How to go to the gym alone (first time)?

[Anonymous]

I have never been going to the gym (ok, one month when I was at high school, but it was only a small school gym). Now I want to do something for my health but I have no idea how to start. I found some beginner programs, but some people say that the beginners should spend at least one hour with an instructor at first. I am not obese but I sit all day long which is not good. Should I call or message the gym and ask if beginners also go there and what advice they have for me? How did you start? And the question especially for girls: how to not feel awkward in the middle of bodybuilders?
Another problem is that I have no friends who could join me and when I am alone and know nobody there I feel anxious and I don't want people staring at me... Actually I really don't know if I would like trainings there but at least I should try I guess...

[horatiohornblower]

Get an instructor from the gym for a couple of sessions. So, you can find out how to properly use the machines and not hurt yourself. You can read up online on number of reps, cycles and how to push yourself. But it's invaluable to have someone correct your form.

If you're trying to build muscle. Get some gym buddies or brush up with an instructor every couple months.

Even with running, some instruction helps. As stride makes a big difference in how your joints are impacted and how good your endurance is.

[BossThe2nd]

You can get a consultation with a personal trainer for free in most places.

And if you are not looking for dedicating a serious amount of time to fitness, all you really need is a couple sessions.
They would get you a suitable routine, show you the correct way to perform your exercises and then you can continue on your own, even at home.

[EssenceOfLight]

There are instructors in most gyms which will create a training program for you. After few weeks they start to be annoying, but they give you short introduction
You want music? Don't use your phone it's too big and too heavy, take some old fashioned and small music player with wired earplugs

[Birdlegs]

I’m not a woman but I can guarantee nobody will be watching you everyone there is there to workout. It sounds like you’ll just fit in with the crowd.