Seated Press-Up

Sit on a firm, stable chair with your hands curled in a partial fist, so that the tops of your fists are on the chair (beside your hips) and your wrists are straight. Completely straighten your arms, so that your bottom lifts off the chair. You can modify this exercise by using the arm rests to push on (see figure 8.3)

Figure 8.3 Seated press-up

If possible, it is wise to take care of equipment needs and possible home modifications before you go into the hospital, so that you have one less problem to deal with when you prepare to return home. I have addressed some of these concerns, which include your assistive aid (walker or crutches), rugs, chairs, and bathroom modifications, at the end of the next section, and I have highlighted a few key concerns in the sidebar.