Never stepped foot in a gym.. Advice!

Usually, when you join a gym, they will give you a tour and let you try a class or two for free(even before you sign up). So, take advantage of those freebies. I even got a free body fat analysis and weigh-in to help me track as I went. The trainers can show you around the equipment and how to use it without actually "training" you. That's their job. Some gyms even have circuit classes that incorporate equipment (kinda like a curves circuit) and then you learn how to do more exercises in a group environment.

The gym that I joined gives you three free personal trainer sessions when you join and have classes running all day. Shop around and find one that has people on hand to help you out and you can ask questions of, or that has classes that you're interested. That's my advice. The other advice is to research first. Read what you can about what you're wanting to achieve in the gym, and then go in with a plan. You will only feel out of place/stupid for a day or two while you figure it out :P At least, that's true for me. Sometimes I still feel stupid when I'm trying something new, but I just pull aside one of the trainers they have there and have them watch me to make sure I'm doing it correctly

I agree....take a class! Try something that is fun. You will start to make some class buddies, and then go from there. Most gyms have an orientation of some sort, make sure that you go to that. Have them run you through the circuit. I am new too! I do a class or....5 minute cardio (warm-up), circuit (20-30 minutes), 30-45 minute cardio, 5 minute stretch. Good luck!

Ask for a guest pass, 3 days-1 week is generally what I see, and test the waters. Come in at the times you would normally go so you can see how busy it is. Right now it is going to be SLAMMED from 3pm to 7pm. New Year Resers. Ask for a class schedule if they offer classes and talk to people who take the classes.

I agree with starting out in a structured program like Strong lifts. I did that for a while, but it didn't fit my schedule so much, so now I do a 4 day split. Watch YouTube videos to observe proper form. I've had other gym goers come up and say "Hey you should keep your back straight or your elbows in when you do X so that you don't hurt yourself." I usually go home and google the move and figure out if I was doing it wrong or not. Watch yourself in the mirror so you can monitor your form.

Some points of etiquette: re-rack your weights, wipe down the benches, don't sit on your phone for 5 minutes between sets, and be open to the possibility that someone might ask to do their sets while you rest and rotate back and forth.

Lastly, no one cares about what you are doing (unless like above they see you are doing really bad form and speak up). Most people are there to get in, get out, and get on with their day. The few times I've seen anyone give someone else a hard time in the gym, other more fit people come to the rescue and tell the bully to GTFO. I really like it when that happens.

IT Gets Easier!! The first couple weeks will be really strange, then you get more comfortable... then the regulars notice that you are a regular and will start to chat you up... you just have to keep fighting that fear the first little while. Then you will continue to rock it.. and then your kids will forever continue to think you are a super hero..

Get a running holster and always carry a gun or bear spray with you at all times.

Most important thing about joining a gym is ALWAYS take what the gym salesperson tells you with a very skeptical grain of salt. They will say almost anything to get you to sign up. Go for a tour at the same time you think you will use the gym and use your own observation. Get a free pass, then use it as much as possible to see if that gym really fits. Then, ask for a deal. Ask them to waive the "initiation" fee, which is usually just profit. DO NOT pre-pay for a year's membership. If you hate it, or can't go, or you move, you are out the money, they will NOT refund it. ALWAYS pay month to month. And if they make you use an electronic funds transfer to pay your fees, NEVER let them deduct directly from your bank account, ALWAYS have it paid on a credit card. If you cancel, and they keep charging you (I have heard multiple horror stories about many chain gyms about this), it is much easier to dispute the charges and get help from your bank if it's a credit card payment.