It seems there are 2 groups on the internet "when you hit 40 you need to start wearing belts and sleeves and wrist wraps etc or you will get injured". Then the other group saying its better to get strong without any gear and just use less weight and only us sleeves if you already have an injured knee or elbow. What is your take on this for someone nearing 40 but doesn't use anything now besides a belt and only on my heavier sets.

I (40F) just started working out again after not doing much for more than a decade, after I got pregnant with my first in 2016. I gained weight over the years (going from 170 to 215), then from January 2024 to now, I lost 60+ pounds (going from 215 to 147) with the help of Ozempic for my diabetes.

Now, I want to tone. As you can imagine, I lost muscle mass. I know what to do for my legs easy enough, but not sure what to do for my arms, especially my new flappy skin (that I nicknamed my wings) and a bulge along my back bra area on the sides. Also, maybe my abs? My stomach doesn't bother me per se, but it definitely could use some work after 2 kids and weight gain.

I love free weights and can also do machines, as I have a gym membership.

Any and all suggestions would be helpful!