This post includes a video clip demonstrating four ways to get down to and up from the floor. It is not expected that each person will be able to do all of these techniques. Please respect your personal limitations, and don’t do any movements that cause you pain. If you have difficulty putting weight on your knees, you might be able to do the last technique shown, where you scoot on your bottom instead of coming down on your hands and knees.

If you’re currently not able to get down and up from the floor, I highly encourage you to start training for it, if you can do so without hurting yourself. This way, you’re less likely to get stranded if you ever end up on the floor unintentionally. (Clearly, this video is not about what to do if you’ve been injured.) The more you practice, the easier it gets. If/When you’re able to do it properly without pain, getting-down-and-up can be one of the best full body exercises we can do. Lastly, if your body is just not ever going to let you get down to the floor and back up again, then it’s very important for your safety that you wear a medical alert device, especially during those times when you’re alone in your home.