[floridaorange]

For me my mental strength wasn't as strong in my 20's-30's so I'm kind of uncovering the will to really push the my limits now at 43. The responses have helped me realize this is what is going on. So am I stronger now all around, yes, but can I put on muscle as easily as I once did, no way.

zx10guy have you gotten to the bottom of what the lower back pain is? Bulging disc maybe? I had a year of that, turned into sciatica pain, all stemming from improperly deadlifting using the smith machine - which was a massive oversight, but taught me a lot. Now I can deadlift and squat no problem. Strong abs, proper hip hinging, and actually deadlifts and squats keep my lower back from hurting these days.