Thanks nelie! I worked with a trainer for 12 weeks a year ago when I first started so I feel pretty ok with it. We worked out 3x a week and she only used free weights. I think my biggest fear is messing up and hurting myself. Plus, it's of course mostly men at my gym who look at me like I'm violating sacred man space. Not the most comfortable environment when you're already unsure.

The secret is most men are doing it wrong anyway. Really, I've seen the worst form in the gym from men. Men tend to be overconfident with weights, women underconfident. I think really working with a personal trainer is helpful for figuring out what proper form should feel like. After that, I think it is easy to go it on your own.

Can I mention Crossfit?

I have belonged to a gym, worked with a personal trainer and physiotherapist. I've found the crossfit site to be very good to help make sure you're doing the exercises right. I started with the 'easiest' workout, light weights and felt very comfortable with my form.
And I know that if I run into trouble, I can get help 'in real life', here at 3FC, youtube etc.

I was a personal trainer with a national gym for 2 years. I learned by studying for my ACE certification and working with other trainers. They were former collegiate athletes, professional athletes, and physical therapy assistants. I think that Shape's workout cards are great, Muscle and Fitness Hers has a great book out with lots of moves in it. Oxygen magazine (if you ignore all the supplement ads) and MF Hers are full of amazing info. It does take a long time to learn these things, but it is a lifestyle change so time is what we have!

No, you didn't hi-jack

Well...everything I have learned so far are workout dvds & internet...I did things like the Shred and no more trouble zones, so I have some ideas of strength moves to do with weights...but I wanted to try something different so going into the gym I thought to myself..."hey look at all these machines! I've never tried them..."
Also, there is youtube and websites like sparkpeople.com that have exercise demos, and here. I sometimes just lurk...

oh and a tricep dip works the back of the arm. You can do it on the floor or on a chair/bench...I prefer something like a chair. Sit at the edge of the chair with hands on the edges too. Your fingers should be facing your body...then you drop your body down off the chair (dip) and then push your body back up with your arms. To make it harder or easier, you can play with the position of your feet...closer to your body is easier I think.