Text size
Theme

← All exercises

Chair Row & Side Steps

  • Moderate
  • Seated
  • Upper back & posture
  • Legs
  • Whole body

Animation coming soon.
Follow the steps below, or watch one of the videos listed further down.

What it is

Step one leg out straight to the side while you pull both elbows back, then return.

How to do it

  1. Sit tall with arms reaching forward.
  2. Step one leg out to the side, keeping it fairly straight.
  3. At the same time pull your elbows back and squeeze your shoulder blades.
  4. Return to the start and switch sides.

Key tip: Lead the row with your elbows, not your hands.

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.

Easier and harder versions

Easier
Do the rows with your feet still.
Harder
Hold the squeeze for 2 seconds each time.

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.

Stop straight away and get help if you feel:
  • chest pain, pressure or tightness
  • dizziness, light-headedness or faintness
  • breathlessness that doesn't settle when you rest
  • sharp or joint pain, or pain that gets worse as you go
  • numbness, tingling, or a sudden severe headache

This is general exercise information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, or you've had a fall, injury or surgery recently, check with your doctor or physiotherapist first.

In these ChairGlow videos

Related exercises