So I've been working out at home for the past four weeks and decided to join a gym. I had to many restrictions at home with limited space and equipment. I joined the local YMCA since it was the cheapest and we have two in the area. Keep in mind the one 5min from my house is new, but is overcrowded a lot of the time. The one downtown, 15min away, has a lot more free weights but is not the best area. Has been among the top ten murder cities in the U.S. for a while so you don’t want to be there late in the day.

This is my first time going into the free weight section and I was instantly intimidated. Guys twice my size all staring at me as I walked in the door. I looked around for a minute and then jumped on the bench press, trying to ignore everyone. I keep trying to tell my self that they all had to start out at the level I’m at. I’m hoping you guys can give me some pointers on some do’s and don’ts when at the gym. Don’t want to get my ass kicked or look like a total newb, even though I really am.

Also I’m starting the Rippetoe’s program. I’ve always worked out using a cycle method. You complete one set on one exercise and then move to then next exercise. Once you’ve completed a cycle you start all over, repeat until you get all your sets in. Would it be less effective it I complete one exercise at a time? Today I had to do bench press, 5 sets, couldn't go to squats but some guy was doing everything on the rack and didn't know where to go to do deadlifts.