We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: staying fit at Harvard, especially if you’re not a varsity or club athlete, is tough. There’s only so much time between class, extracurriculars, and job recruiting (if you’re one of the brave souls who’s doing OCI right now)–why spend your coveted free time sweating it out at the gym?
The answer to that question is pretty obvious: though it may not be as productive in the short-term, making time for exercise reduces risk of disease, helps to maintain a healthy weight, and improves your mood. And if you’re ready to make those #positivechanges, the Malkin Athletic Center has a smorgasbord of options to choose from. I tried out a few classes at the MAC to figure out which ones were worth waking up absurdly early for or procrastinating a pset with–and it some cases, so you don’t have to.
Mindful Vinyasa Yoga I
Meets: Monday Morning, 7:15 AM – 8:10 AM
Instructor: Stephanie
The Gist: For beginner yogis and experts alike, Mindful Vinyasa Yoga I provides a tranquil start to the week. Stephanie guides you through flows with poses you probably know already–downward dog, warriors 1-4, chair pose–with a class that’s relatively easy, but will still leave you the right amount of sore the next day. This class asks you to be really attuned to all parts of your body while going through the poses, hence the “mindful” title, which is both calming and a little cheesy. Coming in as a newbie, I was most happy that no one made me try to do a headstand.
The Benefits: Scientific research on the benefits of yoga over other forms of exercise is still in its early stages. However, we do know that taking class can improve your flexibility, reduce stress and improve brain function. Long-term yoga practitioners also report increased lung capacity, lower blood pressure, improved sense of balance and stronger bones, among other positive changes.
The Bottom Line: Not for people who would rather nama-stay in bed on an early Monday morning; great if you’re someone who needs an extra reminder to take a chill pill. Want to take your yoga skills to a level worthy of a Lululemon ad? Try the slightly more intense Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga II from 1:15-2:10 P.M. on Thursdays with Gene.
Barre Harvard
Meets: Wednesday afternoon, 1:15-2:10 PM
Instructor: Dawn
The Gist: For those readers who don’t keep up with the Kardashians and their favorite forms of boutique exercise, Barre is a class that combines yoga, pilates, and strength training. Throughout the class, you’ll move from leg and ab exercises in the center floor to leg exercises assisted by a ballet barre. Very little dance technique is used in the Harvard version (think turned-in legs and no stretching), but there are plenty of props to assist with your lunges and planks. And if you want to give up on your push-ups, too bad; Dawn’s an instructor that, while super friendly, wants everyone in the class to “work” for their workout.
The Benefits: Barre exercises help to build your core and endurance, as these classes consist of high-rep isometric movements targeting the muscles you’ll miss by sticking to crunches. Since it’s low impact, there’s opportunity to get fit without risk of injury.
The Bottom Line: Don’t judge it by its name; you’ll definitely feel the burn. Going during lunch time all but guarantees a pass, even if you’re a few minutes late.
Barre Express
Meets: Tuesday evening, 6:45-7:30 PM
Instructor: Janine
The Gist & The Benefits: Very similar to Barre Harvard, but shorter. This class was slightly lower intensity, with ample opportunity to take a break between exercises.
Our class was also surprised by the instructor serenading us with a Carrie Underwood song at the end of class. I will neither confirm nor deny that it was slightly uncomfortable.
The Bottom Line: Decent workout, awkward music selection. Get there 10-15 minutes early as this class fills up quick!
Zumba
Meets: Wednesday, 7-7:55 PM or Friday, 4:30-5:25 PM
Instructor: Rachel (Wednesday) or Molly (Friday)
The Gist: Log your cardio for the week with dance! The instructor will lead you through routines of varying intensity, usually set to pop, hip hop, and latin funk playlists. Each dance likely includes some squats designed as another move, and there aren’t breaks in between songs–i.e., you’re keeping your heart rate up the whole time. Pay attention to the instructor as you go: no one will notice if you’re on the wrong foot, but they will if you go the wrong way.
The Benefits: There’s no definitive source on whether Zumba is the key to achieving all of your fitness goals. Dance in general can help with cardiovascular endurance and muscle tone, so we can guess that Zumba can do this, too.
The Bottom Line: Zumba classes are great for cutting loose and looking a little silly. It’s also fun to see another student leading the class! These classes also fill up quickly; I’m not saying you should camp out in the MAC lobby, but…
Cycle
Meets: Lots of options! Tuesdays, 7:15-8:10 AM or 5:45-6:30 PM, Thursdays, 7:30-8:25 AM
Instructor: Allison (Tuesday morning), Alana (Tuesday afternoon), Caitlin (Thursday morning)
The Gist: Otherwise known as “spin,” Cycle classes are Harvard’s homage to Soul Cycle (and all of its knock-offs), down to the twinkly lights hung up in the 3rd floor studio. An instructor leads the class on rides of varying intensity on a stationary bike. Count on these classes to have killer playlists and a fun vibe, even early in the morning. Warning: you will sweat. A lot.
The Benefits: This is a steady cardiovascular workout, great for increasing your endurance while building some leg muscle. Spin can also be a full body workout; some classes include cycling while doing arm exercises with 2 to 5 lb. weights.
The Bottom Line: A+ alternative to bougie classes at a private studio.