More is not always better...We all KNOW this.  Things in the last few years have shown that we the people are only going to pay what WE see as fair.  WE give things value.  This applies to everything in our lives.

Family:We give them time because we VALUE them

Friends: Again, there is value there

Gas: A necessity, but ask me how many people will drive out of their way to find cheap gas!  We need it, but if it means driving a little off the beaten path to get it cheaper...so be it!

Housing: We KNOW where this all stands, so I'll leave this one alone.

Groceries: Even the big name stores with discount cards and coupons and bonus buys are having a tough time competing with Trader Joe's, Stater Bros and now my favorite grocery store, FRESH AND EASY!   

The next one though, some may consider a luxury these days: GYM MEMBERSHIP.

A few years back, I thought nothing of having a membership.  I worked out diligently, ate "clean" (this is not a Jewish Dietary Requirement, it just means I ate non processed foods as much as possible and I'm not Jewish so I would know nothing of eating Kosher). 

Eventually, I paid for a trainer!  He was GREAT! Taught me to cook great healthy meals, taught me about balance in life and fun while working out.

As time went on, life got in the way.  My Favorite Aunt got sick and I took time off of Real Estate to take care of her.  After a year, I came back, only to discover that my Real Estate business had disappeared.  I had to start from scratch. 

I exercised intermittently, but have recently decided I wanted...NAY...NEEDED to join a gym again.  I like the feel of being there and doing something for me!  So I started shopping and here's where I need your help!

24 Hour Fitness has a pretty decent deal going.  9.99 down and 29.99 monthly. 

Next was LA Fitness A special that expires tomorrow (Really? Can you get me a used car salesman to kick the tires please?) 49.99 and 29.99 a month.  Pretty basic stuff.  Either one will work, yes? (Bally's was just WAY too far for me to commit to going to consistently so we'll leave them out of it for now).

NO! Here's where I'm having an issue: 

24 Hour (the gym that I would be going to near my home) is pretty small.  NO bells and whistles.  Plenty of cardio equipment, weights (though they do look old, they still do the job) a section for "Circuit Training",  shower room.  Classes are offered free for yoga etc. BASIC.  I like basic.

LA Fitness (the one close to my house) is HUGE.... Lots of cardio machines (almost seems excessive), a "spin cycling room". a pool, spa, sauna, showers, huge locker room and that's only downstairs!  Upstairs you will find an extensive amount of weight machines and free weights, plus a huge class where classes are held.  Feels Hollywood...excessive.

Here's the kicker.  24 hour is COMFORTABLE for me.  I know the routine.  I know the machines and I can find my way to any machine and know how to work it. 

LA Fitness has machines that I kept waiting to turn into Bumblebee from the Transformers!  I am NOT comfortable there...and that's where the rub is...if you're looking to grow, to expand...shouldn't I be running to sign up at LA Fitness?  Is it the fear of not knowing the machines and looking like an idiot keeping me from signing up?

Or is being comfortable better?  I'd be happy...push myself as I see my progress...but would I look back and think "Yeah, this is nice, but you could be relaxing in the sauna right about now, or swimming a lap" (note to you, I am not a swimmer, but somehow would I be cheating myself by not having it IF I decide later I want it?)

Besides the really cheesy, wanna be high pressure sales guy at LA that irritated me with "OURS IS THE BEST" and "REALLY, OURS IS THE BEST" approach and NO pressure from 24 HR, I'm at a standstill! 

What do YOU think?