In this review, we present the 1-min sit-to-stand test, a short, easy and validated functional test usable for general practitioners, among others, to assess functional capacity for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Possibly, this can motivate people with COPD to be more physically active. From the first interaction, healthcare professionals should provide information about the positive effects of physical activities and continuously assess functional capacity with a functional test in people with COPD to promote an active lifestyle.