Rows - Beginner's Question

[Scottymouth]

I've watched the video's, viewed the pictures...and they all show guys lifting big plates, so the bar is at mid shin level. When starting out with the bar or just a few pounds, the bar is real close to the floor. I am terrified of re-injuring my lower back - 2 disc herniations. I have short arms and legs, not freakish, but enough to make things like this a problem. In order to grab the bar I have to bend at the knees and/or arch my back - bending my lower back. When bending knees, they get in the way of the bar. What is the correct fix to this situation. I tried propping the bar up on plates, but that was awkward. Suggestions not only welcomed, begged for! Thanks.

[Mehdi]

Use the safety pins from the power rack to get the proper height.

[Scottymouth]

Ahh, so simple! Thanks.

[mjh]

I'm very long legged and strike a similar problem, so I use a stack of 5kg weights, about 4 on each end of the barbell to get the bar to mid-shin level.