Can you stand up without using your hands?

[Emori]

I didn't use to be able to but I've been going to the gym for a year, doing a variety of strength, yoga, pilates and spin classes. And now I can do it!

I am mid fifties and feeling very pleased with myself.

Do you mean from sitting on the floor OP?

Yes, but not in the "spring up from cross legged" way

Can you do that? I'm not sure what I need to work on, but I definitely need to work on that. I've been a regular exerciser for years, but I was interrupted by spinal injury. I presume that's what prevents me from coming up properly. But to be honest, I couldn't really do the spring up thing even when I was a kid. Some people have told me it's genetic.

Yes, but it's a struggle now I'm 56 with an underactive thyroid that affects my muscles.

Actually to be honest, some days I can and some days I definitely couldn't.

Yes and I challenge you to a no hands burpee!

DH and I found a steady stream of Instagram videos over the summer which suggested things you’re not able to do after a certain age and made a point of doing them all. We are only in our early forties though. We did read at one point that there is an age above which you will never run as fast as you can ever again and I found this strangely sad so always make sure I finish my runs with some strides up my street and a little sprint finish to ensure I’ve still got it.

I can’t OP but you’ve inspired me as I’ve just stared my gym journey 😄

Yes I can, both from a chair and the floor. There might be a small ooof noise with the latter though. I am 49 and a bit overweight and unfit. I am hoping to be able to do it for some time to come!

I can do the cross legged one (60)

We’ll have no mention of noises or wincing, those are irrelevant so long as you can still do the move!

Yes, sorry, from sitting on the floor, should have said. It's not very remarkable to do it from a chair!

And yes, the cross legged way. To do it you need core strength, leg strength and hip mobility, apparently.

My legs were ok I think before I started at gym, because I walk a lot and have an allotment, but my core was useless - previous major abdominal surgery.

I'm 37+6 weeks pregnant..I dont think i could easily even get onto the floor to try 😂

How does one do a no hands burpee?

With your chin??!!

I am not sure how true it is, but someone told me that people with strong thighs live longer. Something to do with falls as you get older.
I think it was Michael Mosely who advocated for standing on one leg when you were brushing your teeth as a way to improve your balance and prevent falls.

It also makes brushing your teeth less fucking boring.

Haha, that is true! A shame it is a bit harder to do when flossing.

Preferably you leave your face entirely out of it. But I warn you now, it’s still not dignified.

I've just googled it.

Ok I'll leave that one to you young folks. I would fracture myself for sure.

I totally don't get no hands burpee!

@Emori I can't spring up from the floor like that because it feels like at some point you have to balance on the edge of your feet. I don't get it. So I was never able to do that from cross-legged. I had to put my feet in front of me.

🤣

Extreme tooth hygiene!

I’ve given it a go getting up from the floor without using my hands. I eventually had to bum shuffle to the sofa , flip sideways and use my ample forehead for leverage to try to get up. I’d almost made it when it occurred to me how ridiculous I must look and I lost control in a fit of laughter and slithered to the floor again.

I’m 71 and waiting for a new knee so I’ll offer that as my excuse 😆

@EmeraldRoulette I think crossing legs makes the weight/momentum more centrally concentrated. I guess everyone is built differently though.

🤣

I think you just performed a no hands burpee tbh.

I just went from cross legged forward onto both knees, then up. Is that cheating? I don't think I can do it without putting weight on my knees.

@Springgreenz I think you get extra points for forehead involvement!

Yes, but I have to use one of my knees on the floor. I think that's probably cheating

I cant even sit on the floor !!

Good question. I don’t know, I will have to check tomorrow, and if I can’t, then I’ll have to work on it.