I never went to the gym all my life (too worried about what others would think of me because I'm skinny), but recently a colleague of mine started going to the gym again after a long hiatus due to corona. He's very much into power-lifting sort of things and I've watched every single youtube video on exercises and gym memes. I told him about a gym by my place and he dropped by to check it out. He ended up liking it a lot and signed up. Long story short I now go with him and we hold each other somewhat accountable for showing up. I don't have some specific program that I follow, but I try to put lots of volume in there.
Honestly, this dude is the reason I haven't quit this job.
I hope you and your friend continue going.