Generally speaking, you prefer relationships of the loving kind: mothers who call on your birthday, first dates that call back, and dentists who are liberal with the laughing gas.

But when it comes to working out, you like your love tough.

Which is why you’ll gladly subject yourself to High Performance Pilates at Mercury Fitness in the Marina. Though the space is decked out with scented candles (no stinky yoga mats), soft lighting, and peach-hued mirrors, it’s the twelve state-of-the-art machines and punishing workout you’ll show up for. Work your abs with a Weekend Warrior mat class or shape up at Reform School — a machine class designed to burn your pear into an hourglass.

The one thing the studio does go easy on is your wallet. Combo packages like the Six Pack and the Hard Eight make private sessions affordable. Plus $1 espresso shots and free almonds for snacking sweeten the deal.

After all, something’s got to put the love in your love/hate relationship.

Mercury Fitness, 2904 Laguna Street, at Union Street (415-567-9009 or mercuryfitness.com).