Buzz
A new fitness trend is dominating Instagram: the chair traverse. This quirky, one-minute exercise requires just a basic chair. While it’s incredibly challenging, it’s also a lot of fun. I gave it a shot, failed miserably, and you might as well.
To attempt the chair traverse, start by sitting on a chair—preferably one without crossbars between the legs, unless you’re exceptionally slim. The goal is to climb under the chair and return to the seat without touching the floor. Sounds simple, right? American Ninja Warrior star Erica Cook has mastered it, and rock climbers often tackle it alongside intense drills like fingertip pull-ups. Naturally, I assumed I could handle it too.
I managed to get under the chair without toppling over. Keeping my legs on the seat, I reached for the chair back to pull myself up. The catch? If I lifted my legs off the seat, I’d crash to the floor.
My failure stemmed from not finding a solution to this dilemma. The chair traverse is as much a mental challenge as a physical one, akin to rock climbing. With rock-solid abs, I might have held my legs up through sheer strength. Greater agility could have allowed me to hook a knee around the chair leg. And, of course, levitation would have been a game-changer.
I didn’t succeed, but that doesn’t mean you won’t. Do you have the strength? The daring spirit? You’ve got this. I’m cheering you on.
