Here are some tips on how to keep your upper back straight during deadlifts:

• Start with a proper setup: Before you even lift the weight, make sure that you have a good starting position. This means that your back should be straight, your shoulders should be down and back, and your core should be engaged.

• Engage your lats: Your lats are the large muscles that run along the sides of your back. Engaging your lats will help to keep your upper back straight during the lift.

• Pull the slack out of the bar: Before you lift the weight, take a moment to pull the slack out of the bar. This will help to ensure that the bar is in a good position and that your back is in the correct position.

• Lift with your legs: The deadlift is a compound exercise, which means that it works multiple muscle groups at the same time. However, the main muscle group that is responsible for lifting the weight is your legs. Make sure that you are using your legs to lift the weight, not your back.

• Don’t round your back: As you lift the weight, keep your back straight. If you start to round your back, you will put unnecessary stress on your spine.

• Lower the weight under control: When you lower the weight, do it under control. Don’t just drop the weight. This will help to protect your back.

If you are new to deadlifts, it is a good idea to start with a light weight and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. You should also make sure that you are using proper form. If you are not sure if you are using proper form, it is a good idea to have a qualified trainer watch you.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when doing deadlifts:

• Rounding your back: This is the most common mistake that people make when doing deadlifts. Rounding your back puts unnecessary stress on your spine and can lead to injury.

• Lifting with your back: The deadlift is a compound exercise, which means that it works multiple muscle groups at the same time. However, the main muscle group that is responsible for lifting the weight is your legs. If you are using your back to lift the weight, you are putting unnecessary stress on your spine.

• Dropping the weight: When you lower the weight, do it under control. Don’t just drop the weight. This will help to protect your back.

With proper form and technique, deadlifts can be a safe and effective exercise. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to mitigate them.