The moment one enters Pepperdine’s basement of a weight room there is about two feet of space in which to do a jumping jack before hitting a wall other people or the ceiling.
But those who crave cardio and strength exercise or are simply addicted to endorphins need not fear. There are plenty of other places to get a solid workout in and around Malibu.
The BeachThough people often think of the beach as simply a place to relax or get a tan the possibilities for working out on the beach are endless. Junior Jessica Pate uses the beach as a motivation to do ab exercises.
“I run down near Temescal Canyon where there is a sidewalk and then I do my ab and other core exercises on the beach Pate said.
The beach offers other possibilities due to the give of the sand. Consider doing strength work on the beach, using either medicine balls or resistance bands.
Sophomore Chelsea Wishard, who is part of the cross country team, said the team has done exercises on the beach before.
We would do work with medicine balls to gain strength during pre-season Wishard said. Another great thing to do is run barefoot on the beach; it’s really great for your feet.”
Not to mention the beach offers a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean which Pate said motivates her to go outside and exercise.
“It’s so much nicer to be out in the open and it’s so beautiful too she said.
The Drescher GymFor those privileged enough to live in the honors apartments, the facilities at Drescher are a wonderful relief. In its own building near the parking structure (that, blessedly, is not underground), the gym features cardio machines, as well as weights. The walls are almost entirely made of windows, allowing the sun to stream in.
Senior Emily Quan said she loves the convenience of the Drescher gym.
It’s really close to the apartments; I think it’s a million times better than the regular gym Quan said. There’s never as many people there so you can use whatever machine you want and it’s so much brighter because it has natural light instead of being down in a basement.”
Aside from the other luxuries it offers the gym also features two large televisions so students can remain entertained while working out.
Hint: For those who don’t live in Drescher find a friend who does and beg him or her for access to this little honors campus workout haven.
Canyon TrailsAlong with the beach another unique feature of Malibu’s geography are the ubiquitous canyon trails that thread through the surrounding hills. Senior Amanda Gordon said she enjoys the fact that she gets to see parts of the surrounding area not many people explore through canyon running.
“I love running on trails because it’s a lot more interesting than running on the roads Gordon said. It’s better for you knees and I think you get to really explore parts of Malibu that people don’t see otherwise.”
Some of the nearby trails include Corral Canyon which is just south of Malibu Seafood and Solstice Canyon which is off Corral Canyon road by the 76 gas station.
And for those who live through the canyon Malibu Creek State Park offers many trails and paths.
“The great thing about Solstice or Corral is that you can run there and back from campus or if you live in Calabasas it’s just a short drive to the park Gordon said.
These trails are great for more than just running, too. They are open to those who enjoy hiking, walking or simply taking in nature, and their locations make them convenient for students.
Freestyle Yoga-U
Since Malibu is such a health-conscious community, it is easy to find different opportunities and ways to burn those unwanted calories. One popular method has always been yoga, and, recently, Malibu local Jake Grace has been gaining renown for his freestyle yoga.
His techniques were filmed in Malibu for a show that will premiere this January on MTV. Grace said his classes are specifically designed for college students.
I teach classes and workshops specifically designed for college students called ‘Yoga University’ or ‘Yoga-U’ Grace said. Yoga-U classes are both fun and practical. Students learn how to create immediate energy boosts during long study sessions techniques to focus the mind during exams and tips on to how to relax – anytime anywhere.”
Grace has a studio in Brentwood and he also offers the option of teaching classes for students in Malibu.
Armed with these options there should be no obstacles standing in the way for Pepperdine students as they search for ways to balance school jobs and a healthy lifestyle. Though Pepperdine’s gym may be small Malibu itself is full of endless possibilities for the active mind and body.
