in a rut

Sometimes it's easier to find a physical activity you enjoy. Walking, swimming, hiking through the woods. Heck be sure to park as far away from stores as you can - that adds up over the course of a month. I'll be honest, I was going 3-4 days to the gym, I don't care what people think, but I lost some of my ambition lately after I was supremely sore from weightlifting. Just keep trying and remember its a long slow trip.

I have lost a total of 143 pounds and did not step in a gym. I walk walk walk. I fight myself nearly everyday about taking my walk but I get it in. I started small and slowly increased distance and speed. It is free, doesn't require getting in my car and going somewhere, and it is movement. Congrats to you on your progress. Hang in. there and keep your eye on the prize.

First of all, like the others have said, you should be really proud of yourself for how far you've already come.  Keep it up, you can do it.

I also know how you feel about the intimidation at the gym.  It's one of the reasons that I love the Y.  There's all sorts of people there, and I've never felt uncomfortable.  Our local Y is more expensive than what you're currently paying ($47 vs. $30), but for me it'd be worth paying the difference.

The suggestion to look into Planet Fitness is a good one, if you have one nearby.  My brother goes and loves it.  The plan is either $10 or $20, so it's cheaper, and they specifically have a No Lunks Policy (Lunks being described as someone who grunts and yells, drops weights, etc.).  Because of that, you usually don't have any hardcore weightlifters there.  But be warned:  they have a free pizza night once a month, and a free bagel morning once a month.  You should probably avoid going in on those days.

And Grim was right about checking in here.  It really does help to keep you accountable.  If you feel your cravings grabbing a hold of you, post on here, and plenty of people will be willing to help you out.  It really does help to talk with others (even if you're typing instead of speaking).  Over on the Men's Forum, we have a weekly check-in every Sunday.  And even though there's not a ton of posting activity, there's a few of us who check in there pretty regularly, so if you want to speak with just the guys, you'll usually get some responses relatively quickly.