however the members of the club have been split into small groups so there is opportunity for regular group lifts in smaller groups. 

In addition to lifting, the club will soon offer dance classes, stretching, yoga and spin classes. 

For more information, follow @ulgirlgains on Instagram or email Alexandria Russell with questions.