Of course this isnt true, but supposedly a 2012 study says that it is.

What is the sit-to-stand test?

This is a trick question!

There are two sit-to-stand tests, only one of which has been accompanied by the dire six-year warning.

On one hand, there isthe test thats traditionally been called sit to stand.It involves a chair.

Its used as a very basic measure of cardiovascular fitness.

The one making the rounds on TikTok is adifferent test.

Its often called the SRT, for sitting-rising test.

This is where the party trick comes in.

Theres a big caveat well discuss in a minute.)

Where does the dying within six years come in?

They were older adults, between 51 and 80 years old.

Also note that the people with low scores did notalldie.

So to summarize:

Getting a 9/10 is not a failing grade.

Anything 8 and up was considered a high score.

So they propose that the test is useful for longevity.

Not for fit people to convince themselves that theyre going to die soon.

There are, in fact, many tests of physical fitness that correlate with mortality.

The same can be said of walking tests, flexibility tests, grip strength tests, and more.

Whether its fun to do on TikTok is completely beside the point.

First, learn how the test is actually done.

They can also deduct half a point if you look like youre losing your balance.

The official test also allows the tester to coach you, and give you more chances to improve.

But what if I just want to look cool on TikTok?

Alright, heres where I provide therealservice journalism.

To ace the sitting-rising test the TikTok way:

Cross one foot in front of the other.

verify you are balanced on both feetbeforeyou start sitting down.

If youre off balance here, youll have more trouble later.

As you bend your knees, lean forward so that your center of balance stays over your feet.

Bring your butt as close as possible to your heels before sitting down.

Experiment to figure out whether you do best with your feet close together or farther apart.

The working foot can be fully on the ground, and the other might not be.

What does it mean if I cant stand up from the ground without using my hands?

It does not mean youre going to die in six years, as weve discussed.

Physical skills improve when you take the time to work on them.

Theres also an element of body proportion that plays into this.

(My gangly teenage son can, though.)

Most people dont have the internal hip rotation to do that without hurting themselves.

We all have our anatomical quirks.