Strength Training/ Weights?

Hi I'm new to this whole site and weight lifting. I was wondering whats a good idea to start? Whenever I go to the gym I'm all intimidated by all the really big guys using the machines and then I'm not sure what's good for your arms, abs, legs, etc. So I end up walking around the gym looking dumb.

Can someone please give me an idea of where to start? I'm good with Cardio I do zumba and kickboxing and run on the treadmill for 20mins every time I go to the gym. It's just I don't know about weights. I really want to look strong and healthy not flabby =[

Please and Thank You

Maybe try asking one of the mean, scary guys questions about where to start. Some might blow you off, but there are ones that are more than willing to help. Try looking at something simple like Stronglifts 5x5. It is bench press, squat, deadlift, overhead press and row. Thats it. Look at that and then ask questions at your gym.

Look up Stronglifts 5 x 5.

Also, if you're intimidated by people at the gym, try going when there aren't a lot around. I feel I get a much better workout when I'm the only one in the weight room.

Starting Strength (a book and accompanying DVD by Mark Rippetoe) and Stronglifts 5x5 are the defacto places to start. The programs are very similar in nature with no clear one being better than the other (although Starting Strength takes a lot more care to explain to you the science behind it all and proper form with the lifts and such).

I go early in the morning. It's hard some mornings but It's a lot better than having to fight the crowds of meatheads and wannabe meatheads. If you go to your gym at various times over say a week or two you should be able to find a time with a crowd you are less intimidated with.

I'm just echoing the same sentiment as the rest. The stronglifts program has made a difference for me already. I was working on the machines, but opted to give it a shot. Don't worry about anyone else, you're only there for you in the first place.

bodybuilding.com rocks!

When I staredt doing weights at the gym I staredt with mostly machines and a bit of free weights for bicep curls and triceps. After reading a ton on here, I slowly but surely moved over all the way to free weights. It can be intimidating but you have just as much right to be there as they do. Soon enough you will be feeling fantastic and not giving a damn who else is there! I don't follow a specific program but I can tell you the lifts that I do: squats, deadlifts, chest press, overhead press, rows, step-ups, pushups, assisted pull-ups/chin-ups and planks. Like I said though, didn't start that way! Now I'm happy with the mix of moves and will likely stick with this for a while. Do some research and maybe start small. Your confidence will grow quickly!