Those classes sound like what I've been doing the past 4 weeks (and have committed to for a year ) and man, they probably would be just the right thing to get you moving motivationally. (I'm lucky enough that mine were DH's idea to get me off my butt and back to my old cycling self. It's paid off in that now we can ride together. )

The financial issue is a big one, and was my major stumbling block to doing the classes. I have to say, though, at least for me, once I have made that financial commitment I am really going to push myself to make the most of it: go to the class when I'd rather not, really push myself once I am there. Is there some angle of that you might use to plead your case in this?

Is there some item you could cut out of your budget to make up for some or part of the cost of the class? (Lunches out, coffee out for "X" days, etc.?)

Good luck!