[Etheryte]

Hardly so. I worked as a coach when I was younger and the number of people who hurt themselves this way is considerable, likewise for many completely preventable injuries at the gym. Usually people only turn to professional help once some damage is already done. To exemplify my point, the average BMI in the US is roughly between overweight and obese. If someone in that weight range decides that the treadmill is the way to turn their life around, they will most likely come away with serious injuries if they keep it up.

Suggesting activity is good, yes, but suggesting someone should start with lifting specifically when they have issues with their joints without any further context is moronic.