strength training at the gym

Get a personal trainer. If you can't afford a trainer go with a friend who has experience lifting or do some research watching youtube videos. It is really important that you use correct technique when lifting.

Many gyms will either have it so the staff can teach you, or one intro-session with a trainer. See if either of these are possible for you. Like the other person said, good form is important.

A great place for beginners is the Nerd Fitness website, http://www.nerdfitness.com. There's a Video page with a lot of good body weight strength exercises (http://nerdfitness.com/blog/how-to-videos/).

If you want to do more serious power lifting, I would strongly suggest "Starting Strength" by Mark Rippletoe. It is THE book for barbell training for beginners, because it emphasizes good form, and good form is the only way to train safe from injury.

Most of all, however, I would remember that there's two big myths about weight training you should realize right now. It is great for women to lift heavy, just like men. The only difference between us and men is that because we only have 1/30 of the testosterone in our body, we do not bulk up, we slim down and tone. (Proof: http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/). And the whole high reps/low weight thing is B.S. Unless you're lifting heavy enough to actually do some kind of work on your muscles, you'll just be wasting a lot of gym time. So lift heavy, and lift safe. Good luck!!

Starting at the gym can be daunting but stick with it. Definitely look at getting a trainer. A trainer will help introduce you to the equipment, give you a routine to follow and ensure you don't hurt yourself.