[badpenny]

Just as a counterpoint (which you generally don't hear when people talk about any kind of exercise):

I'm 43 too. I started getting back into it about a year ago and ended up feeling a lot worse physically (and correspondingly psychologically) because of it. I have pain in my arm/shoulder now that isn't getting any better and which "physiotherapy" did almost nothing to improve, and hip pain/discomfort that's gotten worse in the process, plus there's the obvious wasted time, effort, and money.

I'm glad you're having positive effects from it, but it's far from a universal truth that weight training leads to positive outcomes. Not that I think that's what you're claiming, but that seems to be the narrative online.

[Schiendelman]

I do think it's basically universal that weight training when done correctly leads to positive outcomes. What I'm seeing you talk about is trying to teach yourself. I don't think that's safe or effective.

[SoftTalker]

Did you use machines, or barbells/dumbells?

I find machines hyperfocus the training on specific muscles, but take away most need for stabilization. They can also cause RSI-like effects by constraining you to one and only one movement path.

With barbells (or dumbells, or kettlebells, etc.) you have to not only lift the weight but also balance/stabilize it, that recruits and strenthens a lot more small muscles along with the major muscle area you're training.

[badpenny]

Machines and dumbbells initially when I injured my arm (it was a repetitive use thing and not a trauma), and then after a long break and trying to let it heal, I switched to barbell for most things, along with a pressing machine (because I don't have somebody to spot me for bench press) and a pulldown machine.

[hnuser123456]

Do you feel like you pushed yourself too hard, too fast, or do you feel like you were well within your limits but still started having new pain?

[badpenny]

I don't know. That's the problem: all the stuff I watch and read is so vague and even contradictory ("push yourself, but don't push yourself too much!"), and so one-size-fits-all that I have no idea where to even begin at this point. It's like learning some skill that takes years, except if you get it wrong you ruin your body and are left in pain.

[Schiendelman]

In general, you can't teach yourself how to lift safely. You want to start with a trainer.