Samantha Cicardo, junior nutrition major and philanthropy chair of Iron Sharks, joined NSU’s weightlifting club to help people feel welcome at the gym.
“As a female that does lift, I know how intimidating that environment can be, especially as a female where you’re told that your body is supposed to look this way, and you can’t do certain kinds of strength training because it’s going to make you look like a man,” Cicardo said. “The gym is an intimidating place, and I don’t think a lot of people know that our club is for everyone. If you’re new [to the gym], the club is made to help people and make it a safe space for everyone.”
The club has 267 members.
Iron Sharks, founded last year, focuses on physical fitness and connecting students who have a passion for going to the gym.
Thomas Steckman, sophomore business marketing major and president of Iron Sharks, wants to have more events and engagement on campus. Currently, the club does activities like 5K runs, rock wall competitions and bench competitions.
PHOTO BY BRIELLE AGUAYO President of Iron Sharks Thomas Steckman, sophomore business major, hands an energy drink to a fellow competitor during a bench press competition.
“We like to do anything with physical fitness, so it’s not really just a gym club,” he said. “We also want to have community events for our members, like dinners, and anything based around health and fitness.”
Iron Sharks strives for friendliness and inclusiveness at the gym.
“I wanted a club where it could foster more of a community with NSU students that maybe only know how to talk about the gym or only really go to the gym and don’t know where else to fit in,” Steckman said.
Iron Sharks is currently planning a dodgeball tournament, in which there will be eight teams, and more bench press competitions.
The club will also have a table at Community Fest on Feb. 10, where it will host a push-up contest, and give out Rice Krispie Treats.
Douglas Witczack, freshman pre-nursing major and Iron Sharks IOC chair, finds the club to be a place where he can help others.
“I wish that the NSU community would know that we’re more than just a gym club, that we are welcoming people with hearts, that we accept all walks of life and all people,” Witczack said.
For more information:
On Iron Sharks’ upcoming events and how to join:
Visit its Instagram @ironsharks.official
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