The accountability is key, too. Joining a gym you can go whenever you want -- which also means you can not go whenever you don't want. If people are relying on you for their morning bagels, you don't have an option, and removing the choice to opt-out can be crucial.
His job would only help your cardio and leg muscles, for the most part. You could just go running or biking on your every morning and get the same effect. I'd save the gym membership for those looking to maximize gains elsewhere as well.