I want to start some sort of strength training but have no experience.

[NewShoes]

I'd love suggestions for a beginner's workout.  What machines to use in a gym setting?  Videos? Exercises?  Free Weights?  I'm a walker and I do a step class at my local gym and I'm in good health, but I don't know anything about strength training.  I don't want to injure myself and wind up side-lined for weeks on end, but I would like to advance my workout and see more results.

[NewShoes]

This would work for me for now because where I am just starting, I am deff not ready for heavy weights.

[slysam]

Spark people has some strength workouts and a catalogue of strength exercises with short video demonstrations. In general, I think you want all your major muscle groups included and especially the back to back muscles (to avoid imbalances, so if you work your chest you also want to work your upper back, etc.). A lot of exercises do use more than one muscle group so if you plan right you can get a good full body workout in 4, 5 or 6 exercises. Strength training doesn't have to be just weights, bodyweight exercises like pushups and resistance bands can work as well. The Spark website is free, but I think the phone app currently costs about $3 (??? I got it when it was free so not sure). It looks like the fitness tracking and exercise demos are on the app, but I am not sure if the routines are. The link to Spark: http://www.sparkpeople.com

[nottaken101]

True, Mary, yet if you're using free weights a bench can come in handy, in my view.

[Mary]

Sure it can.  But for home exercisers, it seems like something that would turn many off resistance training entirely.  A bench is not small, not decorative and not multifunctional.  Many people don't have a spare room to dedicate to free weights and don't want to have to go into the garage, yard or basement.  I just feel like why start with the full shebang when you don't even know if it's something you're willing to really stick to?  If you're still complying in six months and want a bench, reward yourself then.  

[nottaken101]

Agreed. The original poster mentioned that she already had a set of free weights, which is why I kept recommending a bench over the other effective strength training programs you mentioned.  The Jorge Cruise, "8 Minutes in the Morning," system, that the orginal poster also liked, really does work better with a bench, in my experience, too.

I've tried using an Ottoman or chair to steady myself, yet the bench makes doing some exercises more effective and easier.

Many benches are large and cumbersome. The one I have is small, simple, and well-made. It costs about $70 on Amazon but I got it for free by using frequent flyer points. It has hooks on the bottom for free weights, too, thereby saving some space.

I respect both viewpoints respecting the value of having a bench for strength training exercises involving free weights.