Sit in the recliner. Lane recliners are designed to operate with the weight of a seated person.
Look on the right side of the recliner for a lever. If you do not find one then you have a push-back recliner. Plant your feet on the ground and push back with your back. If you find a lever, move on to step 3.
Pull the lever back to adjust the seat to a recline position.
Return the seat to its original position. In a push-back recliner, bend your calves in toward the chair to push the leg rest down, pull the seat forward and raise the back. In a lever recliner, push the lever forward to move the seat, back and leg rest into an upright position.