Mission
At Harvard Recreation, our passion lies in fostering a vibrant community centered around health, wellness and fitness. We take pride in our diverse programming, offering a wide range of activities to help you achieve your goals and maintain a balanced lifestyle, no matter where you are on your fitness journey.
Programming Highlights
Our programming is the heart of what we do at Harvard Recreation. We believe in creating opportunities for everyone to stay active and engaged, regardless of their experience or fitness level.
Group Fitness
With offerings like yoga, Zumba and high-energy cycle classes, our group fitness programs are as diverse as they are accessible. Most classes are free for students during the academic year, making it easy to stay active and have fun in a supportive environment.
Small Group Training
For those seeking a structured approach, our six-week small group training programs provide a mix of strength, cardio and power exercises. Led by certified trainers, these sessions help you stay motivated while connecting with others who share your fitness goals.
Aquatics
Our aquatics programs cater to all, whether you’re swimming laps, learning to swim or pursuing CPR certification. With two pools on campus, there’s always space to dive in and enjoy the water.
Club Sports and Intramurals
Harvard offers over 50 club sports, including popular options like archery, golf and wrestling. Our intramural program is just as robust, providing students with opportunities to compete, stay active and — most importantly — have fun.
Racquet Sports
Tennis and squash enthusiasts can enjoy our comprehensive facilities and programs. With memberships that offer year-round access, you can play whenever you like, ensuring your skills stay sharp.
Description of Facilities
While our programming is at the forefront, our facilities support a wide variety of fitness needs, offering spaces that accommodate everything from solo workouts to group activities.
Malkin Athletic Center (MAC)
As the hub of fitness at Harvard, the MAC offers a variety of modern strength training and cardio equipment, along with a 25-yard indoor pool. The MAC also features three full basketball courts and a mezzanine for fitness classes.
Hemenway Gymnasium
Hemenway is known for its welcoming atmosphere, featuring strength and cardio equipment, a basketball court, an international squash court, and a cycle studio. It’s a perfect spot for both solo and group workouts.
Murr Center
The Murr Center is a haven for racquet sports enthusiasts with 14 international squash courts and six indoor tennis courts. In addition to comprehensive strength and cardio facilities, it caters to both beginners and seasoned recreation enthusiasts.
Quadrangle Recreational Athletic Center (QRAC)
QRAC offers a unique mix of strength and cardio equipment, a fitness-on-demand area and a bouldering wall for those looking to diversify their workouts. It also includes a basketball court and a squash court.
Blodgett Pool
Blodgett’s Olympic-sized 50-meter pool is ideal for serious swimmers and those looking to cool off alike, accommodating all levels of aquatics training.
Beren Tennis Center
With 18 outdoor tennis courts, the Beren Tennis Center is perfect for casual players and competitive athletes. It’s an excellent place to practice your serve under the sun.
Weld Boathouse
Our sculling program, based at Weld Boathouse, is a standout offering at Harvard. Whether you’re an experienced rower or just curious, this program provides a relaxed, supportive environment to learn and enjoy rowing.
Harvard Sailing Center
Located on the Charles River, the Sailing Center gives you a unique opportunity to experience sailing right on campus. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner, the facility has everything you need to get out on the water.
Fun Facts
The MAC:
- The MAC was built in 1930 on the site where a residence hall once stood — Franklin D. Roosevelt lived there during his time at Harvard.
- Originally named the Indoor Athletic Building, the MAC was renamed in 1985 to honor Peter L. Malkin who funded the renovations.
- JFK regularly swam in the MAC’s pool, which is one of the reasons the building is protected by the historical society. The pool spans three floors in the center of the building.
- Despite its historic charm, the MAC is massive, covering 140,000 square feet, with the pool alone taking up three floors.
Hemenway Gymnasium:
- Built in 1940, Hemenway was originally used as an underwater sound laboratory during World War II before it was reconverted to a gym.
- The basement of Hemenway received a major renovation in 2022, including new strength equipment and flooring, making it an even better space for workouts.
QRAC:
- QRAC was recently renovated with all-new equipment, fresh paint and updated graphics to revitalize the space.
- The climbing wall at QRAC — currently run by volunteers — will soon be under the management of Harvard Recreation, ensuring even more structured climbing opportunities for members.
Whether you’re swimming in JFK’s favorite pool, working out in a former WWII laboratory or climbing a wall in a newly renovated space, Harvard Recreation offers more than just fitness — it’s a place rich with history and stories waiting to be discovered.
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