Sit to Stand

The sit to stand exercise is important for strengthening your quadriceps and glutes to facilitate an improved ability to perform functional activities such as standing up from and sitting down in a chair, squatting, and climbing stairs. Increased strength of your lower body muscles also helps to decrease your risk of falls.

Start this exercise by sitting on the front edge of a chair. Your hips and knees should both be at about a 90 degree angle. Your knees and feet should be about hip width apart.

Shift your body weight forward over your toes and stand up by pushing through your heels. Use your hands for assistance if necessary for safety. If you can safely perform this exercise without the use of your hands, you will have a greater strength benefit. Slowly lower back down to a seated position.

• Choose a chair that is not too soft or too low, as that will make it more difficult to perform the exercise.
• Your chair should be against a wall if possible for increased safety.
• Do not use a chair that is on wheels as it could slide out from under you.
• If you can safely perform this exercise without the assistance of your hands, you will have a greater strength benefit.