Started at a gym. Would like to get some advice on how to start out. They have most of the machines at the gym's that I have seen. I'm almost 69 and weigh 200lbs. I can get around and lift things most? people my age cant. Any help is appreciated

I am no expert, but at the gym I went to they had about 12 different machines. I started on the first one, did about 10 repetitions with the weight I was comfortable with, did the same all the way through the 12 machines, Every so often I would try to add a few more repetitions or add weight, until I reached what I thought was safe. I did not and I repeat did not try to keep up with the young ones, I took my time and did not try to strain anything. I was there to build my endurance, not impress anybody. I skipped the treadmill, my legs and balance are messed up, the bikes

When my knees started to give me feedback I slowed down on those machines. My right shoulder is also real cluster from 18 years of walking with a cane, so I also made sure I did not strain it.

What are your goals? Machines are fine for a lot of isolation exercises, but free weights and compound lifts will add muscle and strength better and faster.

If I were 69, I would stay on machine weights and lift to my hearts content. They help isolate movement and this helps prevent injury. Free weight require perfect form and stabilizing muscles. At your age this might be difficult, so stay safe with machine weights.

69 is in your mind; have witnessed many at that age become stronger than most kids in the gym. You must put the time and effort into anything to be good.

Talk to the management most gyms will have someone that does orientations. I'll be starting at a gym in Oct I'm currently rotating between a 4 mi walk without weight and a 3 mi walk with a 50 lb weight vest. When weather forces me inside, I'll do maintenance work outs on their Stairmaster machine, with the weight vest.