Membership at Le Pli starts with a $400 initiation fee, and then costs an additional $115 per month for as long as the person chooses to be a member. Membership may be terminated or put on hold at any time for any reason.

The special student rate, available only to Harvard students, is exactly half the regular rate, but two students must join together. Each student pays a $200 initiation fee and $57.50 per month. There are no restrictions on days or times, but the students cannot use the club at the same time since they are sharing one membership.

Back to Reality

As downmarket as Le Pli is upmarket, Central Square's YMCA charges just a little more for a year membership than Le Pli charges for a month. At the YMCA, $150 dollars buys the use of two pools, two tracks, two gymnasiums, and a weight room six days a week, all year.

But for students who want to escape grunge, are afraid of Byzantine contracts, averse to trekking to Porter Square, or not financially privileged, there are few alternatives to the MAC.

While Harvard students agree it's no Le Pli, it is close by and co-ed. And while is not even close to one of the best things in life, it is free.