How and why to practice the Barry get-up exercise | Peter Attia

Peter Attia MD3 minutes read

Barry's get up sequence involves specific steps to transition from sitting to standing, emphasizing the use of hands for support and caution with knee discomfort. Progression to a no-hands version should be done carefully after ensuring lower leg flexibility and avoiding cold starts to prevent knee injuries.

Insights

  • Using hands for support and focusing on eccentric hip loading are essential in Barry's get up sequence to prevent knee discomfort and ensure proper form.
  • Progressing to a no-hands version should only occur after ensuring lower leg pliability and vascular fluid movement, emphasizing the need to avoid performing the exercise cold to prevent knee injuries, particularly in advanced weighted variations.

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Recent questions

  • How do you perform Barry's get up sequence?

    The sequence for Barry's get up involves starting seated on the floor, reaching arms forward, dropping the left knee with internal rotation of the tibia, shifting weight onto the left hand, stepping forward with the right foot, tucking toes under, standing up, and then reversing the steps back down to the starting position.

  • What are the key points to remember while doing Barry's get up?

    It is crucial to initially use hands for support, focusing on eccentrically loading the hips, maintaining the connection of the big toe, and being cautious of knee discomfort. Progression to a no-hands version is advised only after ensuring lower leg pliability and vascular fluid movement, with a reminder to avoid doing the exercise cold to prevent knee injuries, especially during the more advanced weighted variations.

  • Why is it important to maintain the connection of the big toe during Barry's get up?

    Maintaining the connection of the big toe during Barry's get up is crucial as it helps in stabilizing the foot and ankle, providing a strong foundation for the movement. This connection ensures proper alignment and engagement of the lower body muscles, enhancing balance and control throughout the exercise.

  • When should one progress to a no-hands version of Barry's get up?

    Progression to a no-hands version of Barry's get up should only be done after ensuring lower leg pliability and vascular fluid movement. It is important to have a strong foundation and stability in the lower body before attempting the advanced variation to prevent injuries and ensure proper form during the exercise.

  • How can one prevent knee injuries while performing Barry's get up?

    To prevent knee injuries while performing Barry's get up, it is essential to avoid doing the exercise cold and ensure proper warm-up. Additionally, focusing on maintaining the connection of the big toe, using hands for support initially, and progressing gradually to more advanced variations can help in reducing the risk of knee discomfort and injuries.

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Summary

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Barry's Seated Floor-to-Standing Exercise Progression

  • The sequence for Barry's get up involves starting seated on the floor, reaching arms forward, dropping the left knee with internal rotation of the tibia, shifting weight onto the left hand, stepping forward with the right foot, tucking toes under, standing up, and then reversing the steps back down to the starting position.
  • It is crucial to initially use hands for support, focusing on eccentrically loading the hips, maintaining the connection of the big toe, and being cautious of knee discomfort. Progression to a no-hands version is advised only after ensuring lower leg pliability and vascular fluid movement, with a reminder to avoid doing the exercise cold to prevent knee injuries, especially during the more advanced weighted variations.
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