If you're planning on joining a gym in the new year, please don't hesitate to use a trainer to help you get started. Some gyms even offer 2-3 free sessions with a trainer as a sign-up bonus. A good trainer can teach you proper form on all your lifts as well as show you what each machine is and how to use it properly. I have been lifting for some time now and have never hired a trainer, but I have gotten to know our trainers pretty well and they are always eager to help me should I have an occasional question. For example, I've long suspected that I was pulling way too low on my lat pulldowns, so today I asked one of our trainers to give me his advice. He did so and also demonstrated for me what he was talking about.
Then, as he videoed me, I gave it a try myself. He approved of my form 😉
In the past I've gotten some very helpful advice about other exercises as well. These include the dumbbell curl.
As well as the pull up.
Now, you can definitely figure out all of this on your own. There's a lot of free advice and guidance online. That said, if you can, it might be a good idea to use a trainer to get a fresh perspective and new ideas. Hopefully that will help you stay injury-free and achieve your goals way faster.
Have a wonderful day!