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Sit-to-stand

Hips & legs · Seated · about 30 seconds · Updated 25 September 2026

A sit-to-stand is exactly what it sounds like: stand up from your chair without using your hands, then sit back down slowly. Eight in a row work the thighs and glutes, get the blood moving, and practise the everyday strength of getting out of a chair.

The sit-to-stand as the Posture figure demonstrates it. The pink glow shows the area it works.

How to do the sit-to-stand

  1. Sit on the front of a stable chair, feet hip-width.
  2. Lean slightly forward and stand up without using your hands.
  3. Lower yourself slowly back down.

What it works

  • Glutes
  • Thighs

How long and how often

In a Posture break it's 8 slow reps, about 30 seconds in total, as part of the Hips & low back break. It's meant to be repeated through the day in short breaks rather than done once; doing it regularly matters more than the exact timing.

Tips

  • Nose over toes
  • Slow on the way down
  • No wheels, or wheels locked

Move gently, in a comfortable range. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, tingling or dizziness.

Try it with the guided 3D figure →

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