Challenge yourself Sit-to-Stand Exercise. The sit-to-stand exercise (also known as the chair stand or chair rise exercise) strengthens your lower body and helps you maintain or improve your mobility and independence. The end goal is to do the sit-to-stand exercise without using your hands. Numerous studies have been done indicating that the ability to stand up from sitting without using your hands is an indicator for longevity. If you can stand up and sit back down on the floor without using you