When doing a dead lift, am I suppose to start holding the barbells straight out in front of me (like a mid-point) front raise or should my arms remain down at my sides?
Ok first the barbell is usualy on the floor you squat down place your hands about shoulder width apart. Start to stand "dragging" the bar as close as you can to your shins(be careful they can get rubed raw!). By this time your lower back should be doing the most work stand up all the way and remember to pull your shoulders back. There is a descritption here and if you workout at a gym ask someone there that does them to help out most will be happy to do so. use very light weight to get the form down. good luck and enjoy them they rock!!!!
-------------- Squats are really a very good thing, but in my world, Deadlifts are King!!!!!!!!