Researchers have discovered that people who can sit down on the floor and stand back up without using their hands tend to live longer.
Interesting research.
But I’ve got a problem with turning that into a goal everybody should chase.
I’ve never mastered getting up off the floor without using my hands.
And you know what?
I can pop right up!
I’ve got several ways of getting off the floor, and I use whichever one makes sense at the moment.
Peggy and I encourage our students to get comfortable going down to the floor and getting back up again.
But I’m always telling them, “Find a way that works for you!”
Use your hands. Use your knees. Use a chair if you need one.
The important thing is developing the ability and confidence to get down there and get back up.
The research is fascinating because getting up without assistance can tell us something about strength, balance, and mobility.
But it doesn’t mean using your hands is a failure.
I don’t care whether you get off the floor like a gymnast or like somebody looking for their glasses under the couch.
I just want you to be able to get back up.
And preferably without having to call the fire department.