A bit intimidated...

Grab an exercise ball and do some sit ups, stretches, etc. I know what you mean about not trying new things when it's busy. I stick to the same ol same ol when it's busy and do my experimenting/learning when it's less busy. I also stay away from free weights because I don't want to be in the way of the big macho guys that are always using them. I know it's a bit ridiculous and I should be able to use them, but I'm kind of shy!

I am interested to hear the replys on this!! I also just joined the gym and I dont know what to do with half of the machines. I end up doing treadmill and the bike and a few of the ab and leg machines that have directions

Grab an exercise ball and do some sit ups, stretches, etc. I know what you mean about not trying new things when it's busy. I stick to the same ol same ol when it's busy and do my experimenting/learning when it's less busy. I also stay away from free weights because I don't want to be in the way of the big macho guys that are always using them. I know it's a bit ridiculous and I should be able to use them, but I'm kind of shy!

I too was intimidated by the "big macho guys" when I first started. I am shy and uncomfortable in m own skin but am working on it. But I bought the NROL4W book, read through it, watched a ton of videos and marched into the gym ready to begin. Walked into the weight room...felt the queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Turned around and walked out. Felt like a complete idiot for not following through with it. The next day I decided to go in, forget about those around me and do my thing. It took a few sessions to feel somewhat comfortable with the equipment and with that I was doing but now I just do my thing. I have even asked one of those guys to critique my form. I am a firm believer in all the good things happen OUTSIDE of your comfort zone. PUSH it!

I found that if I go early on Sundays there are like 4 people in my gym, all of which are so dedicated they are focused only on themselves and their workout, so that gives me the courage to hop around and try different stuff because no one is paying attention. Once a trainer actually came up and gave me a few pointers, since they weren't busy attending to clients so that's a perk. Also I've googled several different workout routines/videos to get an idea of gym routines and jotted the down, taped to the side of my water bottle. I usually don't notice others trying to figure something out/fumbling around, so I figure most people don't notice me, hopefully .

As an attractive woman, you should feel free to ask any dude in a gym for advice on any piece of equipment at any time (unless he's mid set). Assuming he's straight, you will get plenty of guidance and will also make him feel like a champion.

Trainers can be expensive but if you get one for a session or two just to show you the ropes it might be helpful and worth the money!!! And dont let the big "macho" guys intimadate you..They usually look sillier than anybody grunting and huffing and puffing turning all red and thrwoing the weights down like some sort of gym "bad *kitten*".

What I did was actually hired a personal trainer and he has personally shown me everything that I need to. If you go to a gym that has training available and you are willing to pay for it, try it!! I love it I still train with him twice a week!

yeah, gotta agree. If you're not confident then getting someone to show you how to do it correctly is good.

the harder way is to read books like NROLFW or Starting Strength.... Watch youtube videos, read blogs, and just piece it together as best you can

Have the on duty fitness manager, instructor, or whoever, show you how! That's why they are there. I'm not sure why it would bother you, but if it does, go during a time when fewer people would be there. At my gym, it's around 10 or 11am.. mostly older folks are there then.
It doesn't bother me at all to see anyone learn how to use a machine. I'd rather see that than having them use it wrong and/or get hurt. Plus, it makes me happy to see people getting healthy and I'm proud of them, that they are there to do it.

ETA, sorry I missed your note that your gym is always busy. I also noted that a lot of people said to hire a personal trainer.. most gyms will at least once, show people how to use the equipment without charging. It's in their best interest to not have people get hurt. When I joined mine, they showed me how to use every single machine that I planned on using. The guy spent at least an hour with me and I know that if I choose to use a different machine, he'd show me how to use it too. If you really need a fitness 'plan' with a workout specifically for you, it may be easier for you to go ahead and hire someone.
Good luck.

Ask an employee to give you an orientation on how to use the equipment.
You can also ask if any of the employees are there to help individuals who do not have a workout partner.