Buzz
Many of us, myself included, spend a large part of our day seated—typically in chairs or on sofas. Prolonged sitting isn't ideal for our health, but if possible, switching to sitting on the floor (even for short intervals) can actually boost our overall health. This is because the movements involved in getting up and down from the floor help enhance strength, mobility, and coordination.
As body alignment expert Lauren Roxburgh shared with Well + Good last year, “Being able to sit and rise from the floor with ease is a great indicator of overall skeletal health, muscular balance, and proper alignment.”
The sitting-rising test is an excellent gauge of strength and flexibility
The sitting-rising test, where you cross your left leg over your right, lower yourself into a cross-legged sitting position, and then rise back up, provides a solid assessment of your strength, mobility, and coordination. (You can see a demonstration here.)
A 2012 study showed that individuals aged 51 to 80 who could complete the sitting-rising test had a longer lifespan than those who couldn’t. This is likely because the test is a reliable indicator of a person's overall strength and mobility, which typically decline with age.
If you struggle with the sitting-rising test, it doesn’t mean an early death is imminent. However, difficulty in performing the test should be a signal to focus on improving your strength and mobility, which become increasingly important for maintaining health as you age.
The good news is that this is a skill you can actively work on and improve. One effective method is to make sitting on the floor a regular habit, as doing so will make transitioning easier over time.
The advantages of sitting on the floor
Some of the advantages of sitting on the floor include improved body stability, enhanced hip mobility (which can become tight from prolonged chair sitting), better flexibility and mobility in your lower body, and the active engagement of your muscles.
Things to avoid
While sitting on the floor can offer health benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. It’s crucial to listen to your body and make adjustments as necessary.
Some of the potential risks of sitting on the floor include added strain on your joints, decreased circulation, or worsening existing joint problems. It's also essential to maintain good posture and avoid slouching your back.
If you have injuries or find sitting on the floor too painful, you should either modify your position or consult a medical professional for advice on any concerns you may have.
