When performing deadlifts, think of your arms as ropes and your hands as hooks. This analogy emphasizes that your arms should remain straight and relaxed throughout the lift, acting merely as connectors between your hands and the barbell. Your primary focus should be on engaging your back, glutes, and legs to lift the weight, rather than pulling with your arms. Keeping your arms straight helps avoid unnecessary strain on your biceps and reduces the risk of injury.

Your hands, likened to hooks, should grip the bar firmly but without overexertion. The strength and power for the lift should come from your lower body and core, not from your arms. By visualizing this ropes and hooks analogy, you can maintain proper form and technique, ensuring that the major muscle groups do the heavy lifting while your arms serve their intended purpose of holding the bar in place. This approach helps maximize efficiency and safety during your deadlifts.