The latter is what I do. I'm always one of the first four people in the door, and the others are elderly dudes hitting the ellipticals. Nothing like having the whole floor to yourself for most of your session.
I wake up at 6am for me to get to work. I'm not waking up at 4:30am or 5am...what other equipment are you referring to? Smith Machines etc.Trust me, I want to join the gym for the extra equipment but I'm hesitating. Just hate the gym.