Getting on the Floor... It's a Matter of Safety

I can't tell you how many older adults proudly tell me that they never get down or up from the floor anymore. Of course my first response to them is "that's not a very good idea. What if you fall and have to find a way back on to your feet?"

Safely getting down and up from the floor is a complex movement (actually an exercise) that requires both muscular strength and balance. To remain proficient, it is an activity that you should practice on a regular basis.

The easier it is for you to safely get down and up from the floor can say a lot about your ability to balance, walk up and down stairs and remain independent as you get older.

There is a proper way to safely get down and up from the floor. It is first important to stabilize your pelvic, abdominal and back muscles and breathe out whenever you attempt this activity.

If you don't feel comfortable safely getting down and up from the floor, using a chair to help you can be a great way to practice and learn.

We teach this technique as well as the sit to stand movement in all of our Posture Perfect! classes. These two movements help to strengthen the hip, leg, core and balance muscles and can make the difference in life and death in an emergency situation.