Susie, I suggest you find a stool or seat that when you sit your thigh are at least parallel to floor. It would be ideal if your thighs were a couple inches below parallel. Sitting on end of stool should not be the issue, making sure your feet are planted and heels are down is first concern. If you find you can't stand up with bar over head then change the position of the stick, maybe starting with stick out in front of you but this is a indication of very weak core.