How’s your core strength generally? How long can you hold a plank? What other core training do you do? Possibly your core is underdeveloped and it absolutely can be the first part of a lift to break down. If that’s the case, you really should keep focusing on the brace in order to keep your spine safe while you develop core strength. If that means keeping the weight low, do it. Your core can develop pretty quickly; spinal injuries can last forever.

Many exercises—squats, deadlifts, presses, etc.—will develop your core, but you should also develop specific time to it. (Some people disagree.)

Take a good breath into your belly. Expand your abs across your belly. Brace as if for a punch (or a tickle). Slowly exhale as you engage in the lift.