Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need in order to access the Malkin Athletic Center, Hemenway Gymnasium, Ellen and Melvin Gordon Conditioning Center, Blodgett Pool, and the QRAC?

To access any of our recreation centers you need to obtain membership.  You can obtain membership either online under the "Membership" tab on the Recreation website or in person at the Membership Office, located in the Malkin Athletic Center, between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (only open 9am - 1pm January 2nd - January 17th).  Once you have purchased the membership you will need to present your Harvard ID or white membership card every time you enter one of the recreation centers.  For further information you can call the Membership Office at 617-496-1585.

May I sign up my spouse/partner for membership?

Yes, you may do so at the Membership Office in person between the hours of 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday or online at recreation.gocrimson.com.  If it is the first time you are signing up you will need to come to the Membership Office to pick up an athletic membership card for the spouse/partner or dependent.  For further information call the Membership Office at 617-496-1585.

What is the refund policy?

All sales are final, no refunds will be issued.

May I bring in a guest?

You are allowed one guest per visit at a charge of $15 each time.  A guest may receive a towel and can participate in a group exercise class during their visit. 

Is parking available for recreation users?

The Recreation Department does not control the available parking near our facilities.  There is limited on-campus parking available for guests.

The Athletic Department occasionally charges for parking due to heavy demand in the athletic complex off of North Harvard Street adjacent to the football stadium.  This parking demand may be due to a single large event or a combination of events and regular recreation users at a given time.  During those times, all patrons of our facilities are charged for parking, regardless of their reason for being in the complex.  It is not necessary to utilize the meter system when we are charging for parking.  There is on street parking on North Harvard Street as well as additional parking at the Business School for $5 per vehicle.

What services does the Malkin Athletic Center offer?

Malkin services include the use of three basketball courts, two indoor pools, fitness rooms, access to cardio and strength training machines, group exercise classes (must pay if non-student), specialty classes (all must pay), and personal training (all must pay).  Members may borrow basketballs, volleyballs, medicine balls, and exercise bands.  Towels, locker rentals, and locks are available for a minimal fee.

What services does Hemenway offer?

Hemenway services include the use of a squash court, basketball court, access to cardio and strength training machines, group exercise classes (must pay if non-student), specialty classes (all must pay), and personal training (all must pay).  Members may borrow squash rackets, basketballs, volleyballs, medicine balls, and exercise bands.  Towels, locks, and squash balls are available for a minimal fee.  Only day-use lockers are available.

Where is the Ellen and Melvin Gordon Conditioning Center located?

This fitness room is the newest recreation center open to all Harvard affiliates with a valid athletic membership.  The main entrance to the facility is located on the western end of the first floor in the Murr Center and is equipped with ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, Stairmasters, a weight circuit, free weights, exercise balls, and stretching mats.

Are there lockers available?

Malkin Athletic Center: Lockers are available to rent for a minimal fee.  Lockers are also available for day use.  Locks left on day use only lockers overnight will be cut and the contents will be bagged.  Items left overnight will be put into the lost and found.  Information regarding locker rental fees can be obtained at the front desk of the facility.

Hemenway: Lockers are available for day use only.  Locks left on lockers overnight will be cut and the contents will be bagged.  Items left overnight will be put into the lost and found.

Blodgett Pool: Lockers are available to rent for a minimal fee.  Locks left on day use lockers overnight will be cut.  Information regarding locker rental fees can be obtained at the Ellen and Melvin Gordon Conditioning Center.

Ellen and Melvin Gordon Conditioning Center: Lockers are available for day use only.

Is towel service available?

You can purchase towel service for the semester ($50), annually ($130), or summer ($30) through the Membership Office or online at the "Membership" tab on the Recreation website.  Towel service indicates that you receive one towel upon each visit to a Recreation facility (not available at the QRAC).  You can also rent a towel for $2 per day at the front desk of the facility.

Is someone available to show me how to use the cardio and strength training equipment?

We will have regularly scheduled Strength Training Orientations at the beginning of each semester.  Call the Fitness Program Manager at 617-495-3435 (HEM) or 617-496-8770 (MAC) for more information.

Are classes included in my membership?

Students can attend classes at no charge during the academic year (September 1st - May 31st).  Non-students must pay a fee per semester or for the academic year.  This fee allows you to have class access at both Hemenway and the Malkin Athletic Center.  Information regarding class fees can be obtained at the front desk of each facility.

Do I need to have membership to particpate in group exercise or specialty classes?

Yes, you must have the recreational membership in order to attend all classes offered at the MAC or Hemenway.

When and where are the group exercise classes offered?  Is there a schedule?

Group exercise classes are offered at the MAC and Hemenway.  Current schedules are available on the group exercise page or you can pick one up at the front desk of the MAC or Hemenway.

What are the specialty classes and when are they offered?

Specialty classes are progressive courses that focus on a specific skill.  Classes rang from Ballroom Dance, Small Group Training, Extreme Outdoor Bootcamp, and MORE!  These courses are offered in the spring, summer, and fall.  They are offered for a fee and require advanced registration.  You can inquire about these at the front desk of the facilities.

Is personal training available and what does it cost?

Personal training is available at the MAC and Hemenway only.  Request forms and prices are available under the personal training link.

How do I get started with personal training?

Please compelte and submit a personal training request form to the front desk of the MAC or Hemenway.  The Fitness Program Manager will contact you and schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation with a trainer who best suits your needs.

What can I expect at the consultation?

A consultation is a 30-minute goal-setting session where you will determine fitness goals and discuss health history.  At this time you will decide how many sessions are right for you and scheduled your first workout.

How do I learn more about the trainers?

Please see the personal trainers link on the website or pick up a brochure at the front desk of the MAC or Hemenway.