Sit-to-Stand
This highly practical and functional exercise strengthens the muscles we need to be able to safely get in and out of chairs, stand up from bed and get on and off the toilet.
Length: 1:00
Categories: Start Here, Seated, Standing, How To, Exercise
Transcript
To make standing up easier, lean far forward and come up at an angle, like a plane coming off a runway. You can start by using armrests if you need to. To make sure you’re safe sitting down, reach back and find those armrests before you send your bottom back into the chair.
As you start to feel more stable and strong, try to stand by having your hands on your knees and pushing through your hands if needed, still coming up at an angle and leaning forward before you fully stand up. Think “nose over toes” so you remember lean forward, and don’t hold your breath: try exhaling as you come up to standing.
Next, try to stand up and sit down without any support at all. If you are on a low chair or couch, try scooting to the edge and have your feet a little behind your knees before you try to stand.
This is an important exercise to do regularly since we need to be able to safely get in and out of chairs and stand up from the bed or the toilet all the time.
Try the supported squat variation when you're ready.
Related Videos

Welcome to Covid Physical Therapy
Categories: Start Here, Introductions
People who have survived the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, may have spent many days or weeks in the hospital or have been bedridden at home. They may have other complications from the virus that are making it hard to return to normal life.

Supine Absolute Basics – "The Bare Minimum"
Categories: Start Here, Supine, Exercise
Some of the absolute basic exercises that should be performed if you are bed-bound include ankle pumps, heel slides and rolling from side to side to change position. Doing these exercises regularly several times a day will help from developing blood clots, pressure ulcers or bedsores, and contractures (shortened, tight muscles).

Supine Belly Breathing
Categories: Start Here, Breathing, Supine, Exercise
Stress and illness can affect how we breathe, impacting our digestion, cardiac and pulmonary function, nervous system and overall health. Luckily, we can control how and where we breathe in our bodies to change this.

Getting Out of Bed (Supine Log Roll)
Categories: Start Here, Supine, How To, Exercise
The 'log roll' is a simple technique to make it easier to get in and out of bed, and is useful for those who have back pain or decreased balance and strength.

Sit-to-Stand
Categories: Start Here, Seated, Standing, How To, Exercise
This highly practical and functional exercise strengthens the muscles we need to be able to safely get in and out of chairs, stand up from bed and get on and off the toilet.

Seated Stacked Breathing
Categories: Start Here, Breathing, Seated, Exercise
Stacked breathing is a technique to increase the size of the breath you are able take in. It can also improve the strength of your voice and your cough, so you can better clear out the lungs, as well as your lung flexibility.

Seated Pursed Lip Breathing
Categories: Start Here, Breathing, Seated, Exercise
Pursed lip breathing is a technique that makes breathing easier and more effective and can resolve shortness of breath caused by exercise or increased activity.

Standing Basic Balancing Exercises
Categories: Start Here, Standing, Exercise
Improving our balance makes us more stable while walking and using stairs and decreases our risk of falls and injury. It is an important component of recovery after extended illness and hospitalization.