haha yeah I'm still trying to figure stuff out, I can't really squat which is obviously the best thing for gaining weight, leg press is gay and requires no technique. But I guess the leg press is working because I got 9'4" the other day at class for broad jump. I want to military press but I know thats definitely not good either. Doing weighted pullups, and if I had a spotter I would bench more. Any bright ideas? I've been deadlifting but I can't really go heavy on those because of my back.
Military press is fine -- but you would need to be careful to stand upright with your back problems..i am sure you would feel a twinge and could bail at the first sign of pain though...make sure you do these standing, too, btw...
Squat is good, but DL is king for mass gains. Squat will make you stronger than an ox, for sure, but DL is pretty damn damaging (in a good way.)
I would DL conservatively...and maybe even squat with very light weight and strict adherence to form. Squats with a weight vest would be good too at high speeds.
Bench u can ask some dude around u to spot you -- believe me, it helps...a TON. Make sure not to arch your back on the push off as this might aggravate your back.
Weighted Pullups and Dips will be the easiest thing for you to do safely -- and they can be pretty damn damaging themselves, which will cause growth.
I recommend a routine pretty heavy on weighted pulls, dips and DLs with a strict aherence to form. for OH pressing ability, the military press is good, standing, as are full ROM HSPU on parallettes. Planche will likely be better for you in every way than benching...work on planche pushups (Pseudo Planche PU, Tuck Planche PU, Straddle Planch PU, One leg planche PU etc.).
Also, lever work is pretty damn intense too as well as one armed chin work. OAC Negatives are a great way to start, as are assisted OAC pullups (using 1 finger or something like that). Tuck Front lever pulls and pullups are very intense and will definitely make you bigger.
Also, don't forget Sprints...great for developing the lower body as a body-weight-only exercise that will keep scaling with intensity naturally as you get faster...and should be just fine for your back.