Recently I asked you to return to the floor.
Now the focus is getting up from and down to the floor because of its importance to your health. YES! It is important.
In a world where we go from a cushy bed to breakfast chair to car seat to office chair and back to car seat until we land on the couch to unwind for the day, there is something missing.
Variety of movement.
If we are sitting in similar positions all day, then perhaps slouch on a couch, certain tissues waste away. It also stiffens our joints and we become less able to do other movements! This perpetuates a vicious cycle.
Predicts death?
As I previously mentioned, a research study showed people are more likely to die if they cannot get up and down from the floor without help.
The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology published a study of people aged 51 to 80 taking the “sit-rise test.” Those who needed to use both hands and knees to get up and down from the floor were almost 6 times more likely to die during the 6.3-year span of the study compared to those who could do it with minimal help!
They chose this test because this movement sequence demonstrates a person’s flexibility, strength, balance, and motor coordination.
What about you?
Are you thinking you have plenty of flexibility and strength? Then test it!
Are you thinking you never get on the floor without significant help? Then test it, practice and see some improvement in all areas of your health.
How do I do it?
Aaron Alexander from the Align Podcast shows us how to perform the sit-rise test. Don’t let his level of fitness distract you! You can do this too.
I got an 8 out of 10 my first try.
If that was hard, check out these other ways to get down and up from the ground.
Or if you want more variety, do it these other ways.
I am going to practice this!
How about you?
When you join the Align Community for free Aaron will give you some tips on being able to do this!
I can also help with Bowen bodywork to release tight muscles and joints so that you can practice this and gain strength and mobility. Call me at 928-649-9234 to book a session.
