[Bagger Lance]

Really good advise from Matt.

The only other thing I can add is never ramp up on poundages until you can control the weight. You must always stay in control with good form. Stay in balance with every exercise you do. Very much like the golf swing in that respect.
Age is also a big factor in gaining strength. You will gain strength, stamina, and size at any age, but the older we are the longer the process takes. Be patient, allow yourself to recover because that is when the gains actually happen, and you must make sure your diet is adjusted for the new demands on your body.
Finally, you will experience muscle soreness. Especially when you are first starting. Small muscle fibers are torn, tendons and ligaments are stretched. The soreness goes away within a day or two after the muscle has repaired itself and more muscle fibers are added to handle the new load. That is what recovery is all about.
Finally, finally...drink water constantly throughout the day. Every day.

Bagger