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.

[FreddyTheOthaMea...]

Aw dont be insecure about working out, hell when i first started working out id always think to myself "Well sh*t most of the people here are fat or old and fat so I cant be looking too terribly bad " .

As far as workout routines or specific exercises are concerned one book that i thought was pretty useful was the Mens Health and Fitness power lifting book (I cant remember the exact name of it). I like it due to the fact that it puts a strong emphasis on rarely doing isolation exercises. Just find what works best for you, stick with it for a few weeks then switch to something completely different so you dont get bored.

What kind of diet are you on and what are you trying to achieve? (like weight loss, bulk up, be able to fight your way out of your school work- an ever closing jail cell of never ending paperwork and torturous sleep deprivation)