Chair Knee Drives

What it is

Lift one knee up toward your chest while you bring your hands down to meet it. A stronger version of the march that works the lower stomach.

How to do it

1. Sit tall near the front half of the chair.
2. Reach both hands up in front of you.
3. Drive one knee up as you pull your hands down toward it.
4. Lower the foot and switch legs.

Key tip: Breathe out as the knee comes up.

Who should skip it, and why

• You have had a hip replacement and were given hip precautions (for example, not bending the hip past a right angle or crossing your legs). Lifting the knee high or crossing the body can go past those limits.
• You have low back pain, a hernia, or had stomach or chest surgery in the last few months. Leaning back with your legs lifted pulls hard on the lower back and the stomach wall.

Easier and harder versions

Easier

Lift the knee only a little and keep your hands on the chair.

Harder

Speed up while keeping your back tall.

How much

In our videos each move runs for about 40 seconds with 20 seconds of rest. Start with less if you need to. Comfortable effort is the goal, not exhaustion.