Hagbahah

Let me offer readers the secret to a successful hagbahah, lifting of an open Torah scroll after (for Ashkenazim) completing its reading. Make sure that, before you lift it, the scroll is already open as much as you want it to be and completely taut. If you do that correctly, the actual lifting is a piece of cake.

daat y adds: Also, pull the sefer Torah down some and then lift. (shorter lever-physics principle)