Recent studies reveal a stark reality for women in sports: more than one in three women feel intimidated by men in traditional fitness environments, and by the age of 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys. Gym spaces often feel like gauntlets of judgment, where women navigate complex social dynamics alongside physical challenges. It’s within this landscape that C.A.H.M.P, a Berlin-based all-female health and mindfulness community, is making its mark—offering a space where women can not only move their bodies but find connection.
Founded by Emily Mandry and Dina Mönster, C.A.H.M.P is built on the philosophy of trying what scares you. It’s an invite-only collective where members meet weekly—at adidas SPORTS BASE in Kreuzberg—to train across a diverse range of disciplines, from Muay Thai to dance to strength training. “I was always sporty,” Mandry explains, “but I was looking for the connection with women and also trying out different sports within a safe space of like a sisterhood together. We do a different sport every month so that women can try out different activities in a safe setting.”
That philosophy aligns with adidas’ ongoing “You Got This” campaign, underlining the necessity of positive reinforcement in sports. A new global study by the brand found that four out of five athletes experience negative sideline behaviour, which can push them out of training entirely. For adidas, “You Got This” speaks to the impact of a strong support system—those who show up, provide encouragement, and make progress feel possible. It’s a sentiment that resonates with C.A.H.M.P., where a shared sense of motivation and community helps women step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and reach goals that once felt out of reach.
Emily sees C.A.H.M.P’s community as transformative. And the sense of safety and camaraderie is a driving force for members. Dina describes how the group was born out of a simple but significant gap. “There’s not so much opportunity for doing sports as a woman and to feel safe,” she explains.
For Aiko, C.A.H.M.P provided a way back into movement at a particularly vulnerable time. “Before C.A.H.M.P, to be honest, I wasn’t really doing sports. I was going through a pregnancy, and that’s when I felt most vulnerable… So actually, for me, it was amazing. It was a good excuse to go out there, and talk to women—talk to people.”
Beyond its obvious physical benefits, the group also fosters a sense of belonging. “C.A.H.M.P has given me a lot of confidence and a support system,” says Awa. “I think it’s really important to have a group of women where you feel safe and understood.”
The collective isn’t about sculpting bodies; it’s about testing limits, proving things to yourself, and—crucially—doing it with others who get it. “Sports give you interaction with other people,” says Emily, “but you’re also getting to know your body even more and what your body can do… You surprise yourself every time.” C.A.H.M.P is proving that the right environment can be just as transformative as the workout itself.
Photography MIRIAM WOODBURN
Paid partnership with adidas
