If you're needing a rowing variation that keeps stress on the lumbar to a minimum, try this.
If you have access to leg-raise straps and haven't used them for back work, you're missing out. Especially if you're one of those lifters who can't feel his lats working due to having strong biceps or a tendency to pull with his arms during back work. To really engage your lats, get your elbows behind you. Focus on the contraction.
Look around your gym. Most trainees lack the calf thickness to suspend a pair of double striped knee socks, let along balance out the size and symmetry of the lower leg. Now look in the mirror. Are you one of them?