Yes, lower back is my weak link it seems. I found out quite a few years ago that not only do I have an extra lumbar vertebra, but that it is fused to the joint below it. This makes for some unusual muscular dynamics. Having an extra vertebra is not so unusual, but having it fused to another is not so good I guess.

I doubt I will try a recumbant. After trying a stationary recumbant exercise bike, it was just no good for the angle. I would have to just about lay flat to make it work out, or else have it so my feet were higher than my hips. Seems kinda weird.

That's okay, I can stick with the elliptical for exercise.