If you can't stand up from a low seat, watch the video below to learn a simple but effective technique to make it easier to stand up from a low chair.
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Why You May Have Difficulty Standing Up from a Low Seat
Standing up from a low seat can be challenging, especially if your hips are lower than your knees. In this position, your thighs push in a direction that doesn’t help you rise easily. Many people experience difficulty due to limited mobility, weakness, or incorrect technique.
How to Stand Up from a Low Chair
The key to standing from a low seat is changing your axis of rotation from the knees to the ankles. Here’s how:
- Shift your weight forward by leaning your upper body over your feet.
- Pivot at your ankles, allowing your knees to move forward over your toes.
- Use momentum from your arms or push with your hands if needed.
- Once your hips are above your knees, push through your feet to stand up fully.
If you lack the mobility or strength for this technique, the exercises below will help.
Exercise 1: Improve Ankle Mobility
Improving ankle mobility is essential for standing up from low seats. This movement, called dorsiflexion, allows your knees to move over your toes. Here’s an exercise to help:
- Place your foot on a step, chair, or stool.
- Keep your heel flat and lean your body forward, driving your knee over your toes.
- Hold for 20–30 seconds and repeat 3–5 times on each leg.
Exercise 2: Build Thigh Strength
Strengthening your thighs improves your ability to hold your knees at an angle while standing up. Try this:
- Find a chair slightly lower than your comfort level.
- Sit with your knees wide and feet firmly on the ground.
- Press your heels into the floor and lift your hips slightly off the chair.
- Hold for a few seconds, then lower yourself back down.
- Repeat 10–15 times, gradually lowering the seat height as you get stronger.
Need Help To Stand Up From Sitting More Comfortably?
If you live in the St. Louis area and need help to get up from a seat more comfortably, tap the button below to request an appointment with one of our specialist physical therapists.