I tried to work out at home for about a year. I did it off and on and often times found excuses not to work out.

I've never actually joined a "real" gym, but on the university campus I have always had a gym available to me.

For 3 years I went to the gym on a somewhat regular basis. I found, for me, that if I didn't actually pencil in a time that I was going to go I would back out and make excuses. So I wrote it in my planner that XYZ days I had to go. Then I started going regularly but only staying a short amount of time or not working very hard. I still lost a considerable amount of weight, but slowly over time. I never really challenged myself and was just comfortable.

Now I've been going to the gym for the last 5 months or so on a regular basis. The gym at this university actually has fitness classes. I will definitely say that fitness classes over working out on your own is the way to go. Hands down! I've met all sorts of friends, work out buddies that keep me accountable and expect to see me at every class, etc. It is also great motivation to work hard and the instructors are motivating. It has also forced me to spend an entire hour. I go to about 7-8 one hour classes per week, they get so addicting. I haven't lost very much weight, but am toning and going down sizes, but more importantly I feel good!

So my recommendation is to find classes in your area. I know Zumba is a big hit lately, though I've never tried it. It gives you people to talk to and make sure you keep showing up to class, forces you to give it your all every time and is a more motivating environment. I wish I would have found classes sooner!