Weekly Inquiry, Feb 2

Part of my weekend morning routine is brewing a cup of coffee, plunking myself down in the recliner, and scrolling through my newsfeed. A recent article1[i], published through the Harvard medical school in 2025, suggests I should probably change things up a bit. According to the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology, the ability to “sit down on the floor and stand back up again without using your hands, your knees, furniture, or another person for support or assistance” may predict how long you’ll live. I guess I need to start working on my flexibility.

Reading this article reminded me that I am rapidly approaching 40 and, while I have attempted and succeeded (questionably) in the test, I am in dire need of improvement. So, over the next 8 weeks – and probably much longer – I will engage in a series of exercises designed to increase my overall flexibility. The end goal will be to prove that I can do the sit-to-stand test easily but I will also track a couple other parameters. First, I will measure how far down I can currently reach with my hands while standing straight legged. I can currently just barely touch my toes but I would like to be able to place my palms to the ground. Secondly, I am going to try and see if I can eventually do the splits. This goal might be somewhat lofty but I might as well try. My third measurement will be doing a one legged squat – balancing on one leg and lowering myself as close to the ground as possible before rising again. Lastly, I will do the sit-to-stand test.

I realize that this might not be achievable in 8 weeks but I should at least be able to document some solid progress. I have posted the article below as well as some visuals to help represent some of the exercises I’m trying. I have also posted a Youtube video that has been helpful for others who have done similar challenges. Let’s get flexible!

[i] https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/a-brief-fitness-test-may-predict-how-long-youll-live