Staying active is one of the most important things you can do for your mental and physical health. But as Harvard students, there is hardly enough time to get a workout in between classes, club meetings, and endless amounts of homework. So that you don’t waste your precious time in a workout class you don’t enjoy, I attended them all for you. Here is a guide to the best workout classes in Harvard Square.
The Handle Bar
I have never been a fan of spin classes, feeling subpar in SoulCycle classes, and off-beat on Peloton. Yet, Handle Bar is number 1 on my list of must-try workout classes in the square. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat, build endurance, or focus on strength training, The Handle Bar is the place for you.
“The Handle Bar is a place where a commitment to wellness runs deep,” boasts their website. With 40 bikes and a compassionate staff, this spin class is a perfect SoulCycle dupe fit for Harvard students. A single class at The Handle Bar costs $28, and first-timers can buy an unlimited month of classes for $99.
Their classes range from 6 A.M. to 6 P.M., offering a variety of times for students and Cambridge residents alike. Each class has a theme, such as “Teen Angst” and “Taylor Swift vs. Olivia Rodrigo.” I have now taken classes with five of their instructors; each is devoted to making every member feel safe and comfortable in class.
The environment of The Handle Bar is the perfect atmosphere for a high-intensity workout. The dimmed lights, loud and motivating music, and a room full of enthusiastic participants create incredible energy. While the lights are off, it is easy to work your hardest without feeling the pressure of those around you. When the lights are on, the bright blue and red hues make the class feel like a party.
Breathe
Breathe offers classes such as Inferno Hot Pilates, Breathe Power Flow, and Yoga Sculpt. Most of their classes are heated and popularly attended by Harvard students and Cambridge residents. Regarding workout classes, their pricing is right on. Single-class drop-ins cost $25, while their “first timer” packages cost $30 for ten days and $75 for 30 days.
Since most students proudly endorse their classes, I was excited when I first attended Breathe for my Inferno Hot Pilates class. However, the class was so beloved that the studio was completely over-packed. I was so close to the person next to me that our arms touched as we reached Warrior 2 (a feeling no one wants when covered in sweat).
The studio was sweltering, and not just because the thermostat was turned to 98 degrees; over 40 people were in a room that should have only fit 20. The heat and the mass of people created a claustrophobic environment in a class that should be refreshing and peaceful.
Overall, if you’re looking for a yoga or pilates studio with decent pricing and a variety of classes, Breathe has got you covered. But be wary of a hot, cramped studio that may make the class less than enjoyable.
Down Under
If you want a therapeutic, peaceful yoga class, try Down Under, located beneath Live Alive. A single-class drop-in is $25, while first-timers get their first month unlimited for $30. If you don’t have a mat, there is no need to fret, as they offer clean towels and mats that you can rent from $3-$5.
The heart of any yoga studio is its instructors, and Down Under does not disappoint. The instructors there are highly skilled, experienced, and exceptionally compassionate. They guide you through your practice with patience and tailor their instruction to various skill levels, making yoga accessible to everyone.
The studios themselves are designed to create a calming and welcoming atmosphere; however, the lack of mirrors in the room makes the space feel small and, at times, suffocating. Yet, the lack of mirrors can also be positive, preventing participants from getting distracted by their own or their neighbors’ reflections. If you’re looking for a class that increases your flexibility while getting a good sweat, Down Under is the perfect class for you.
Core Power
Core Power offers heated yoga and sculpt classes and unheated classes in a studio near the yard. Each class is $25, but if you sign up for a membership, your first month of classes is free.
I took a Yoga Sculpt class to begin my Core Power journey, and less than a few minutes in, I immediately regretted it. The class combines yoga, cardio, and weight lifting in a room heated to 98 degrees with 40% humidity, making it incredibly difficult to complete a HIIT workout.
Halfway through the class, the fire alarm started blaring (thank god), causing the class to walk out so the instructor could evaluate the issue.
Despite the unpleasant alarm and my wave of nausea, the class itself was challenging and a great workout. Although I will never return, anyone with good stamina and a tolerance for heat and humidity should try Core Power.
Pure Barre
I had never done a Barre class before, and this one did not disappoint. The employees helped me set up for my first class in a second-floor studio with plenty of natural light. The class was $25, and I was expected to wear pilates socks, which cost a whopping $18 at the front desk.
The rest of the equipment, such as wrist and ankle weights and dumbbells, were provided. The class was fairly easy to follow; however, my instructor’s muffled microphone forced me to keep lifting my head to see what other people were doing.
The other attendees were primarily female, each skilled in Barre pilates, gazing at themselves in the mirror stone-faced. When the instructor closed the door and the loud techno music started, everyone immediately started lifting and lowering their legs and arms in a robotic way while I tried to seamlessly catch on.
Although I prepared myself for a relaxing class, when the class was over, I was left covered in sweat with sore legs after having to take multiple breaks to relieve the pressure on my muscles. The day after this class, my entire body ached as I rolled out of bed. Pure Barre was one of the most challenging classes I have taken thus far, but I will definitely go back (and bring my $3 dollar Amazon pilates socks with me.)
Central Rock Gym
Visible from many parts of the square, Central Rock Gym offers climbing classes, yoga classes, and elliptical and treadmill machines. The gym is huge and has 6,000 square feet of climbing terrain. You can purchase a day pass for $30, and they offer shoes for $5 and chalk for $2.
The gym was fairly busy while I was there, with tons of children and adults using the facilities. For someone with no upper body strength and no climbing experience, I found it difficult to get a workout in any part of my body other than my arms. Therefore, although the workout for my arms was good, I felt like I hadn’t worked any other part of my body and had gotten no cardio.
If you are looking for a great upper body workout and a fun experience, Central Rock Gym is the place for you. Prepare to have your arms aching for days.
Lauren Barakett ’27 (laurenbarakett@college.harvard.edu) was incredibly sore while writing this article.