I don't think it would bother anyone to help you the first few times!
I am sure you'll work out how to do it pretty fast - and don't forget that there are other people to ask, too. Most people love helping.
I admire your courage!! I would try the machines before trying hand weights because with hand weights there's much more you can do wrong (that's why sighted people often watch themselves in a mirror while working out).
Good luck!!!

I would suggest contacting the gym and getting a trainer. A trainer will be invaluable for helping you spot, choosing the proper exercises and making sure you don't hurt yourself.

There are some real easy ways to get hurt at a gym. People leave weights laying around on the floor you can trip over, benches get moved, dumbbells go rolling around etc.

A trainer will run you around 150 a month here in L.A. and that's 3 times a week, so I can't imagine it would be much more expensive where you live.

I take my blind friend to the gym on the weekends. What we found works best is if he uses a adjustable bench and with 2 pairs of dumbbells. He is then able to work his chest shoulders and back himself without assistance. I've showed him how to adjust the angle of the bench to perform different exercises. Machines are pretty easy to use too once I've shown him how to use them.

I enjoy taking him to the gym and it's not a problem at all it's good to have the company and assist him. He always gets praise when someone notices his blindness.

Point being I recommend finding a partner that can accompany you to the gym and help you find the equipment you need to workout.

Good luck

You could talk to someone at the front desk, if they have a front desk, if you really don't want to ask a friend. But honestly, if one of my friends asked me for this, I would not mind at all. After all, it would also be a social occasion for them, so I don't see how they'd be troubled at all by something like this. So I'm personally in camp, ask someone you know and just make it a fun time; plan to meet a couple times a week or something like that! :d

You said the gym is in your apartment complex, that's great. I would call your apartment office and ask when it's usually not too busy and try and go during a down time to explore if you feel more comfortable. Or asking them to give you a quick overview of what's there can be helpful.

I think getting used to the auditory clues as far who is on a machine should come pretty fast. The weights rolling on the pulley, the bars and plates being pushed, can all give you an idea. If you're unsure just ask if anyone is using it before proceeding.

As someone else said hand weights are a lot easier to do incorrectly where machines are more intuitive. Start with a weight towards the top (lighter) and add systematically. Explore the whole machine. All new gym goers hate figuring out how machines work, we have all been there but once you do it a few times you'll blend right in.

Im sure in no time you will have a routine and much more confidence. Good luck!

I work out with a friend, and all my friend has to do for me is to set my weights and set my times and speeds on the Cardio machines. Granted, this is not the best possible arrangement but it works for me.

I also don't use my cane in the work out room just leave it in my locker at the gym.