Small supported turn
Turn round in small steps while holding a counter.
Loading the movement…
Captured movement, awaiting exercise review. Only the body is shown. Chairs, supports and equipment are not.
What you need
A kitchen counter or sturdy table and a clear floor
Getting into position
- Stand side-on to a kitchen counter, holding it with your nearer hand.
- Clear the floor around you.
- Feet hip-width apart.
How to do it
Turn away from the counter using several small steps, as if walking round the face of a clock.
Stop after a quarter turn, with the counter now at your back hand or behind you, still holding it.
Pause until you feel steady.
Turn back the same way with small steps.
Keep in mind
- Lift your feet a little. Don't twist on one foot.
- Turn your head with your body, not ahead of it.
- Go slowly. If you feel dizzy, stop and hold on until it passes.
Where you should feel it
Your ankles and hips adjusting as you turn, and concentration on your feet.
Stop or change something if you feel
Dizziness or light-headedness. Turn more slowly or stop and hold on.
A gentler starting point
Make an eighth of a turn instead of a quarter.
When it feels easy
Turn further, up to a half turn, swapping hands on the counter as you go.
Your next small steps
Change one thing at a time. Stay on a step until it feels steady, then take the next.
Hold the counter with one hand and make a quarter turn using several small steps, then turn back.
2 sets × 3 turns each way
Move on when: Your feet don't cross and you turn without hurrying.
Add turns.
2 sets × 5 turns each way
Move on when: Every turn is steady, two sessions running.
Turn a little further, up to a half turn, swapping hands on the counter as you go.
2 sets × 3–5 turns each way
Move on when: The longer turn stays steady.
Fingertips only on the counter.
2 sets × 5 turns each way
Move on when: Your fingertips are only steadying you, two sessions running.
- Next level up
- Controlled direction-change sequence coming soon
Levels in controlled turns
Each level is a separate variation. Move up when the last step on this page feels steady, and back down on a harder day.
- Level 1 · Supported startSmall supported turn (this page)
- Level 2 · FoundationControlled direction-change sequence coming soon
- Level 3 · More challengeWalking-and-turning sequence coming soon
Explore related content.
- Everyday focus
- Steadiness, Reaching, bending and turning
- Body area
- Whole body
- Muscles
- To be confirmed
- Movement format
- Standing, Uses a support
- Starting point
- Starting a routine
- Age context
- Older-adult focused
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