To ask what you do at the gym?

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I'm starting tomorrow with my SIL, who already goes. I'm a total beginner and have no idea where to start! I obviously don't want to overdo it straight away but I've no idea what to start with. I'm mostly going as I do want to lose a bit of weight but also for my mental health as I work from home 4 days a week and really need to be more active.

Anybody here have any ideas for me?

Could you have a look at the gym’s website? Mine has guide videos to the machines, for best technique and suggested routines.
Definitely don’t overdo it on your first day, or you’ll be sore the next. And make sure you stretch properly afterwards.

If you're going to lift weights you need some guidance because good form is so important!

Cardio...keep it simple! Burpees are horrible but effective. Boxing pad work/bag work can be fun.

Above all, try and do stuff you enjoy so you stick with it!

I prefer to exercise in a group as it keeps me motivated.

Good luck!

Do they have classes? They can be a good way to get started.

Or provide a programme for you? A lot of gyms do an induction where they discuss your goals, show you how to use the equipment, and create a workout for you

Firstly - well done for taking the first step!
Secondly - don't go to the gym to lose weight, that's where your diet comes in.
Thirdly - have a play around the first few sessions, see if cardio or weights are more your thing. Often gym staff will put a simple program together for you for free. If you want to use weights then start with the machines as they are easier to keep good form with, as opposed to free weights.
Fourthly - Stick your headphones in with some good music or a podcast and enjoy!

I normally do 30 mins total cardio split across the running machine, cross trainer, bike and rower. Then I do free weights with dumbbells - ie toning up my arms while I do squats/lunges.

So it might go:
5 mins on the rower
10 on the cross trainer
10 on the bike
5 on the rower again
Free weights, 3 sets of 10 reps, probably about four or five variations

I adapted the weights bit from a workout DVD I used to do but you can probably find some suggestions online. Try Pinterest!

I do Body Pump classes, I want to lift weights but I like following instructions!

Free weights. Deadlifts, squats, bench press, rows, military press with barbell and some shoulder isolation exercises with the dumbbells. I train solo and fasted, still rebuilding strength after pregnancy but love the heavy work.

I mainly do cardio and prefer treadmill and a bit of recumbent bike. I'll vary the speed and inclined of the treadmill every 3 minutes or so to give an interval training type workout and I stick to a walk as not comfortable running.

I'll do a 15 minute cardio warm up ( usually sprints on the treadmill) then 45 minutes of weights/machine work. I have no idea how fit or experienced you are but you could just Google "full body gym workout women" and you'll get some great workouts. Really though you need a PT even just once or twice, really the gym shouldn't let you lose on their equipment without a couple of sessions

So my usual pattern is:

Monday - 20 mins of cardio (treadmill/cross trainer) then 40 minutes of leg weights so dead lifts/squats/lunges. Reps of 8-10 with 3 sets

Tuesday - 20 mins of cardio (treadmill/cross trainer) then 40 minutes of upper body workouts. I differ these every week so focus on either arms/back/chest. I use free weights or the weight machines for this. Reps of 8-10 with 3 sets

Friday - Circuits. So I take ideas from PT's online, main inspo is Courtney Black and Meggan Grubb. They do a lot of online workouts so I grab snippets from them and make my own circuits. I put about 5-6 exercises in there and do 45 seconds on, 15 seconds off. These include things like burpees, walk outs, sit ups, crunches etc.

Saturday - Cardio only so 60 minutes of treadmill/cross trainer/rowing machine and step machine.

Remember to stretch before and after each workout, you will notice a big difference if you don't.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Warm up on treadmill or bike for 10 minutes.

Download 5x5 app and study form.
Start at a really low weight and watch yourself get very strong all over, in a structured and progressive way.

Stretch for 10-15 minutes after workout.

Tuesday/Thursday

Cardio