Uplift: Empowering Women

Reported By: Shelby McCormick

Photo Credits: @upliftgfu on Instagram

Studies show that as many as 70% of women battle feelings of intimidation when going to the gym, or feel they are not qualified to be there. This experience is especially prevalent in women aged 18-24.

        “Many women here feel intimidated to go to Hadlock,” said Jennie Ly, president of the Uplift Fitness Club. At the core, this was the motivation behind the club’s creation: to fulfill the “Be Known” promise by helping women feel more comfortable in the University’s gym.

        Ly said that her fitness journey began in high school when a female friend in her mostly male weightlifting class helped motivate and push her to challenge herself. “I just want to do that for other girls,” she said. Ly hopes that community can be built among women, and as they gain more confidence, pay it forward by encouraging other women in their fitness journeys. 

        From its origins, the club was formed on the basis of women inspiring women. Ly initially had a conversation with Angel Glocking, a Hadlock Student Center employee, who inspired Ly to start the club.

        Their mission statement, as found on the club’s Instagram, is “to inspire women of all backgrounds to be strong, bold, and beautiful through fitness in a supportive community.”

        “It became [an] empowerment club. It became not only ‘how can we get these girls more comfortable in the gym?’ but by empowering them comes the confidence to do their own thing.” said Vice President Angel Lewis.

Lewis is excited to be a part of a club such as this, especially during college. “A lot of other schools don’t have a club just for women like this,” she said. 

        The club’s leadership team hopes to take cues from the club members and shape the club to fill their needs. Their initial plans to carry out their mission statement are to have monthly events when the club will reserve Hadlock Student Center. The goal of these monthly events are to create a fun space for women to help them get comfortable in the gym. The first session will be held on Oct 27.

While the club is just beginning, the leadership is excited about its potential. “We really hope this club stays for a long time after we graduate,” said Ly.