I'd like to chime in on the benefits of a gym: First, the crowd there acts as an informal support group. Seeing others working hard to improve their own health

I'd like to chime in on the benefits of a gym: First, the crowd there acts as an informal support group. Seeing others working hard to improve their own health is motivating for oneself. Second, a gym offers much more than simple pushups can offer. Sure, pushups are great for getting started, but you'll eventually grow strong chest and triceps muscles and the rest of your body will fall behind. The gym you attend is also important. I drive ~15 minutes to the nearest Gold's Gym, because the local Palo Alto gym (4 blocks away) is basically a rich housewife's social club. Gold's is packed with serious lifters, and only $10 (!). It makes a huge difference for me; definitely the difference between going and not going for many, I think.