Habib

Ok, here's thing: I have a bit of a swayback and kyphosis (can sorta be seen here). It's partially genetic (my grandmother has it) and partially a result of many years of bad posture. A few months ago I started to actively pay attention to my posture, both when sitting, standing or lying down. Basically, I used to slouch forward, now I make an effort to stand up straight. The side effect of that, is more weight bearing on my lower back, and as a result it sometimes gets a tad sore. Not actually painful mind you, just...I don't know..uncomfortable, I suppose. To remedy this, I want to really strengthen my lower back and, just as importantly, the rest of my core. I should also point out that when I started seriously working out in April, my biggest gains came in my upper and middle back, which actually ended up putting more stress on my lower back. This can be seen here.

So, I'm looking for the best lower back/core exercises in order to strengthen that area. For example, what's better: DL's, or SLDL's? I'd only been doing the latter, as I figured squats would stimulate what the SLDL's wouldn't. However, I'm going to, at least temporarily, until I consult with a sports medicine physician, either cut squats out completely or do them with about half the weight I used to, because I don't want to put too much stress on my back. For this reason I'm also for the moment abandoning the military press, which didn't get any gains at all anyway.

So what would you guys and gals recommend?

Monolith

Squats and deadlifts are excellent for building core strength. Dont know why youd wanna take them out. You can throw in some good mornings and hyperextensions, too. Romanian deads and SLDL's would be great, too.

http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~ek867/dexamyl.jpg

Habib

Considering the curvature of my spine, I am not sure that putting weight on my shoulders like that is a good idea. This is why I'm going to see a physician.

adrien_j9

I have had some serious back issues, and I have that sway back deal to some extent. Back work, Squats in particular, have gotten me on the road to being healed. In-fact its only when I am squatting that I am pain free. I have also found that any exercise that I can do standing, is far better then that same exercise sitting. I think seated exercises for the most part are horrible.
Stay away from using a belt. I believe that by not using a belt and using excelent technique I have built up my core in a way that has been benificial to my back. The only time i use a belt is if I am messing around with squats over 495.
Look for a doctor that understands what goes on in a gym. Remeber most of these guys only manage pain, they never fix anything. Most people think a back exercise consists of laying on your tummy and arching back.
There is a total "back racket" out there. It will take your time and your money and leave you bent.
Work you back, make your body strong. It worked for me

adrien_j9

I also dicovered "good mornings" I am still after a month or so just hitting my stride with them. While not a true back exercise, it still seems to help a great deal.
Go slow, learn the right way to do anything, the build slowly and powerfully