elliptical vs. gym membership

So things here are crazy lately.  I am swamped at work, overwhelmed with the babies and always on the go.  So I ended my gym membership like 4 months ago because I wasn't getting to go.

I know how important exercise is and I loved how I felt when I was going to the gym to workout 4-5 times a week.  So I need to make sure no matter what I get time in to exercise.  The problem is having someon here to watch the babes so I can go.  So I am debating on whether I should buy an elliptical machine that will be here and I can do it while the babes nap or after they go to bed without needing a sitter (an elliptical is what I used mostly at the gym when I went and does legs, butt, and arms---which seem to be my problem areas)...or if I should get my gym membership back and try to find someone to watch them or go less frequently.

But as a bonus for the gym it includes free tanning, which I could use for the summer.  Do you guys prefer a gym, if you have equipment at home do you do it...or is it easier to skip it.  I know I had good success when I was able to go to the gym...much less likely to quit early.  Because afterall I got dressed, drove down there, I would just suck it up.

Personally I do much better at the Gym. It seems more like a "treat" to me that I get out of the house and go somewhere just for me. But if you dont' have the time you won't go, at least that has been my experience. But I'm with you, it much more "fun" to go to the gym than do it at home. If you think you will actually do it at home, then maybe that will work for you.

DH and I have owned many dust collecting pieces of exercise equipment. Treadmill (which I was too heavy to use), an eliptical walker, (hurt my knees)  exercycle and recumbent cycle. We gave away all but the recumbent cycle. Which is still a dust collector!

We belong to the gym, which when we go makes us carve out time and do what we need to do.

Having babes at home, could you get some videos to do and see how that goes before investing big $$ in a machine?

I prefer the gym, I have had exercise equipment at home in the past and they just collect dust.  The gym is my time plus it has the pool and hot tub which is my treat after a workout.

That's what I miss, the sauna and pool afterwards.. It was what got me through those minutes on the treadmill or eliptical....

gym. i know i wouldn't use it consistantly but that's just me. i'd rather take a nap than work out. sadly, i love how i feel after working out. it's just motivating to do it and i don't at home. i need to go somewhere.

Either way, it's easier to stick to something you enjoy......well as much as anyone can enjoy exercise.

I went to look at the ellipticals and I could just tell I would do it for awhile, then that would be it (like all the other equipment I have in the basement).  So I am officially back to the gym with my membership.  I even went out and bought new workout clothes (that are not swimming on me since I was still wearing my old stuff).  I'm all ready to start fresh on Monday!

I still have my gym membership AND I have a recumbent bike, treadmill, and Bowflex in the basement gathering dust!  What do I do????  Go outside and walk in 4 foot snowbanks!  SHESSHHH....how stupid am I???    We need spring to get here so we can get outside!    

Ok......enough ranting.........go with the gym!  You need some time for yourself!!!!!!!!!  ENJOY!!!!!!!!!

Heading there this morning.  I am definitely ready for spring too!