Hi everyone, hope this isn't too silly a question, but how do people get started at gyms? For someone that's never been before, it's really quite intimidating. I would like to work on my fitness but the thought of it is making me nervous. I don't really have any friends or anyone to go with.

I currently go to one of those group training places, where there's a coach there telling the class what to do and guiding you and you're assigned a station, I've just started going for a few months now but unfortunately it is getting too expensive. Realised my work offers a 'fitness passport' where I can get a discount pass to some of the local gyms like Anytime Fitness, Jetts etc.

Do I just go in and start using the equipment? Do I need to book in advance to use particular equipment or space? How do I know what exercises/routine to follow, or whether I'm doing things right or not?