It seems to me that one ought to figure out what is preventing the person from doing the skill, and then work on that. I suspect that for me, it’s flexibility in hips and, especially, ankles/calves-- I’ve never been able to squat down with my feet flat on the floor. So rather than working on the skill, I’d probably be better off working on flexibility.
I think it’s about joint health (knees and hips) and core muscle strength (hams, quads and esp glutes). As I get more in shape and talk to my trainers, I really see that it’s all about glute engagement and strength, which stabilizes the core and pelvis, which allows us to do just about everything else we need to do, including upper body stuff. It really is all about the bass. 
I doubt that glute strength is the issue in my case. I just finished a 2300 mile mountain bike trip (mostly alone, camping) with 156,000 feet of climbing. I’m guessing my glutes are adequately strong.
Thats impressive! I can get up without touching. I can’t however ride a bike for 2300 miles. I have a strong core (Pilates) and I am bit tight. People who ride or run often have tight hamstrings.
@“Cardinal Fang” I am a bit skeptical about the study. I don’t think someone who can complete a 2300 mile mountain bike trip has a shortened mortality because they can’t get up and down off the floor without touching their knee. I think it is a fun challenge -but I am wondering about the study.
I wonder if all things being equal - so two healthy people - one can get up one can’t -if it is that significant.
I found these instructions for training your body to sit down and stand up with no hands. Scroll down to the second video.
http://www.oregonexercisetherapy.com/blog/why-sitting-and-rising-from-the-floor-is-important-for-health
I absolutely have tight hamstrings, tight hip flexors, tight Achilles tendons/calves. It’s common for cyclists to have those problems. Now that I’m back home, I need to get back to yoga.
Studies of the kind mentioned are about averages. Probably the average person who can get up without using hands or knees has a longer mortality than the average person who cannot. People who ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route are not average-- we are crazy people who are way on the fringes. The average person who snacks on candy corn and Fritos all day does not lose weight, but if you eat that candy corn and those Fritos while riding the GDMBR, you probably will lose weight.
Yes, I think it’s half flexibility, half strength. I can sit down fairly gracefully (practiced that for rush, in short skirts in the 70’s!). but not rise with the crossed-ankles technique. I am fortunate to be flexible enough to be able to put my feet flat on the floor just beyond the width of my bum, rock forward and stand up from a deep squat. It’s not something I would do in front of anyone
Cardinal Fang - ringing my cowbell as you ride by! I’m totally in awe. My kiddos are all cycling nuts but I fall over and crash too much.
Had a big dinner last night (our anniversary) so I ate healthy during the day and took a 7 mile walk yesterday morning.
Today I am attempting a 2 hour yoga class. I normally do a 75 minute class, so may spend a lot of time in childs pose today.
We had a big dinner last night too with D and her boyfriend - wonderful wine and food! Only exercise yesterday was pup walking so I had to get in a run this morning. Hope you had a happy anniversary!
Happy Anniversary! Wow, a seven mile walk - you’re rocking the pavement!!! I think you have hit your stride!
Happy Anniversary!
While I don’t recommend this weight loss method but I had pies yesterday and I’m at the lowest level of weight in the last few years. I think the walk to the pie shop must have done it. But I did drink a lot more teas than I usually drink.
I’m going to go to the beach today to celebrate Labor Day. Hopefully the walk is a good exercise.
I’m new to the party, but I practiced level 2 in the video I posted in #845. I did three repetitions on each side. I’m starting slow. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to level 3. If I scored myself, I think I would be in the 5-6 range.
So how many years do I have to live? :))
5 is the max.
What’s?!?!?!? Then I’m probably scoring -2! I’m dead!
@drgoogle, did you mean 5 years to live, or maximum 5 for the score?
The link in post #835 says a maximum score of 10, unless I’m reading it wrong.
The test is really for patients who are not in good shape, or in average shape imo. Not for outliers who are crazy fit! In my office I do see a lot patients who are really weak in their pelvic girdle and it does affect everywhere else. I think it’s a quick easy screening test but certainly no more than that.
Post #854, the video says 5 max points but 11 steps from 0-5. I didn’t read the text below.
I’ve been riding 1 to 1.5 hours per day for months, and I still struggle through hills, much less a mountain. I just can’t even imagine…
Thought I’d share this great freezer egg/spinach/feta breakfast wrap recipe - they look delicious!!
Also, another tip. I found the BEST uncooked flour tortillas at Costco in the refrigerated section - cook them on a medium bare skillet for 30 seconds each side - MUCH better than the flour tortillas at the store! I personally watch my carb intake so I’d be sure to really stuff these with the filling and hope to not eat all the tortilla.
Just plugged in my fitbit to charge it up - my goal is 12,000 steps each day this week.
I walked with S last night. We walked about three miles. He moves so much faster than I do. He is a lot taller than I am. It is good to get exercise, but even better to spend time talking with S.
H and I often walk in the late evening. It is cooler in the summer months – and very quiet!
Thanks to all of you for your positive thoughts and ideas.