Hi john
Welcome
http://www.menshealth.com/cda/articl...-0-199,00.html
This is a very good routine to start with. I would definitely stay with free weights. As mentioned you could do squats with just dumbbells or even with no weight. (Embarrassed? the you can do it at home with no weight and no one will see you). Just start with an empty bar: Do not worry about how much weight. Work with what you can safely and you will see good results soon!!
GOOD LUCK AND KEEP AT IT
Peter