Clipping In, and Out

OK, so I've heard and read horror stories of crashes and problems with the clipless pedals on a bike. You know, the ones that allow you to not only get momentum on the down cycle of a ride, but on the up as well, actually allowing you to bike more efficiently AND work the quads and hams...I've never tried them before, but seeing as how L is a former bike race, works with teams and coaches, that's of course how he rides, and he's set up a bike for me with the cages (which I haven't used) but I was curious about the clip ones, and he had some shoes that are too small for him, and with insoles and socks, they did fit me pretty well...and of course he has a bike with the pedals...so yesterday I attempted it, and without a word on how to do it (he helped me get into the clips) I turned my foot, the way I'd heard other people describe it, and how I've seen people do it, and I clipped out...and didn't hurt myself!! Of course....I was on a trainer.....so the chances of my getting hurt were pretty much zero...but still....I did clip in (second time on my own) and out...now I might end up trying it sometime on a real bike, on a ride! L actually has a bike he just told me he's getting converted over with parts for me, that, if I so chose, I could use for a tri sometime...he's also suggesting it for some rehabbing for my issue that's been affecting my running, with some other device he was going to get to try out on me...we'll see....