<p>gyms are awesome. Just go to the gym. If you’re clueless ask how to do certain exercises and then create a program which will hit each bodypart (legs/back/chest/shoulders/arms) at least once a week, or you could do search for a tried a tested routine on the internet via several of the forums out there.
I don’t really see the need of a gym buddy, I mean, if you go regularly you’re probably going to end up befriending some guys there anyways, and most people there are friendly enough to spot strangers. Just cuz someone looks big and like he could beat you up, doesn’t mean he wants to. I remember when I started going last year, I went all by myself.</p>