I understand your reluctance! I dont' think I could schedule that into my life at the moment. Have you talked to the dealer? maybe if you can show that you have some hands on knowledge that you have used a Gammill before they will let you pass on one of the classes? Or maybe they will try to schedule them together for you? Any place closer? Seems like they would try to work with you on this! It would be a shame, I think, to feel like you are 'settling' on one machine. You need the one that 'calls your name"!