It's intriguing to see everyone's responses on this topic. I myself am trying to get started working out at age 29. Only time I've ever been in a locker room was probably freshman year of high school for phys ed, and I've actually never used a communal shower.

I was lucky enough to have a couple co-workers who introduced me to the weight room at our gym here, and that was a great icebreaker. But honestly, I'm a bit scared off by the prospect of going to the gym in the mornings (the only real workable time for me), which would require use of the showers before heading back to work. Having never learned the proper etiquette, I have no idea how to act. I would never know how to react if hit upon (fairly unlikely, given my ranking among the other guys there), but I also wouldn't want to get caught staring (which I have to admit, might happen, since I've never really been around too many athletic guys before).

Ugh. I just realized I use parentheticals way too often. Anyway, if I can muster up the courage to just do it, I'll let you all know how it goes. Any first-timer suggestions would be greatly appreciated!