Sit To Stand
Doing Sit-to-Stand the Right Way
Start by sitting in a sturdy chair with your feet hip-width apart.
Keep your hands clasped at your chest.
Without using your hands, push through your feet to stand.
Once standing, pause briefly.
Then, control your descent back into the chair by bending your knees, ensuring a smooth and steady motion.
Common Sit-to-Stand Mistakes
- Avoid using your hands to assist the movement; it reduces the exercise’s effectiveness.
- Ensure your knees don’t buckle inward or outward as you stand and sit.
- Keep your back straight to maintain proper form and maximize muscle engagement.
Practice the Move That Keeps You Independent
Rising from a chair is one of the most important movements for staying independent, and the sit to stand trains it directly. Practicing controlled transitions from sitting to standing builds the leg strength and confidence behind everyday tasks, from getting off the couch to standing up from the car.
What It Strengthens
This move strengthens the quads at the front of the thighs, with strong support from the glutes. Together they power the push from sitting to standing and steady you on the way back down.
Making It Work for You
Gentle and ideal for hip arthritis or rebuilding strength, this uses a sturdy chair for support. Sit tall, lean slightly forward, and drive through your heels to stand, then lower with control. Use your hands for help if you need to.
