If you’re interested in redefining wellness beyond fitness trends, Club Meraki might be the perfect place. 

Shortly after the conclusion of her first semester, freshman Annie Briseno realized that there wasn’t a specific club on campus that promoted healthy habits and wellness. So, she founded Club Meraki to promote holistic wellness beyond physical health. The club’s name, ‘Meraki,’ is a Greek word meaning to do something with passion and love, perfectly encapsulating the club’s values. 

“People can choose to go and meet new people sober and not have to stay home if they don’t want to go out,” said Briseno. 

Club Meraki promotes healthy habits and focuses on what makes individuals happy. Members are open to discovering and defining their own definition of wellness.

Although the club is relatively new, it has already hosted a run club event sponsored by a hydration drops company and a Pilates session with OliPop. Its latest event was an end-of-semester picnic, where members were welcome to pick up free wellness PR products.

“Creating that community within Meraki, and having people who are all there for the common purpose of wellness and helping each other get to wherever that means. You’re in a supportive community, and that’s entirely what we’re based out of,” said Briseno. 

In the future, the club hopes to focus more on small group activities, such as movie nights and mixed doubles workout challenges, with other clubs to create social settings. 

Club Meraki doesn’t want to push specific trends on members. Instead, it wants to help them discover what works for them to promote their wellness. It’s a judgment-free space where members can discuss health and wellness openly while creating a supportive environment.

“It’s supposed to be up to the member to find out what makes them whole and complete and healthy,” said Briseno.

Briseno says wellness is about balancing life, incorporating personal beliefs, and surrounding yourself with positive influences who uplift you. She understands that topics such as eating and exercising can be challenging. Therefore, Club Meraki promotes health and wellness while creating a safe space. 

“I just want people to find whatever that is that makes them passionate,” Briseno emphasized. 

The club fosters a community where members can support each other and achieve their wellness goals. For more information, folks can visit Club Meraki’s Instagram account.