here's my take on it.
IF you are really out of shape consider going on a "Fitness" vacation. By this I mean take a couple of weeks off to do nothing but get back in to shape.

Exercise as much as you can and focus on cardio-vascular training. THis will get you through the worst of the "getting back into shape" blues.

then I am a big believer in joining a gym that is well equipped. I used to go at 4 or 5 in the morning, because going at the end of the day is too damned hard.
I have no answer for the "apathy factor" or dealing with debilitating pain like my frozen shoulders. I try to work around my shoulders. Til I get them repaired or replaced.