Yes, exercise is important. But if you do go to a gym with machines, use very light weight at first.

I'll NEVER use that foot resistance one again... I did it very gently and man.... did my feet HURT.

Also for older patients, our tendons get stiff, and are easy to strain. It is seductive to use heavy weight resistance, and I did that when I was going regularly, and I hurt my left hip tendons eventually. Keep the resistance low, and do many reps...that is just as good. I think I was using the high weights for stress management...it was a huge mistake for me.