The keys to great beginner strength training are low reps and linear progression. Let's say you're an average male and start squatting 135 pounds in 3 sets of 5 reps. Next time you lift 140. Then 145. Etc. Once you reach the 300lb neighborhood a few months later, you will be massively stronger, but still only an intermediate beginner in the view of a good strength coach.

If you're like me and you reach that point, you'll then look back at the years wasted doing pushups and biking or whatever and consider it time wasted. You'll wonder "why isn't this more widely known?!"