How to do it
You need: A kitchen worktop or sturdy chair at about hip height.
Stand tall at a kitchen worktop or the back of a sturdy chair, with one hand resting flat on it. Have your feet hip-width apart.
- Move your weight onto one leg.
- Lift the other foot just clear of the floor - a centimetre or two is enough to start.
- Hold, keeping your standing knee soft and your hips level.
- Place the foot back down, rest, and repeat on the other leg.
Form cues
- Your hand rests on the support for balance, not to hold you up.
- You stand tall and look ahead, not down.
- Your hips stay level rather than dropping on the lifted side.
Common mistakes
- Lifting the foot high or swinging the leg - a small lift is plenty at this stage.
- Leaning your whole trunk over the standing leg.
- Gripping the worktop tightly and pulling up through your arm.
Safety: Stop and message your physio if you have a fall, a near-fall, or new dizziness or leg weakness.