Stubborn Carpenter

Workshop gym, no. 1

Chair squat

Strong legs get you up off the floor, out of the chair and up the hill. All you need is a sturdy chair.

Press start when you’re ready

Pin it up in the shed: the moves, the beat and a tally board for your week, on one A4 page.

Download the A4 sheet (PDF)

How to do it

  1. Stand in front of a sturdy chair pushed against a wall, feet hip-width apart, toes forward.
  2. Reach your arms out in front for balance.
  3. Sit back slowly for a count of three, as if you’re about to sit down.
  4. Let your backside just touch the seat. Don’t flop.
  5. Push through your heels and stand tall. Breathe out on the way up.

Easier

Sit down fully, pause, then stand. Hands on your knees is fine.

Harder

Hover a finger’s width above the seat for two seconds before standing.

Knees

Keep them over your toes, not caving in. Any sharp pain, stop.

This is what worked for me, not medical advice. If you have a heart condition, have had surgery, or feel dizzy, chest pain or breathlessness, stop and check with your GP before carrying on.