Did that to protect my lower back since I injured it about 2 years ago. 2 slipped discs if you're wondering. I find front squats to be good as they don't aggravate my back at all. No stiff legged deads for the same reason. I can still handle regular deadlifts, though I'm reluctant to, but stiff legged ones just put way too much strain on my back. It's also why I'm doing chest supported rows instead of regular barbell rows, to take my lower back out of the equation.

Not really, TBH. Right now I'm pretty much pain free. I'm only being very meticulous with my exercise choices as a precautionary measure. I could do the exercises, but it's not worth the risk if you know what I'm saying. Injured my back from deadlifting too much with very bad form back when I was just starting out and let ego take over, and also from a serious fall while playing football. They both happened about 2/3 months apart, but both did damage. My theory is the deadlifts made the crack in the glass, and the fall finished the job.

28/6/2012

Back & shoulders
Chest supported rows (speed work)
6 x 3 x 42.5kg
Lat pulldowns
3 x 12 x 70kg
Seated cable rows
3 x 12 x 65kg
DB rows
2 x 15/14 x 105lbs
HS pulldowns
1 x 13 x 30kg
1 x 14 x 25kg
Machine shoulder press
3 x 12 x 80kg/85kg/85kg
Cable upright rows
2 x 16 x 53kg
DB lateral raises
3 x 15 x 25lbs

Took about 50-55 minutes today.