Lower back sucks...been screwed for years. One time I sneezed and it put me in bed for almost a week because I didn't have my knees bent when I sneezed...shit you not. Lifetime of sports and lifting (a lot of younger incorrect technique I'm sure). Now the bottom two vertebrae have lost most of the cartilage and when I do legs, I can't go too heavy. Rest of body is fine and luckily I've got muscle memory but just question of time before I look like an awkward chicken legged asshole.

Nowadays, (for legs) I concentrate on breathing, slow negatives, technique, etc., but I feel like if I can't go bigger and heavier on power moves, what the hell can I do to keep up with the rest of my body? Here is usual leg routine nowadays:

• Squats - 2 warm-up sets (one plate)

• Squats - 5 sets building up each set....final two sets are about 6 reps (or max) and then drop approx 30% and burn out, only on sets 4 and 5

• Smith Machine lunges - 5 sets...same as above
• Leg Extension - 5 sets...same as above
• Ham Curls - 5 sets...same as above

HERE'S THE PROB! I have to really watch what I squat cause my back can f'k me without any warning whatsoever.

Please do not suggest anything like seated leg press...you should know why dammit! lol