Does anyone else have this gym problem?

The city that I live in only has one gym.  And it is a complete dump.  I'm talking duct tape on the weight machines.  Seriously.   There is a really nice gym about 15 miles from my house - about halfway between home and work.    I have a membership there but it's so hard to get motivated to consistently work out because it's not near my house.  

Does anyone else have this problem?  How far is your gym from your house?

I understand where you're coming from. I have a lifelong Bally's membership, so I need to use one of their gyms. The one by my house is ancient, with even some duct tape! There is one about 15 mins away that is pristine. I find that it's easier for me to deal with the dumpy one then to try to drive all the way to the nice one. Once in a while I'll drive down there just for a change of pace, but to really stay on track it's just easier to use the dumpy gym. In the end, you're probably getting the same work out either way.

Yup. The 24 Hour Fitness that is super close to my house sucks. Not only is the equipment older, but the place is also not open past 11 on weekdays (I like to workout late), and the tv setup is not good... the only tv you can see from the ellipticals is ALWAYS on sports. I can't stand to be at that gym.

There is a nice, new one open that is 20 minutes away, new equipment, always open, lots of tv alternatives for the cardio equipment. I just go to that one, because even though it takes more time & gas (which I hate), it beats not exercising because I just won't go to the close one and if I do I can't stay as long.

Now that I have an ipod I have found it easier to do some cardio there but I still go to the farther one most of the time, and always if I have to do weights (weight area is too crowded at the nearby one).

I live 10 miles away from everything, I am out in the boonies.  I never make a special trip to town just to go to the gym.  Instead I leave for work an hour or so early and I go to the gym, then get ready for work at the gym.  Or, I go to the gym after dropping my daughters off at school.

I was going about 6 times a week, but last week my children were out of school, so I slacked off a little.

I'm pretty lucky in the fact that my apartment building has a really nice gym.  It's small but I go later at night so there aren't many people.  We'll be leaving soon though and from the new complex we're looking at the nearest gym will be a good 20 minutes away.  Not sure what I'll do at that point.  I've become dependent on having my gym 30 seconds away.

have you considered alternatives to the gym like running outside and lifting freeweights in your home? you can get just as good a workout in the home as anyplace. I guess it depends on why you find a gym more appealing?

Would it help to know that driving burns calories? Thus, driving to the further gym burns more calories!

Why is having worn equipment at a gym such a bad thing? Picking up a 20lb weight that was delivered that day is the same as picking up a 20 lb weight that your grandparents used. 

that is tough.  I would suggest using the one that is closer.  Convenience when it comes to working out means a lot.  I use a gym right across from where I work.  Makes it easy to make sure I go after work, I have to drive right by it on the way home.      As long as the equipment isnt dangerous to use, I say stick with the one you go to.  

If the good gym is halfway between your home and work, isn't that perfect? You can work out on the way to work, or on the way home from work.

Original Post by 4theloss:

have you considered alternatives to the gym like running outside and lifting freeweights in your home? you can get just as good a workout in the home as anyplace. I guess it depends on why you find a gym more appealing?

 ha! yeah, try having only a motorcycle to get you around. I have to pack all my gym clothes into my backpack, work out, shower, then change back into my motorcycle gear and its a pain. I agree, if it's a sucky gym, just save your money and go for a run around the neighborhood.  Atleast you'll get to shower at your own place when your done ^_^

Difficult one. Try going to one (maybe the nearest one) and see how it goes, if it doesn't work, try going to the other or try something else and keep trying different things until you find a solution. I found it takes a while to find out what works well when you start out or move.

I used to be more the outdoorsy kind of person (running, cycling). Then I moved to a bit polluted city. Triend running and cycling. Was horrible. I used to hate gyms, but at least now that I've paid a fortune for it I tend to go. I even quite enjoy it.

I cycle to work via the gym. Get changed and showered there and get ready for work. It's then only a short 10min bike ride to work. I carry all my stuff on my bike. It's a bit of a pain, but worth it.

Original Post by mrsd2008:

Would it help to know that driving burns calories? Thus, driving to the further gym burns more calories!

 It doesn't burn much more than sitting on your butt, unless you're one of those road ragers. CC lists a burn estimate on here that is only 10 calories more than to what you burn sitting at a desk, writing. So you could drive 6 hours and burn off one of those sugar free jello pudding cups, but otherwise I think she's better off being at the closer gym.