I would highly recommend checking out Nia Shanks' Beginning Strength Training Guide. She's got a lot of great information for someone just starting out and she also has a lot of great programs that you can purchase once you're ready to progress more. I use her programs and absolutely love them. Here's a link: http://www.niashanks.com/womens-beginner-strength-training-guide/

I've also done NROL4W in the past and thought it was a good starting point, but as the stages progressed, I felt the workouts got too long and too intense. I would leave the gym exhausted. With Nia's programs I spend 45ish minutes doing each workout and leave feeling energized while still making awesome strength gains.

For me, getting over the fear pretty much required a "fake it til you make it" strategy. Before my first ever lifting session, I watched lots of videos to make sure I understood what the moves were supposed to look like. I was starting with squats and had no idea what a squat rack was so I watched videos that showed how to set up and properly use a squat rack. This helped me build some confidence before ever walking into the weight room. Once I got there, I knew what I was supposed to be doing even though I'd never actually done it before. It really, really helped.

The guys in the weight room were definitely intimidating at first. Lots of heavy weights and grunting and dropping weights. I just kept reminding myself that I had just as much right to be there as them, but it took some time to feel like I truly belonged. It just takes some time to really build that confidence and get over the fear.

Another odd thing that seemed to help me was assuming a power pose in between sets. I actually did this sub-consciously at first without even realizing it. I just naturally gravitate to a Wonder Woman pose in between sets and I think it actually helps build confidence. There is research to support that people who spend time in a power pose before a nervous situation (think job interview) actually have more confidence. It sounds odd, but may be worth a try.

It's not so bad. I like the power pose idea.

I agree with all of the replies. Take advantage of any free or introductory sessions your gym may offer. If you can afford it, pay for one or more private or small group PT sessions. Finally, above all else, focus on your form. Proper form will go a long way towards preventing injury. When you get into heavier weights, proper form is critical and needs to happen with little to no thought.

Oh, one more thing (so the finally above was lie, I guess!). If your gym offers strength based group fitness classes (body pump, boot camp, body works, etc.). These are also a good way to ease into strength training. Just by hyper cautious of your form. The quality and ability of the instructor to coach on proper form is limited by class size.

As someone else mentioned, if you have access to a class like BodyPump where they use weights, that is a great place to start. The instructor will help you out while you get used to the equipment and you can blend in. You could also get a cheap set from walmart and start to practice at your home; bodybuilders.com has great videos for your form to avoid getting hurt. I started this way about a year ago just because it was offered during my break/ lunch hour. I had no intention of strength training and was just focusing on cardio/ weight loss. I then started to at home, and my husband got into it. Just recently, I have been fitting in two sessions at the gym a week in the weight area plus my 3 days of cardio. I want to work up to 3:3. I felt awkward my first time, but then was like, meh I don't care what they think. If anything, they are nicer about sharing equipment with me as opposed to the other males. Also, check out the Fitness Buddy App. They have a video library with a short gif of about every workout you can imagine. You can program your own workout, and click on the name to see how it is done again while tracking your reps/ set easily. So, I can take a peak at it and look like I know what I am doing... hehe