Healthy From the Inside Out - Why you need to be able to get up off the floor

Hi!

In the previous issue of this newsletter we talked about how regular movement supports and improves all areas of our deep health. Today, I want to dive a little deeper and talk about one specific movement - getting up off the floor.

When was the last time you were on the floor (on purpose)? If you're like most adults, it's likely been a while. As you age, it's important to regularly get down to the floor and back up. Why? Because this ability is closely related to your overall fall risk. Some believe the ability to sit down and stand up from the floor without assistance — dubbed the "sitting-rising" test — can predict mortality.

Bottom line is, everyone wants to age well. No one wants to go to a nursing home if it can be avoided. We'd all like to maintain our independence and age well without being dependent on others. That means taking care of your physical health now so you can reap the rewards well into your years.
The 'Sitting-Rising' Test - What's your score?
The "sitting-rising" test measures how easy or difficult it is for you to get up and down from the floor without assistance.

Try a version of the test for yourself: Start from standing. Sit all the way down to the floor and then rise back up to standing. Use the least amount of support you need to stay stable and safe. Move as fast or as slow as you like — speed doesn't matter here.

If you can sit down and stand up without using your hands, arms, knees or furniture for support, you score a perfect 10. That's 5 points for getting down, and 5 points for coming back up. Each time you stabilize yourself by using another body part (other than your feet), take off one point.

If you didn't score a perfect 10, don't worry. It's not easy! A higher score (8-10 points) indicates that you have the strength and mobility to perform a wide range of daily activities. A lower score (0-3 points) indicates a more limited ability and an opportunity to improve your strength and mobility.
Didn't score so well?
Watch our video and practice!

In the video, we cover Get-Ups. Practice getting up and down off the floor and increase the challenge with different hand positions. Move your body weight up and down from the floor and you'll quickly see how challenging this can be!
Let us know how you did!

Did you find getting up and down off the floor simple? Did you have more trouble with your hands in one position than another? We want to know!
Yours in Health,
Donna, Brooke, Megan, and Lorelie
office@tothecore.ca
780-808-4144
5115 55Ave Lloydminster, AB
T9V 0Z2