Want to live longer? Get stronger…
Until recently, one of the best predictors of longevity, how long you may live, was the strength of your grip. If the “grip” muscles are weak, research has shown it is likely that other muscles are probably not working well either.
Is there more to consider?
Dr. Araujo, a cardiologist from Rio de Janeiro thinks so. He and his team developed a sitting to rising test that can help predict your longevity. Dr. Araujo found that the Sit to Stand Test also takes balance and flexibility into consideration. The test can be tricky so don’t worry if you need some practice. In fact, you may need to start with a sit to stand from a chair. Here are 3 variations that can help get you on your way and challenge you in the end.
The Sitting to Rising Test
(Click title for video link)
- Stand in comfortable clothes in your bare feet, with clear space around you.
- Without leaning on anything, lower yourself to a sitting position on the floor.
- Now stand back up, trying not to use your hands, knees, forearms or sides of your legs.
If you can make it to the floor and back up without using hands or knees and without losing your balance, you score a 10/10. (5 points to get down, 5 points to get up)
You lose half a point if you can do it but lose your balance / or are a bit wobbly.
You also lose one point for each hand that helps or knee, for each movement down and up.
Each point earned is associated with a 21% decrease in mortality from all causes.
So if you can get to floor with the help of one hand, and return to standing with a little push from that hand, 8/10.
Every little bit we do to improve the way our body moves and works will help us in the future (5 minutes from now or 5 years from now). The greatest benefit you will get from exercise is just starting. So start now!
Alternative Sit to Stand Test
(Click title for video link)
- Sit on a chair, hands crossed over chest.
- Shift your weight forward, put pressure through your heels
- Rise up to standing.
If you need some extra assistance to get started, you may put your hands on your knees or on the sides of the chair.
Extra Challenging Test- The Turkish Get Up
Moving from a lying down position with a weight overhead, to a standing position- takes some practice. Check out the steps and video here.
We want to help get you moving – and enjoying life to the fullest! Browse all the services we offer at Corbett Family Chiropractic.