How to make animations

i figured out how to use mecanim's controller system, but when i try to make a new animation it doesn't instantly add all the transform things to the curve section of the animation tab. instead i have to add them manually. i'm trying to do a simple idle animation for a humanoid rig, but since he starts in a sort of fetal position, i try to make him stand properly. however, at the end of the animation i use the same numbers to get him not to curl back into his earlier pose. when i press play the parts of the body that were moved start switching rapidly between 2 poses rather than staying in 1 spot like they're supposed to. any clue why this happens? or is there some tutorial on animations that explains how to animate character rigs?