I remember the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” commercial. As a little shit, I found it hilarious. Today, not so much. I’m going to be 48 in July. I’m plus sized. My lower back, right hip, and right knee are shot to shit. I half-hobble, half-waddle around with a cane. I lose all feeling in my right foot when standing. I’m told I require either a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, but my insurance covers neither. As I’m homeless and destitute, I can’t pay on my own. Sitting on the floor or on the ground is no longer an option, because I can’t get up from there.
Hi Cara, you're facing many challenges physically and financially. Sitting on the floor isn't an option for everyone, and we all need to honor our limitations. There are chair-based movements that can build leg strength, which would help if you unexpectedly found yourself having to get up off the floor. Here's an example of a leg extension with a resistance band (you can do it without the band) https://youtu.be/4bSCM9_0u6A?si=R-t-4vqdCgCiznyL Here is another brief video with leg exercises that can all be done seated. https://youtu.be/8BcPHWGQO44?si=2dfnwpe7WZVCc4Ls If your medical situation is such that these exercises would be harmful to you in any way, please don't do them. And it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have health conditions. These seated exercises may be a good place for you to start to develop a little more strength and mobility. I wish you the best.
My mother (82) fell last week in the middle of the night. Was unhurt but couldn’t get up and had to call rescue. My 87 year old blind father fell the following night and he was able to get upon his own! Why? Because he constantly drops things and can’t find them. He gets down on the floor and crawls around “feeling “ for his lost item. He practices multiple times a day getting back up! If you don’t use it you lose it. Going to start these exercises with her to get her strength and balance better.
Thank you for sharing that story, Laura. Getting up from the floor is an essential life skill in my opinion. Maybe your father drops stuff on purpose just so he can practice this skill. ;)
I tripped over a sliding door track. The track prevented me from getting my feet back under me so I fell like a tree being chopped down onto the concrete porch. About a month earlier I had spent some time envisioning how I would fall to prevent injury. I pictured myself tucking and rolling. When falling I must have acted instinctively because I ended up on my shoulder. I didn’t put my hands out and I didn’t hit my head or my knees. I am convinced this is because I “knew” how to fall even though I had only practiced in my head. I intentionally practice getting down and getting up as part of my exercise routines on top of everyday actions. Not becoming frail is something I can control. I was amazed by the fall statistics.
Thank you Cherie! Falling is a serious issue as we get older. I want to make sure if I fall, I can get back up. I think a lot of people don't think about it until it happens. I prefer to be proactive.
The Power of visualization is truly amazing. That seemed to make a world of difference for you, Val. Getting down on the floor is a fundamental skill everyone should practice regularly. Way to go!
I remember the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” commercial. As a little shit, I found it hilarious. Today, not so much. I’m going to be 48 in July. I’m plus sized. My lower back, right hip, and right knee are shot to shit. I half-hobble, half-waddle around with a cane. I lose all feeling in my right foot when standing. I’m told I require either a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, but my insurance covers neither. As I’m homeless and destitute, I can’t pay on my own. Sitting on the floor or on the ground is no longer an option, because I can’t get up from there.
Hi Cara, you're facing many challenges physically and financially. Sitting on the floor isn't an option for everyone, and we all need to honor our limitations. There are chair-based movements that can build leg strength, which would help if you unexpectedly found yourself having to get up off the floor. Here's an example of a leg extension with a resistance band (you can do it without the band) https://youtu.be/4bSCM9_0u6A?si=R-t-4vqdCgCiznyL Here is another brief video with leg exercises that can all be done seated. https://youtu.be/8BcPHWGQO44?si=2dfnwpe7WZVCc4Ls If your medical situation is such that these exercises would be harmful to you in any way, please don't do them. And it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have health conditions. These seated exercises may be a good place for you to start to develop a little more strength and mobility. I wish you the best.
My mother (82) fell last week in the middle of the night. Was unhurt but couldn’t get up and had to call rescue. My 87 year old blind father fell the following night and he was able to get upon his own! Why? Because he constantly drops things and can’t find them. He gets down on the floor and crawls around “feeling “ for his lost item. He practices multiple times a day getting back up! If you don’t use it you lose it. Going to start these exercises with her to get her strength and balance better.
Thank you for sharing that story, Laura. Getting up from the floor is an essential life skill in my opinion. Maybe your father drops stuff on purpose just so he can practice this skill. ;)
I tripped over a sliding door track. The track prevented me from getting my feet back under me so I fell like a tree being chopped down onto the concrete porch. About a month earlier I had spent some time envisioning how I would fall to prevent injury. I pictured myself tucking and rolling. When falling I must have acted instinctively because I ended up on my shoulder. I didn’t put my hands out and I didn’t hit my head or my knees. I am convinced this is because I “knew” how to fall even though I had only practiced in my head. I intentionally practice getting down and getting up as part of my exercise routines on top of everyday actions. Not becoming frail is something I can control. I was amazed by the fall statistics.
Thank you fir these exercises!
You’re welcome! I hope you find them beneficial.
This is such good information, thank you!!
Thank you Cherie! Falling is a serious issue as we get older. I want to make sure if I fall, I can get back up. I think a lot of people don't think about it until it happens. I prefer to be proactive.
I practice "falling" and working on balance daily. I'd never head of the wall exercises except push-ups. Good information!
Good for you! Most people don't think about it too much until it happens. An ounce of prevention goes a long way to remaining upright.
The Power of visualization is truly amazing. That seemed to make a world of difference for you, Val. Getting down on the floor is a fundamental skill everyone should practice regularly. Way to go!