My first experience with free weights

I've been told both here and from other reading (I've been reading the NROL books) that machines are not good and that I should be avoiding the machines and doing free weights. And I've been terrified of it. To the point that I didn't go to the gym for two weeks (stupid I know!) But I went today and it was quiet and my awesome, awesome gym person (I seriously love her. She worked at my Curves and she was brilliant and they closed down just before this one opened up in the same complex. The manager actually commented to me that he was so glad he hired her, because he's got so much business from the women who have followed her from Curves. He estimated that so far, two months after opening, 70% of the women who have joined are from Curves alone. He has had 300 women join, so she's worth her weight in gold!) I told her I was scared and she told me I was being silly and took me over and showed me all the equipment they have and made sure I was doing the proper form.

They have an awesome machine that has a TV that will show you exercises to do. They're all using the equipment they have on it, but she also explained that you can change it up using dumbells and what not. They have barbells for squats and deadlifts ranging from 5kg to 75kg. (I started with 10kg, then 12.5kg and felt the burn on 15kg. So I'm using that right now) They do have a Smith machine (her opinion was it's great for a beginner as it doesn't limit them. I just nodded and agreed but I'm liking the barbells they have so far but when they get heavier I'll move on) They don't have a squat rack, they call it a power rack but to me it looks exactly the same. So I love my super duper gym.

I did squats, deadlifts, tricep pulldowns, lat pulldowns, low row and a 45 degree leg press (which is SO MUCH HARDER) It was damn hard work but I really, really loved it. Not scared anymore and am going to start using the NROLFW programs on Monday!