before you rush off to life drawing it might pay to get some basics up your sleeve. There are plenty of good beginners books on drawing people, its all circles to start with. A good way is to just drawing rough circles to block out the main features of the body, then try to outline, do not attempt anything to fancy. After you have a rough idea of what makes it all tick go to the classes and you will learn anatomy and how to use pencils from H2 to B6 so you can add the dynamics needed for shadow and light.

just a suggestion (you dont want to waste to many $$$ to start with and classes might cost a bit ??? )