The Chair Test Every Woman Over 50 Should Try

Updated: October 13, 2026

Woman demonstrating side plank leg raises and standing resistance band hip exercises.

What getting up from a low chair may reveal about your hip strength, mobility, and independence.§

How easily can you get up from a low chair?

Without pushing off with your hands…
Without rocking forward…
Without needing a second try.

It seems like such a small thing.

Until it isn’t.

Because struggling to get out of a chair usually doesn’t stay about the chair. Soon, you notice the stairs feel steeper. Getting down on the floor feels like more trouble than it’s worth. And you start looking for something to hold whenever you stand. And little by little, you start giving up movements you never used to think twice about.

That’s why physical therapist Dr. Emma Gasinski created this exclusive hip workout.

She’ll show you how to strengthen the muscles that help keep your hips stable, comfortable, and strong.§

Because keeping your hips moving isn’t really about your hips.

It’s about keeping your life moving.

She’ll show you how to strengthen the muscles that help keep your hips stable, comfortable, and strong.§

Because keeping your hips moving isn’t really about your hips.

It’s about keeping your life moving.

§ This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare, diet, exercise, or supplement routine.

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This article features advice based on cutting-edge research from our industry experts to give you the best possible information to support your bone-building journey.

Lara Pizzorno
MSc, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
Dr. Liz Lipski
PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
Dr. Emma Gasinski
PT, DPT, RYT - Physical therapist and certified yoga teacher with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals,
Dr. Lawrence (Larry) A. May
MD, FACP, Harvard Medical School Graduate, Physician, Author, Public Speaker - Doctor of Internal Medicine at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and author of several articles and books, including the widely utilized and best selling medical textbook Primary Care Medicine,