How To Sit On The Floor
10 different ways that you can comfortably sit on the floor
You already know that we as a society sit too much. But being able to sit on the floor is a very important skill and alternative to sitting in a chair.
Sitting on the floor requires mobility, flexibility and strength. If you are reading this and you are under the age of 50 getting on/off the floor is probably no big deal for you. But as you get older, you find yourself less and less on the floor. And that saying if you don’t use it, you lose it, absolutely applies to your muscles and joints.
Sitting on the floor is not as comfortable as sitting on a big, soft, fluffy couch, especially if you have any tightness in your back, hips, knees, etc… So it will require you to shift your body and move to take pressure of certain body parts. If you are not used to sitting on the floor, figuring out different positions can be difficult, that’s why I came up with 10 different ways for you to sit on the floor. And really it’s more like 20+ ways, because I always recommend that your switch sides and you can also use props (such as pillows, poof, stools, foam rollers, etc) to elevate your hips and pelvis.
1. Criss-Cross
This is pretty much the standard for how people think you can sit on the floor. But there are so many more ways. Always make sure you switch what leg you cross over the other
2. One foot in/one foot out
To add a hamstring stretch, try straightening one leg out to the side.
3. 90/90
This is probably my favorite way to sit on the floor, because it is working on both internal rotation and external rotation of your hips.
4. Sit on your heels
You can do this with your toes tucked or untucked for different foot stretches.
This is also a great position because you are getting full flexion of your knees (if this is hard for you, place a rolled up towel behind your knees).
5. Hips side-to-side
When you need a little break from sitting on your heels, simply shift your hips to one side.
6. Butterfly Stretch
This is another classic stretch. But how often do you actually sit like this on the floor? If you start adding this to your sitting routine that’s one less stretch you have to do at the gym.
If keeping a slight arch in your lower back is difficult, sit on a couple pillows to elevate your hips.
7. Straddle Adductor Stretch
If the butterfly stretch isn’t intense enough for you, you can straighten your knees.
8. Legs Straight Out
This position can be harder than in looks for some. To make it a little easier, you can lead against the couch or a wall.
9. Squat
Even if you can’t comfortably hold a deep, you can sit on small stool or foam roller.
10. Lie on Your Stomach
Technically not sitting, but lying on your stomach is another option for a way to rest on the floor.
Pillows, poofs, foam rollers, stools, etc…
These are all great ways to make the ground a little more comfortable, or to help you maintain a slight arch in your lower back.
For any of these positions, if very uncomfortable or if you are not able to maintain a slight arch in your low back use, pillows, poofs, foam rollers, stool, etc… to make it more comfortable
If you find that sitting on the floor is uncomfortable and that you have to keep moving to different positions, that is a GOOD THING and that is exactly why you should be sitting on the floor!!! When we sit on soft cushioned couches our brain doesn’t get signals to move or switch positions. We can easily sit in the same position for 30-60+ minutes with out moving.