join a gym or buy an ellliptical

I personally regret joining a gym. We have a treadmill, and I should have stuck with that. My reason for joining a gym was to lift weights and possibly do a morning class. I was hoping home issues of unpredictable schedules would get better. That is not changing anytime soon so now I'm wasting money each month.

I always find that home equipment never quite works the same as gym equipment does, unless you spend a lot of money on it. And most pieces I've bought have usually ended up with a very thick layer of dust on them. The gym doesn't need to be a social activity, it just needs to become a habit

I would choose the gym. But for me, that is what works best. I like the variety of equipment and I like going to classes. You don't have to socialize. I know very few people at the gym. I recognize some and we nod and say hi, but that is it. The classes though is what keeps me motivated, somehow someone yelling to keep going makes you keep going!

If it were me, I would leave out the part about knowing more people and him nagging you. Keep it just based on what the gym offers: more equipment. Unless there is a safety concern, I say join whichever YOU like as long as its in your budget.

For me, a gym is what I would go with. After I get clearance from the doctor after delivering my kiddo in March, I'm joining the gym in town. It's classes only with one class in each time slot (very small town, very small gym) and it's $60/mo. This is the CHEAP gym in town! Anyway, I like classes. I have tried the at home exercise route. Nope. Not me.

Join a gym. I had joined a gym, then we bought a treadmill figuring it would save money and I did use it for several years, but I'm back at the gym. I like the variety. Choose the gym that works for you. My son had 24 hour fitness and he loved it because he could go whenever.

I would join the gym. For us, we have bought several home gym pieces (good quality ones) and all have ended up being expensive clothes hangers. We start out with good intentions but there is always something else that we can make an excuse to do.

With the gym, I almost have appointments with myself so that I know what days and times I'm going and I tend to exercise more.

I joined a gym, went 4-5 days a week, did great. Then craft show season started and I didn't go for 2 months. I realized I want something I can do at home because it'd be easier and quicker to get a 30 minute session in and get on with my day as opposed to the hour and half going to the gym took.

Plus I don't care for the general public. I'm OK with not seeing anyone but my husband for days.

I signed up for a one year membership which should be over Feb 1. 
As luck would have it, I have a doctor's appointment that day and I'm going to drop by the gym and cancel my membership. 
I'd love to go, but with the kids' schedules this year, it's been extremely hard to go. 
I'm always going back and forth between going to the gym and just doing something at home. They both have their allure. For me, right now, the gym doesn't fit into my insane schedule. 

I was like you - not extremely sociable, intimidated by all the fit people, unsure about knowing how to use the equipment. I joined the YMCA and boy do I love it. Everyone is so welcoming - big, small, young, old - it doesn't matter. I've made so many friends there, friends that I do things outside of exercise with. Since joining I've had joint replacements and I'm very thankful for the pool and the physical therapists at the Y. Even though I'm still overweight, I'm perfectly healthy inside now, and got my photo and story the "inspiration wall" at the Y. I was shocked, but they asked for my story since I'm there most every day even though I have had two knee replacements, a hip replacement, and the next hip will be replaced this year. When I walk in the door in the morning it's like Cheers when they say "Norm." Everyone knows my name and I get a big "Deb!" when I walk in. With all the friends I've made, if I'm gone for a day, I hear about it - I gets texts and phone calls asking where I am. I love and need the accountability. Those same friends will drag their feet in just because I'm doing the same to them and harassing them to come. When my son graduates college in a few months and moves out we're making his room a work-out room with an elliptical and treadmill for my teen daughter and husband. I will still go to the Y, but hopefully use our home equipment as bonus time. In the past when I had good intentions of using a home elliptical it was too easy to quit early or get side tracked and not do it at all. Since I no longer work, it would be a very long day for me if I didn't get out and see my girls at the Y. I'm there for two hours a day M-F (hour on the elliptical, hour of deep water fitness).

So, my vote is for joining a gym that fits you. Get a trial week at no charge to see how you like it before committing.

I love my gym. I have a choice of cardio machines, weights, and classes. When I don't feel like going, I either run outside or use an exercise dvd at home.

I'm a loner too. I joined a gym and got a trainer. I knew I needed a trainer so I could learn the machines right and also motivate me.
I'm amazed at what I have accomplished.
Honestly no one at the gym pays attention to what anyone else is doing. I go get on a treadmill watch the tv screen and listen to music. I have my ipod and use the weight machines.
There is also a woman only room there. I am at LA Fitness.

Now sometimes its hard to get me to go or to get the mindset to go. But once I'm there I'm so happy I went. I have more energy, it helps me sleep better and I have lost weight.
You just have to go. Once you make it routine.
Its warm in the gym or in summer its cool in the gym.
So pending how much you were willing to spend on the machine you want depends on the gym. With my trainer my monthly bill is high. Without the trainer it would be very reasonable. But I knew I needed the trainer and honestly she is worth the money. I see her once a week.
Initial start up fee is a lot of money, because you have an initiation fee. which is standard at most franchises.
Also how close is a gym to your house?
Good luck