I need to try to integrate this into my day so that I don't go to the gym when it's too busy and I still get time to eat (and most important buy/choose) lunch (without a long line).
I'm thinking of going 4pm or 4.30pm every weekday if work will allow me to do that.
And I have no idea how long people spend in a gym. Is it normally an hour?
So happy for you, Ian!!! Wear whatever makes you comfortable if that means wearing short-shorts, heh.
As for how often to go, it is up to you. Start out slow if you'd like. The length is also up to you, I think 1 hour is good. I cannot imagine staying in a gym for more than 1 hour at a time but that is just me.
Go as often and for as much time as you can comfortably do I think.
Give yourself some extra time at the start to get acquainted with your gym, and how to use all the stuff, you said you have someone going to help you out - awesome!
I see people who fly into the Gym, pound out an intense 15 minutes on the elliptical and do a quick lap of the weight machines and are out the door again.
I find it easy to lose track of time in there and have spent 2 hours without even noticing!
Good luck! Hopefully you'll learn to love it. I miss the gym. Never thought I would say that. After I moved back in with my parents, I had to quit going because there are no gyms in this area at all. The closest one is about 10 miles out of my way.