Where do I start with exercise and strength training?

[Pinkpunk2]

Im 46, not overweight but I dont do any exercise apart from occasional walk.
I keep reading about strength training and the importance when you are older but I dont know where to start.
I have back and neck problems that seem to flare up at any kind of exercise but realise that building muscle might actually help it.
I have no idea where to start with it all and then get overwhelmed watching different videos online and end up doing nothing.

I walk a lot but suffer with a multitude of foot problems and poor posture. I’ve been doing reformer Pilates twice a week for 3 months and have seen such a difference. Yes, I had a lot of aches and pains at the beginning but now I’m standing taller, have better balance and improved strength and coordination. At the place where I go they have different types of classes including strength (once you done some basic level classes). What I like about it besides the improvements listed above if that the instructors are very knowledgeable and supportive and can modify exercises for any injuries. I’m in my late 50s and I’ve found it very worthwhile. Most places have good introductory offers if you fancy giving it a try.

I can see a gym near me that does pt and small strength training classes but its above my budget and you have to sign up for 3 months minimum.
I think I'll try some more of the you tube links, I tried Joe Wicks menopause one today and my neck has actually felt alot better than it had.

I am much older than you OP, reasonably fit, was slightly overweight. I have 2 prolapsed discs in my back and 2 in my neck.
October last year I joined my local gym having decided that to keep fit into old age, I needed to lift weights.
I didn't have a clue where to begin and just messed around for a few weeks and got nowhere. In the new year, I decided to bite the bullet and approached a pt who worked in the gym, he was expensive but I told him I wanted to lift weights and worked with him for 4 months. He got me to the stage of deadlifting 45kg, not a huge weight I know but I was very concerned about my back and was hoping by building up strength in the muscles around the damaged discs I wouldn't do any damage. So far all has gone well and I have had no problems, I finished with him as I couldn't afford him any more but am now working on my own on my upper arm muscles which were very weak as well as continuing with the weights. My main problem area is my neck, I suffer with balance issues and dizziness with it, doctor says after a scan I had that the discs that are prolapsed wouldn't cause these issues but I know I have to be careful in the gym and certain exercises eg the shoulder press machine definitely make it worse so I avoid that.
I absolutely love going to the gym and working out, I go 3 or 4 times a week for a couple of hours, have tweaked my diet and have lost a stone. Would like to lose another half stone if I can.
If you can afford it I would suggest joining a local gym and having a trainer to just get you going and make sure you are lifting weights and using machines with correct form so as not to aggravate your neck and back.
Good luck

For everyone reading this and starting off : PLEASE PROTECT YOUR BACK.
By that I mean get proper support at the start so you do not put yourself at risk of back injury. Train with a professional trainer and learn the proper techniques; postures; do not push yourself. Start very slowly. Speaking from experience that I deeply deeply regret… you don’t know what you have until it’s gone!

Hi op. I would look for a local gym that does guided small group training. There’s a few gyms in my town who do this sort of thing. But do speak to your physio first - there will be some movements you need to swap out for others !

I've lost a stone and a half so far, using Nutracheck to do 16:8 and a Fitbit to log my walking and strength training. There's a free three month trial.of Fitbit premium (or maybe it's called coach) that gives you feedback on your activity and suggests introductory strength training with visual guides. So far, I've not renewed it because I feel I've got the hang of it, but it was so good that I might do.