Beginner, need gym confidence

I train alone & don't have a spotter. I use the squat rack with safety rails about 1/3 way down in case I can't get back. Leg press has safety pins too. I got a plan done by a trainer so I was more confident & knew what and how much to start lifting.

And, I find that most people at the gym - any gym - will not bug you as they are there doing their thing. Most women have the added concern about "that guy"....believe me when I tell you that there are usually enough folks there that if "that guy" starts bugging you that someone will refocus his attention (and, yes - I am one of the guys who is really good at 're-focusing attention'). And most guys are too worried about being "that guy" that they do not speak to women at the gym.

And I have worked out with lots of people who fear that they do not fit in '...because I do not look like everyone else...'! I always tell them "..well, maybe! But, if you keep coming here every day and doing your work outs you will in time!". That always works.

And I sometimes go to a different gym and there might be some machines there that are not at my usual gym. I do not usually use machines....I am a barbell | dumbbell kinda guy.....but sometimes I do (like the adductor | abductore machine, for example). I look really stupid sometimes trying to figure out how a machine works. And, if anyone says anything I always have a quick reply...something like "Hey, you expect me to be smart AND look this good?"....that always works, too!

In other words, don't make this (going to a gym) more than it is. You are not going to know how to do things. Shoot...ask someone! Most people will see you with a "how in the he.....?" look on your face and offer help. I have worked in with lots of people doing squats and dead lifts just because I ask. Or, they ask me. No one is going to bite you because you asked a 'dumb question'.

Most people in the gym are pretty good people. MOST!

Go, be confident, do your thing, if there is staff at the gym then ask them if you do not want to bother anyone (and I am pretty sure that you will not be 'bothering' anyone if you do ask).....just go do it!

@NiallWaller2 - Before you "bulk", what is your body fat percentage? And, what is your history or weight training? Nutritional history?

When you bulk you eat more than usual (as you need to feed the machine) and you need to make sure that you have a sensible breakdown of macro-nutrients. When you eat more you stand a good chance of putting on weight....and along with that body fat.

Yes, you stated that you are slender....but there is such a thing as "skinny fat"! Not suggesting you are that, but....we have to ask to give you the best advise.

And, yes - you stated that you have never done weight training before. Have you looked at the various starter | beginner programs? There are lots and lots.

If I might suggest, consider something like Strong Lifts or Starting Strength. However, form is SUPER important and doing squats and dead lifts are potentially dangerous if your form is not the best. I speak from experience. My form is now really really good....but can always say that!

Does this make sense?

@NiallW - that would be a great start for you. There are several other beginner programs out there. Start this Strong Lifts 5x5 program and re-assess after eight to 12 weeks.

Strong Lifts 5x5 increases the weight of each lift each session. There are other programs out there that increase the weight of each lift each week. And there are programs out there that do a percentage of your one-rep max. That would likely be difficult for you to determine (what your 1RM is) so let's maybe not consider those just yet (at the moment, anyway).

Commit to it and re-assess after two or three months. I would suggest at least doing the program for three months, to be honest. No matter which one you start. Unless there is some compelling reason to try a different program sooner.