As temperatures continue to drop, leaving the warmth of the indoors can feel daunting every time. With winter months consuming the campus, finding the motivation to go out to exercise can feel impossible. However, the Trudy Fitness Center on campus can be a great option to get students out of their dorms and continue maintaining good exercise habits even through the colder months.
Trudy has two floors: the upstairs cardio level and the downstairs strength-training area. Up on the second floor, the gym has numerous treadmills, elliptical machines, indoor rowers, bikes and stairmasters. For students who enjoy stretching, there are yoga mats available near the windows with lighter weights as well. Downstairs in the strength training section, Trudy offers a plethora of weight training equipment options, from free weights to leg press machines. There is something for everyone, allowing students to be adventurous in their gym journeys and alternate between routines and machines.
Junior Cate Abate is starting her third year as a student worker at Trudy, and she spoke about benefits she sees Trudy having in the winter months.
“With the sun setting early and the cold temperatures, I think that Trudy is the perfect place in the winter to stay active and social,” Abate said. “Exercise can be a great outlet for stress, as well as a break from studying as classes pick up. Go with friends or meet people through programs there; it’s a great way to stay active.”
Finding workout partners can help keep students motivated and accountable for keeping up their exercise routines, despite temperatures making the option seem less than appealing. While spending free time lying in bed or sitting in a warm dorm sounds more comfortable, it can lead to a feeling of cabin fever. Putting time aside during the day to take a walking break on the treadmill or to stretch on a yoga mat can be great for your mental health and to keep your body moving.
Freshman McKenna Kanaby transitioned from taking long walks outside to indoor ones at Trudy as the weather shifted and described how this routine impacts her day.
“I loved to use my breaks between classes to walk outside when the weather was warmer, and it’s nice to have the option to keep this daily routine at Trudy in the winter,” Kanaby said. “It’s a great way to multitask too because I can read books for classes while going on my walks on the treadmill.”
Being able to read a book while walking is a feat that can only really be done safely on a treadmill, making schoolwork a great option while exercising at the gym. Other students have also found watching shows, movies or listening to music to be another way to pass time while at the gym, allowing their minds to have a break while still exercising.
In addition to creating individual workout routines, many students also choose to follow videos of coaches online to get a more in-depth workout.
First-year Madeline Ryan spoke about her experience of using fitness training apps to guide her through workouts at Trudy.
“I use an app called Ladder that has videos with coaches that guides you through strength training and different exercise routines,” Ryan said. “Through this app, you are able to track your progress, communicate with coaches about any questions and stay on top of your goals.”
While the two floors of Trudy are the most popular exercise areas, Abate suggested other areas for students to look out for.
“Aside from the gym, there are so many other ways in which Trudy can be used to stay active and social. Huntington Gym courts are open with free equipment rental, there are open swim hours in the varsity pool and at the climbing wall, as well as a number of Colgate fitness classes ranging from HIIT to yoga and pilates,” Abate said. “Another aspect of Trudy that not everyone may know about is the sauna, a nice escape from the winter weather of Hamilton. Everyone should definitely try this out to stay warm this winter.”
As we still have weeks to endure frigid temperatures, it gives the perfect opportunity to truly explore all that Trudy has to offer, from the traditional cardio and weight options to the fitness classes. Thus, although the cold can be vicious, it’s worth battling to find a healthy break within your packed day.
