Back Safety: Sitting

Sitting down

Follow these steps to sit down. Reverse them to get back up.

• Make sure the chair is behind you.

• Place one foot slightly behind the other.

• Tighten your stomach muscles. Bend forward from the hips, keeping your back straight.

• Hold the armrests or sides of the seat for support.

• Bend your knees. Use your leg muscles to lower yourself onto the seat.

• Scoot back in the seat until you are comfortable.

Sitting safely

• Keep your feet flat. Don’t cross your legs.

• A low footrest (no higher than 8 inches) may help.

• A support behind your lower back or at your shoulder blades can help make you more comfortable.

• When sitting for long periods, change your position from time to time. Also, get up every half hour and move around.