Sean M. Lubens ’04, who has exercised at Wellbridge for four years, said he joined for the classes in spinning, which involve stationary bike fitness sessions and are not offered at the MAC.

But he is not thrilled with his membership.

“It’s a terrible gym to be honest,” he said, “and it’s a complete waste of money.”

While Lubens said the membership is not worth it, Bonnheim pointed to the high cost as an increased incentive to stay fit.

“There were always so many reasons not to go to the MAC,” Bonnheim said. “But now I go to work out because I’m paying for it.”

Bonnheim’s increased motivation costs her $119 a month—a 10 percent student discount from the $132 general monthly fee—plus a $49 initial fee. But she said there are some perks to the cost, including a free personal training session and nice locker rooms and showers.

“I don’t want to be tied to an expensive gym for the rest of my life,” she said, “but for now I really am pleased.”

Although Wellbridge is located close to the Yard and the River Houses, it is not the only place to which frustrated students have turned for a better workout.

Other hot spots for Harvard students include the Boston Sports Club in Central Square and Bally Total Fitness and Healthworks in Porter Square.

Maura E. Boyce ’05, a Quincy House resident, has been a member of Healthworks for two years and joined because she was “tired of waiting in lines at the MAC.”

Even with recent renovations to the Quincy House gym, which Boyce said were very nice, she plans to keep her membership at Healthworks.

“I’ll probably work out in Quincy if I don’t have time to go to Porter,” she said. “But I’ll be a member of Healthworks until I graduate.”

—Staff writer Wendy D. Widman can be reached at widman@fas.harvard.edu