What is a good way to start working out and using a gym?

First, congrats on your commitment!

Most gym memberships will offer a few free personal trainer sessions. This is a great way to be introduced to the gym environment, it also helps with getting a routine going.

Going to the gym can be a little intimidating, but you have to remember that everyone there is in the same self conscious predicament. Even the people in the best shape can still be self conscious. I battle this by going with a buddy so I have someone to talk to and someone to laugh with when I goof doing a class or something. You could also just plug into your ipod and jam away to your music and tune out the rest of the world.

Good Luck!

ya i'm a little self conscious at the gym but whatever, your there to better yourself, i use an mp3 and just do it. any good gym will have a trainer and when you sign up they will usually give you some free time with the trainer to show you how to use the machines properly and without hurting yourself. i prefer community gyms over the name brand type gyms, i go to the ymca or a local leisure center where i live.

Don't worry about being intimidated, I would say that everyone feels a little intimidated their first times in a gym. Try this as your workout they usually have good workouts...

http://www.mensfitness.com/fitness/workout_routine...

Dont be intimidated. itll just make u self concious of urself. and id just work out about 3xs a week and do light work w/ DB (dumb bells)