Putting On Your Trousers
A standing exercise that copies the movement of putting on your trousers: bringing your legs together and apart to work on balance and hips.
Share it with your family
If you feel pain, stop. If you have a recent injury or surgery, check with your doctor before you start.
The steps, in writing
Stand up with your feet together.
To a count of one, two, open your legs like a flower.
Breathe as you move.
Safety notes
- Keep a chair or a wall nearby in case you need support.
- Stop if you feel dizzy or unsteady.
What you need
Nothing special: comfortable clothes and a firm chair.
Every step counts
This movement has levels: seated, holding a chair, and standing. Start at yours and stay there as long as you like — level 1 is already a complete practice, not a token version.
- Level 1 · Seated— On a firm chair, feet flat on the floorOn a firm chair, feet flat on the floor
- Level 2 · Holding a chair— Standing, holding on to a firm chairStanding, holding on to a firm chair
- Level 3 · Standing— Standing, with support nearby just in caseStanding, with support nearby just in case← this video
This exercise works on balance and opening up your hips with a movement you do every morning: putting on your trousers. It’s a simple movement you can repeat at your own pace.
What Frank says
Translated from Frank’s Spanish narration.
Exercise thirteen. Putting On Your Trousers. One two, one two. One two, one two. Bring your feet together, open the flower. Breathe.
Related videos
Exercise 12
Sticking a Tile on the Ceiling
A gentle movement that copies placing a tile: you bend down, pick it up from the water and stick it up high, working your back, legs and balance.
Watch the video
Exercise 14
Marching on the Spot
Marching on the spot to get your legs moving and wake up your body.
Watch the video
Exercise 11
Picking Up and Hanging Out the Washing
Pretend to pick up washing from the floor and hang it up high, practising bending and stretching gently.
Watch the video
Want to go deeper?
The complete method is in My Yoga Process, Frank Calber’s book.