Can You Get Up from the Floor Without Assistance? Here’s Why It Matters
One of the simplest yet most important measures of mobility and strength is your ability to get up from the floor without using your hands or grabbing onto something for support. It’s a skill many people take for granted—until they realise they can’t do it.
Being able to get up and down from the floor isn’t just about strength; it’s about independence, confidence, and long-term quality of life. If you were to fall at home, in the garden, or while out on a walk, would you be able to get yourself back up? Without sufficient lower body strength and mobility, this can become a serious issue.
I have worked with clients who specifically wanted to focus on this skill.
Why Being Able to Get Up from the Floor Matters
Prevents Injury & Aids Recovery
If you do have a fall, being able to get up quickly and efficiently reduces the risk of further injury. If you can’t get up, you might be stuck waiting for help—something that could turn a minor fall into a much bigger problem.A Key Indicator of Strength & Mobility
The ability to get up from the floor relies on core strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Struggling with this movement is a sign that these areas may need work.Supports an Active, Independent Lifestyle
Maintaining this skill as you age ensures you can continue doing everyday activities—playing with grandchildren, gardening, or exercising—without worrying about mobility limitations.
Test Yourself: Try the Sit-to-Stand Challenge
Give this a go: Sit down on the floor, then try to stand back up without using your hands or holding onto anything. How did you do?
If you struggled or found yourself needing support, it’s a sign that your lower body strength, balance, or coordination could use some work. The good news? This can be improved with the right training.
Everyone I work with will likely have a different starting point, so no need to compare yourself to anyone else. We are all different.
How to Improve Your Ability to Get Up from the Floor
If this was difficult for you, don’t worry—this is something that can be trained. Building lower body strength through exercises like squats, lunges, and core work will make a huge difference. Balance training and mobility drills also help improve coordination and control.
Watch the video to see the best way to practise this movement safely.
The following client specifically wanted help with getting off the floor:
“I probably thought that at 70 years of age I had left it far too long to do anything that would make much difference.
It has been amazing working with you. You have so much patience & are so encouraging, even when I knew that I hadn’t really put much effort into the exercise you gave me. You ensured that I didn’t give up.
I’m now free of constant back pain. I can bend & stretch much more easily. I can even get up off my knees without help.”
If you’d like to regain this ability and build the strength you need to stay active and independent, I can help. Book a free discovery call to see how we can work together to improve your strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.
Sabrina is a movement specialist based in Worcester Park, helping people overcome pain, move better, and enjoy active, fulfilling lives. With expertise in sports and remedial massage, personal training, and the Emmett Technique, she works with clients to relieve pain, improve mobility, and build strength. Treatments and training sessions take place in her private home treatment and training room. If you would like to discuss your needs, book a Discovery Call.