Core during CORE: A Rundown on Ways to Fit In Exercise at Mudd

March 16, 2022

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What do a bunch of Mudders do when they’re all put in a room together?

Two students shake hands in a plank pose

A couple of my friends sharing a celebratory handshake during an ab workout session. [Photo credit: Mikayla Mann]

Well, your first thought might be “collaborate on homework” because we are all frosh going through the Harvey Mudd CORE curriculum together, after all. But that’s not exactly the core I have in mind. This article is for the students who get restless when they sit doing work for too long, or don’t feel motivated enough to get up and change into workout clothes, or somehow only have time to exercise in the middle of the night. I’ve compiled a running list of exercise opportunities for you—and don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to fit a workout in between homework!

The LAC is usually the most convenient choice: during hours that it’s open (and it’s open a surprising amount of hours), Mudd students have access to a gym, an aerobics room, ping pong tables, and an indoor court. It’s only a couple minute walk from any of the dorms, and I love to spend an hour there exercising or (my personal favorite) playing indoor volleyball with friends.

During the first two weeks of our spring 2022 semester, the LAC was closed due to COVID, so Mudders had to make do. In between classes, if you find the time, you can fit in a workout outside if the weather’s not too bad. My favorite spot is on the field behind Linde dorm, sandwiched between a couple bushes. There we would roll out our mats, start our speaker playing some tunes, and we were ready to go! Working out in the morning or evenings sometimes has more comfortable weather, but I know we Mudders aren’t morning people. You can choose whatever time is best for you (as long as it’s not in the dark, cold, pouring rain).

Pool separated into swimming lanes

A photo of the pool next to Roberts Pavilion! [Photo credit: Mikayla Mann]

If you feel like getting a nice warm-up walk in before you work out, you can instead head to Roberts Pavilion. It’s about a 7 minute walk away, or half that time on a skateboard. This gym is located on Claremont McKenna campus but is open to all CMS (CMC, Mudd, Scripps) students. It’s a new, state-of-the art building that I’m always excited to work out in—it contains two floors! The second floor has a row of treadmills facing wide open windows with an amazing view of the San Bernardino mountain range, which helps keep me in a good mood while running.

And finally, if you find yourself in a bit of a pinch, stuck in a dorm with nowhere to go and no way to change, a quick video workout never fails. When my friends and I feel like we need a break from homework while studying in somebody’s dorm, we’ll promptly set up a video, lie down on the floor, and begin our core routine.

Serena (a fellow social media intern!) and I taking a post-workout mirror selfie. [Photo credit: Mikayla Mann]

No matter where or when you are on Mudd campus, I hope these workout tips are worth the weight!

Text reading This blog was written by Mikayla Mann. Major: considering biology or engineering. Hobbies: volleyball, reading, playing piano, skateboarding, photography. Social Media Intern Class of 2025