Chair Tip Toe Claps

What it is

Lift your heels while you open your arms wide, then clap in front as the heels come down. Upper and lower body working together.

How to do it

1. Sit tall with feet flat.
2. Open your arms out to the sides and lift both heels at the same time.
3. Lower the heels and bring your hands together in a soft clap in front of your chest.
4. Keep a steady rhythm.

Key tip: Clap softly. The point is the timing, not the noise.

Who should skip it, and why

• Your wrists or finger joints are in an arthritis flare. Clapping and tight fists press on sore joints. Keep your hands open and soft, or skip it.
• Your shoulder hurts when you lift your arm above shoulder height (for example a rotator cuff problem or frozen shoulder). Reaching overhead squeezes the sore tissues. Keep your hands below shoulder height instead, or skip it.

Easier and harder versions

Easier

Do the heel lifts with your hands resting on your thighs.

Harder

Clap overhead instead of in front of your chest, if your shoulders are comfortable.

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.