How can I more easily get up and down from the floor?

Please remember the advice we give is general and not meant to be used as a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you want specific advice then please seek help from your doctor or local physio.

Maintaining and improving your ability to get up and down from the floor is incredibly useful, especially as we get older. Not only does it provide a safety net for when you fall and need to get back up, but it gives you the confidence to get down to the floor voluntarily for tasks like cleaning, gardening or playing with grandchildren. 

That's why we place a big emphasis on exercises that require you to get up and down in our programs. However, we understand that it can be a real challenge for many due to issues including:

• knee, hip or foot pain
• weakness in the legs, upper body or abdomen
• restricted range of motion in the knees, hips and feet
• a balance impairment

Watch this video for tips on getting up and down from the floor.

SUMMARY

Tips to make floor mobility exercises manageable

If you are having difficulty with your floor mobility, here is a checklist of things to consider:

• doing a warm up first can help you get into the challenging positions required for floor mobility
• use a sturdy chair or other furniture to help you get down and up from the floor
• if your knees are sore when kneeling, try stacking some firm cushions to kneel on.