I don't know where to begin at the gym

Are you looking for a strength training program?

My favorite beginner program is Stronglifts 5X5. Only 5 lifts to learn, only three days a week, about 45 minutes per session. You can check it out at stronglifts.com. You can also download the app which will track your workout, weights and progress. I found it much easier to walk into the weight room when I already knew what I was going to be doing.

I Stronglifts!

Uphill inclines are hard -- they're the equivalent of walking into the wind and some runners use them to compensate for the wind's effect when you run outside. Fifteen minutes isn't bad, really. If you can do ten minutes or so of anything, that's a good start before strength training.

Does the gym offer a personal trainer, free or otherwise? If you don't know what to do, having someone show you is really the best way to go. Almost all gyms will have a trainer who can set you up with a basic workout you can follow for several months. By then you should have a good idea of what to do.

If you don't want to go that route (although I think it is best) then at least the machines will have instructions on them, and major manufacturers have videos online. My gym has Cybex equipment, their videos are here http://www.cybexintl.com/videogallery/ and they also have an app, Cybex Strength, that shows you how to use the machines. Even if you don't have Cybex equipment those videos might be useful.

Start with some of the easier machines: arm curl, chest press, leg press and one or two others that look interesting to you. Start with a low weight and work up to a weight you're comfortable lifting 15 times (15 reps). Then do 3 sets of 15 reps on each machine. That should be a good start.

Don't be intimidated. Everyone starts somewhere, and, to be honest with you, everyone at the gym is focused on their own workouts and either won't notice a newcomer or will want to welcome you. Best wishes to you.

try talking to a personal trainer and let him or her know what you goals are. They can help you put a plan together. I use the elliptical, treadmill and the weight machines. I also take zumba, spin, kickboxing and pound classes.

I agree, stronglifts is a good way to get going, they have a great app that makes it very simple to follow the plan and the easy progression (starting with just the bar) helps prepare your body without crippling muscle soreness.

However! I would maybe get a trainer for one session to confirm your form is correct the handful of exercises so that you don't develop bad lifting habits that could hurt when you up the weight in a couple months.

It's smart to mix weight training with your weight loss so that your body doesn't try to eat up your existing muscles for calories instead of fat. As a beginner you will still get to enjoy building strength but you might not build muscles until you start eating enough to maintain your goal weight (or of course gain weight).

Start by focusing on your diet and moving a bit more...walking is a good way to do that...walk at a pace that you can sustain for at least 30 minutes and go up from there...just get your body used to actually moving more.