In terms of weight training try picking up the Book The New Rules of Lifting By Lou Schuler and Alwyn Cosgrove, you'll be set for a good year in terms of weight training and it also has some good general advice on diet. Also when you do join Gold's be wary of their "trainers" as a former trainer of gold's I can say that the knowledge and skill of the staff can range from the owners dumb (untrained) cousin who needs a job, to some very good staff, so if you do end up getting a trainer be sure to interview them before paying for anything. If you need I can suggest some questions that could give an idea of thier level of skill and knowledge.