Not ready to use the gym

Join the gym.
Who cares what people there think. Honestly, think of the type of person that would look down on your for trying to positively change your life....do you really care what they think? The gym is your time. Put in your head phones and get to work

If you're nervous about what exercises to do, or how to do them you can always get a personal trainer or someone experienced to workout with you. Or you could hire an online coach suggest a program and teach correct form.

Do you have a treadmill, elliptical or stationary bike? Those are always great.
If it's warm where you live you can always go for walks or runs.. C25K is a great program for beginners I'm doing it right now.
If you don't have any of this available to you i'd recommend workout DVD's. There's plenty of youtube. A good tough one is Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. Also search some zumba videos!

Honestly I agree with bm920. IF the only thing keeping you from joining the gym is worry about how you look, join. Seriously, most people are in there minding their own business and working out. They aren't worried about anyone else and how they look. BUT if there are people like that where you are, ignore them. If they are weird enough to be worried about what you're doing then it's their problem not yours. Honestly, I admire anyone that is trying to better themselves.

Now, if you still want to work out at home, I love the Leslie Sansone Walk At Home dvds. I usually use the 1 that is 3 miles. You can also find some of here videos on Youtube and walk that way. There are so many dvds out there that will allow you to get a variety of workouts right in your own home. Maybe get a treadmill or exercise bike, walk your neighborhood or just research workouts you can do at home using your own body weight. You got this girl!

I had a lot of anxiety about joining the gym. I had never been an athlete and felt so awkward doing anything too physical in front of others. Even my own husband didn't see me run for the first 9 years of our marriage! For me, completing the Couch-to-5K program helped me gain the physical confidence I needed to get a gym membership. We bought a used treadmill, and I ran on it while watching endless episodes of Grey's Anatomy. Now I still workout at home AND go to the gym.

For a long time, I used to think I had to get in shape to start going to the gym. So, I just never went.

Now, I've learned that it's kind of like ripping off a band-aid. When I join a new gym, I always feel uncomfortable for the first few times I go. But the thing is, I KNOW that I'm going to feel uncomfortable, and I also know that it will pass pretty quickly. The first time is the worst, but it gets better from there!

Pick an activity you know you're comfortable with to start, even just walking on a treadmill. Don't worry about doing a full workout or staying for a long time the first few times you go. Get used to the setting. Observe people--see what they do and what the etiquette seems to be. If you want to start strength training, look up a very simple routine you know you can probably do, and start there.

Seriously, in my opinion, going to a new gym always sucks and it always awkward. Know that a lot of people feel that way--you're not alone!

... you could also find a quiet hiking / walking trail.

I love my gym. Everyone is friendly, supportive and doesn't shove their opinions where they aren't wanted. There are the ridiculously fit, the obese and everything in between and everyone is in there just focusing on their own fitness; not judging and critiquing you. Before I joined, though, I built my stamina and confidence by doing the 30 Day Shred (any fitness DVD or even the C25k program would work) which made me feel much less winded when I finally did join - maybe that will help you. Don't worry about how you look. The point of the gym is to work off the fat and build that muscle - you're there to do exactly what you look like you're there to do, regardless of size or appearance.

Join the gym. You'll find people of all shapes, sizes, and age there and for the most part people won't pay you any mind.

And the people who are paying attention you are probably on MFP.

It's true, most people don't care, and if they do, it doesn't matter because that's on them.

But if it bothers you enough to prevent you going, here's how people at the gym will be able to tell you're new and will cut you some slack: wear a baggy t-shirt and capris (or leggings or yoga pants). It will cover whatever you're worried about, and is the new person at the gym uniform. It's basically a magic license to look like you don't know what you're doing with equipment, and to ask questions. No one judges a person in a baggy t-shirt.

Find the right gym, and join up. Buy some nice gym outfits so that you want to put them on and attend. My gym is a community based gym, so there are lots of parents (with their teenage kids)and older people there. People range in size and not everyone looks like The Rock. In fact, I can only think of one guy who does look that way! The gym has indoor courts ie basketball, soccer, and a pool for kids to learn to swim. If you are concerned that you are not fit enough to go to a gym, then find a gym like mine. I have also attended a gym once in the UK, that was a private ladies only gym. Find the right gym, and then you will want to go. Tell them that you are shopping around, and they will all give you a free work out for the first time so that you can check out their facilities. After trying out a couple, then you will feel confident that you have made the right choice and will be more committed.