Compound moves at the gym

Start with a little research on the internet. There are a great many sources for videos and animations that show you the proper technique and form for different free weight exercises. Put together a plan (write it down) that you can bring to the gym with you of exactly which exercises you plan to do. Then take a few minutes when you get to the gym to identify the equipment that you'll use for each of the exercises. Finally, start slow. Don't over do it on weight. Start light and don't worry about what you think other people might be thinking of you (chances are pretty good it's only paranoia in your own head). Start with light weights to make sure you get the form right and then you can start moving up to heavier weights.

I've seen the following sites posted on these fora somewhere.... I've found them to be good reading (I'm also wanted to get a little more serious about lifting, but so far, I've been scared.)

http://www.stumptuous.com/
http://nerdfitness.com/blog/

I've recently started lifting weight seriously. For the time being, I'm only doing isolation moves on machines because that's what seems easier for a beginner. Not in terms of workout but in terms of "practicality": my gym has air resistance machines who keep track of how much I lift so I don't have to remember all the numbers... ;-)

Anyway, from what I read here, compound moves seem to be more effective than isolation moves. But my question is, how not to look ridiculous? Because I've done lunges and squats in the past and I swear I'm not very good at it! I tend to lose my balance every other move or not to be able to go as deep as I'd like. So, my question is how not to be the clown of the free weight area? I terribly lack self-confidence and I really don't want to be "that" girl...

Practice at home doing body weight only exercises. You can do body weight squats at home in your living room. You can do static lunges at home during commercials watching TV or whatever. I would also suggest reading up or watching videos on good form about both of these exercises. Work on getting lower and lower on your squats and lunges.

Some other things that help are RDL's (single leg Romanian dead lifts) for balance. Basically, you stand up straight. Then, you bend forward to touch the ground as one of your back legs comes off the ground and stretches out straight behind you. It works on the same muscles as squats/dead lifts and helps immensely with balance. You can hold onto a chair if you need to or have a wall or something in arms reach to grab if you really fall off balance. Work on these. They do really, truly help.

I just started getting into compound moves myself. Actually yesterday was my first day in the "scary" free weight room. I didn't want to be THAT girl either so I asked one of my close male friends to go with me and show me the ropes so I didn't look so foolish and after he showed me what to do I felt a lot more confident. If you don't have someone to show you the ropes just go in there like you own the joint and do what you can. Most people aren't looking at you, they're worried about themselves. I also read up on what to do and how to do it and watched a few videos before attempting the free weight room. The first 10 mins I felt like a fish out of water but then I got more confident and after it was done I felt like such a badass!!! Now I can't wait to go try it again