Yo line,
I would recommend you check out the sticky up top. Many great plans. I would start with learning all the moves, properly.
I am a beginner and learning a ton on the way. You may want to check out Max-OT. 0311 is all over it, and has a journal here. hes puttin up some weights.
I also like DC training. Whatever you go with, just follow the routines, push heavy. get in the gym and kick ass.
Ive only been in commercial gyms a few times, At college it was cool, cause most of the guys were not there to f around, and they had a big freeweight room,andof course the sor chics on the machines. Been to Golds gym and Ballys. There are a lot of strokes out there, so I made a gym in the house.

Its always good to have others for spots, and a partner. If I didnt have my brother, I know there would be times we would just be spinning our wheels.

For mass and strenght, use compound movements, get the big excercises down. squats, bench, pullups, deads, all the good stuff.

Oh,and remember to rest. Dont try to go to the gym 4 times a week and hit your chest hard each time.. youll be killin yourself. hell,man,get out there and pump some iron, My say, start off with something set up, max-ot or DC.