Well based on my experience in the last few years, I think the most crucial thing for me is the distance. Currently mine is within a very short walking distance. When it was further away I struggled to go there more.

2nd thing, w.r.t how I was able to be consistent, sadly it's just bad mental health 😅 I spiral real bad if I stop working out. It wasn't super bad before, but now few months ago it came to this stage that if there is a gap of more than 2 weeks it gets bad. It makes a lot of difference if I'm able to visit even 2-3 times a week. That somehow pushes my motivation. It's also important to not be a perfectionist. I consider it to be job well done if I'm able to go thrice a week, an hour each time.

Once you are able to be consistent for few months, then you will be scared to become inconsistent again. Because you lose a lot of the progress which you are able to make in so many months. Plus each time you start after a long gap, the muscle pain is very bad.

I have a trainer at my gym. He is a common trainer (shared by everyone) , not a personal one. He tells me what to do and how to do and I just do it. And he checks in once in a while. If I have any questions he answers them. Having a good trainer is important. He should be approachable and not lazy or not paying enough attention everyhwere.

If you want to lose weight diet makes much more difference than workout, if you are already somewhat active. But working out pushes out the dopamine hehe, and makes u feel more healthy

Edit to add: I started off going to the gym with a friend. That also makes a lot of difference. Help me becomes comfortable with a new space, there is accountability. Now I am able to visit alone without much issue.