Strength training for beginners is surrounded by a lot of mythology. You do not need to "earn" the right to lift heavy. You do not need to lose weight first. You do not need a coach, a program, or a supplement stack.
What you actually need
You need to show up three times a week and follow a structured plan. That is it. The hard part is not the workouts. The hard part is the part where you keep starting over.
Why machines are the secret weapon
Machines look boring. Good. Boring is exactly what a beginner needs. The seat is already adjusted. The path is already drawn. The weight is already on a pin. All you have to do is sit down and push.
Free weights are wonderful, but they require coordination that adds another layer of "am I doing this right?" to every rep. Layer that on top of already feeling lost, and the dropout rate is what you would expect.
The patience rule
Beginner gains are real, but they are also slow to feel. You will not see them in the mirror for six to eight weeks. You will see them on the bar. Trust the barbell, not the mirror.