Workout room at RPAC at OSU in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: Kourt Williams II | Lantern Reporter
Empowering Women Through Strength: Buckeye BarBELLES Program
Ohio State’s Department of Recreational Sports is excited to announce the Buckeye BarBELLES program, designed specifically to empower female students by promoting strength and self-confidence.
Program Overview
This eight-week course, requiring a $25 registration fee, focuses on teaching women the essentials of strength training in a welcoming small group environment. The program is structured to help participants reach their full potential at the gym.
Session Details
BarBELLES features two weekly guided sessions led by students, comprising a one-hour lecture on Mondays from 6-7 p.m. along with small group exercise opportunities held at the RPAC throughout the week. Participants can select a time slot that fits their schedules to ensure maximum accessibility.
Registration Deadline
Don’t miss out! Registration for the spring semester concludes on Friday.
Goals and Objectives
Mitch Miceli, the department’s personal training coordinator, highlights the primary goal of Buckeye BarBELLES: teaching participants fundamental weight-training techniques such as barbell squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.
“By focusing on basic movements, we create a nurturing environment where participants progressively enhance their skills,” said Miceli. “We begin with simple hip hinge movements and gradually evolve to complex squat variations.”
Inclusivity and Support
The Buckeye BarBELLES program is welcoming to all female students, particularly those new to weight training or feeling apprehensive in gym settings. Miceli remarks, “Many join with little experience, and this program equips them with the confidence needed to work out independently. We often see strong bonds form as participants continue to train together beyond the program.”
Comprehensive Learning
The program also integrates vital discussions on nutrition and muscle recovery through its lecture series. “We cover essential topics like goal-setting, nutrition, exercise programming, mobility, and recovery,” Miceli explained. “These elements contribute to a holistic approach to strength training.”
Expert Guidance
The sessions are facilitated by Ohio State students who have undergone rigorous training through the Buckeye PT Prep Courses, preparing them to serve as personal trainers on campus.
Focus on Technique and Growth
Brynn Block, a third-year health sciences student and lead personal trainer for Buckeye BarBELLES, emphasizes that effective technical instruction and confidence building are crucial to the program.
“We prioritize foundational barbell skills and progress to more advanced techniques like hip thrusts and chest presses,” Block stated. “The intention is to prepare participants for independent lifting and future workout planning.”
Personal Progression
Block also noted the significance of personal growth throughout the program. “Each week builds on the last, allowing students to develop their strength and technique at a comfortable pace.”
Transformative Impact
Ultimately, Block believes the Buckeye BarBELLES program fosters a positive and transformative experience for its participants. “We aim to bolster confidence and prepare them to step into the gym without hesitation. It’s about empowering women to take charge of their fitness journeys,” she concluded.
Getting Involved
For additional information on how to register and participate in the program, please visit the department’s website.
