Bodyweight Strength · Bodyweight Foundation

Sit-to-Stand

Functional leg strength, independence, quad endurance

Minimum Effective Dose
1 min
The shortest time that still creates real, measurable change. Hit the dose and the benefit starts. Everything after is bonus.

Why it works

The sit-to-stand is the most functional exercise in any program. The ability to lower yourself to a chair and stand back up without assistance is a primary marker of functional independence. Three seconds down is the target tempo.

How to do it

Chair height. Control the sit.
Lower slowly, pause, stand. When you can't control the descent, rest seated. Three seconds down. That's the target.

Variants

Easier
Higher surface. Armrest assist.
Use a higher chair or push off armrests.
Harder
Lower surface. No hands.
Low chair or step. Arms crossed.

Related exercises

Pair with breathwork

Wind down after your session with a Shift breathwork protocol.

Common questions

How long should I do Sit-to-Stand?

The minimum effective dose for Sit-to-Stand is 1 min. That is the shortest time that still creates a real, measurable change. Hit the dose and the benefit starts; everything after it is a bonus, not a requirement.

What does Sit-to-Stand target?

It targets functional leg strength, independence, quad endurance. Done daily at its 1 min dose, it keeps that range and strength available rather than letting it fade between sessions.

Is Sit-to-Stand worth doing if I only have a minute?

Yes. 1 min is the whole point. BaselineBody is built on the minimum effective dose, the smallest amount of bodyweight strength work that still moves the needle, so short sessions done daily compound into real change.

How do I make Sit-to-Stand easier or harder?

To scale it down: Higher surface. Armrest assist. To make it harder: Lower surface. No hands.

BaselineBody builds this into your session automatically.

The system decides what you need, sequences the exercises, and runs the timers. All you do is press start.

Free to try

Download on the App Store