Back to the Gym (subtitle: how to make it work)

I think I have decided to go back to the gym. I quit the gym when I got a day shift job because I used to go there late at night after my evening shift job. Once I was on day shift, I didn't want to go at that time of day (probably the busiest time of day at the gym). I also figured I would just run after work and fill in with hand weights and exercise videos. However, despite changing my schedule, I have had a lot of difficulty getting home in time to go running before dark. I have my videos but my kids are home by the time I get home and someone is parked in front the TV, and with minimal other options, I've just been slacking.

Again, rather than make excuses why I can't exercise, I need to find a way to make it work. So I've decided to join the gym again, and set a schedule to go after work three weekdays. It will still be hard as I'll be getting home late those days, but I get home late due to work half the time anyway! The big plusses: I don't need to worry about weather or daylight, I will get it done before I even get home and get caught up in the dinner/schoolwork/housework loop, and I can do my cardio and weight training in the same place every day. The minuses (and why I quit in the first place): I know it will probably be really crowded after work at that time, I will get home later (but I'd have to exercise at home anyway, so it's not much different), and I prefer running outdoors to a treadmill. And the cost, although at $10/month, that is minimal.

I think the benefits outweigh the downsides. I can still run outdoors on the weekends. And when we get the light back, I can either cut back on my gym days or quit again until next winter. And if it gets me to get it done, it's worth it.