Joining a gym? Options

[cnelson]

So now that I'm back down at school I think i'm going to join a Gold's Gym thats not very far from me.. I'd really like to start to get in shape for the summer time and such. Except I've never belonged to a gym and have no idea what to expect and everything. I mainly want to start running and doing free weights. I'm already on a diet, and I'm not over weight but I'm not exactly where I want to be either.. Anyways, my main concern for not joining is that I'm going to look stupid since I've never been to a real gym before. I know this may seem like a silly reason to not join but it is a reason I'm struggling with. Anyone that belongs to gym got some insight on what goes on? Thanks, -Chris.

[CelicaBuddy]

I actually prefer going to the gym by myself... More because having someone tag along with me would slow me down, not that I do extreme intense workouts, but I just dont like waiting on someone lol I don't really care what people think of me at the gym... We're all there for the same reason - to get in shape, keep in shape... Besides I'll never see half those people again or ever talk to them...

But my gym is so small, low-key, and laid back no one is really cares... You see all kinds of walks of life in that gym from really old people (who I've seen attached to oxygen tanks a couple times... lol), heavier people, pregnant women, your typical body builders, middle/high schoolers, and so on... The owner even has his dog wandering around lol