The pools at the MAC are the best thing there. Its like being at a spa. 3 saltwater pools plus a hot tub with a waterfall. Two of the pools are warm and the third is a lap pool that is kept cooler than the other two. I think its $8 if you want to bring a friend or a kid to swim with you. It is Awesome!!! The membership is pricy and cancellation is a hugh pain but its worth it. Oh and if anyone is looking for a gym buddy, hit me up. I am a motivator but I don't like to go alone.

I was a member here for about 3 months, and I got out. It's like working out in a mall. The free weight and machine area is really small, with limited options, so if you're looking to do any sort of resistance exercises with weight, I'd highly recommend looking elsewhere (the area also gets overly crowded in prime time).

They are also selective in how they enforce their policies. The no cell phone rule is posted all over the place, but I saw people using them all the time, including someone using one while a gym employee waited to talk to her.

Add in the parking, which is a major hassle, and it's simply not worth the money. It looks good when you walk in, though!

I couldn’t imagine belonging to any other gym in Baltimore. I’ve been a MAC member for almost 10 years and love it. I work out at the Harbor East facility every morning and greatly appreciate the cleanliness and efficiency of the gym. It feels more like a spa then a gym. If you join, be sure to take advantage of the aquatics program – its one of the best in the country!!

I don't have anything bad to say about MAC. I'm happy! I never worry about parking, getting on a machine, or making it to a class basically because I'm there at 5:45am. Even still, it's nice and clean, the staff is terrific, and I love the huge array of classes!

I desided to cancel my Harbor east membership on Dec 2008. I tried online, but it didn't work out. when I called they told me "you have to come here to cancel". I went there not one time many time, talk with different managers to cancel. every time they told me your membership cancelled and there is a $10.00 charge for the whole year for cancellation fee. Now it's April 22 2009 they still charging my credit card online not the $10.00 the whole amount for monthly fee. last time I spoke with one of their manager and he said I will take care of it. yesterday I got another email that they charged another $100.00 my poor credit card. however i am not attending the club since last year, and seems there is no way to refond charges and no one is helpful.

Great facility with one exception...$20 for two people to play squash.

MAC is a great facility, the staff is excellent and very helpful. There is a large variety of equipment. They offer a wide variety of classes that cater to beginners through the fitness saavy. They have a salt-water spa & pools for classes and free-laps. They even offer a great incentive program to help lower your membership.

I love this gym. I really do! So why the three star rating? The monthly membership is well above average and parking is not included so factor that into your monthly dues. My trick, Whole Foods across the way will validate parking for free up to two hours with a purchase in their store. Everyone needs some milk or eggs, right? But this is not ideal when you're dealing with inclimate weather or plan an extensive visit to the gym.

This gym is a nightmare because of the parking. Be warned: your membership does not include parking. You get a tiny discount. So in addition to your monthly fee you either have to pay for the garage or park in Little Italy and hike it over to Harbor East every time.

It's already hard enough to get to the gym without the added burden of terrible parking options. I live within walking distance but during the winter and on rainy days, getting there sucks. I plan on un-joining very soon.

The salt-water spa & pools, the staff, and the facilities are wonderful, so it's a shame they can't validate your parking in the joining garage.

pricier than the y? hell yea. worth it? definitely.
i was a member of the charles village ymca for a little over three years. after having many bad experiences at the y (stolen keys, car rifled through, racial slurs, canceled classes, long wait for machines), i decided to put up the bucks for the mac and it was well worth it.
the mac offers outstanding group exercise classes in gorgeous studios, squash courts, pristine machines with no wait time at all, spa-like locker rooms with steam shower and sauna, and great pool facilities (salt water pools and hot tub). on top of all of that, i find the staff to be super cheery, supportive, and helpful- they even know many of their clients by name.
i am, however, unhappy that i have to pay for parking with every visit. a $1.50 a few times a week can really add up. i'd love to see that changed. other than that, i'm in the best shape of my life! thanks mac!

MAC has got quite the racket going. I called to cancel my membership to save money and was charged $75 + my monthly membership fee ON TOP.

They have great facilities and excellent staff but their billing practices are predatory and I recommend anyone visit their local YMCA (the one in Charles Village comes to mind) for a much less expensive experience where they don't take pleasure in screwing you.