Height is a major concern for parents whose children are meeting the bare minimum and even for teens who don't feel tall enough once growth spurts have ceased. Exercise, especially daily stretching, is ideal for many aspects of your body. Taking a look at factors that determine your height can help you answer the question of whether you can increase your height.
Muscles and Stretching
Stretching has always been recommended by physical therapists, doctors and coaches as a means to keep muscles flexible and help prevent injury. Stretching is also a means for muscle pain relief as well as maintaining balance, according to "Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription" by Vivian H. Heyward. By keeping muscle flexibility and strength at normal levels, you avoid the risk of falling or suffering an injury from exercise and sports. Stretching also mildly elongates your muscles, adding a little height to your frame, however it cannot increase bone length.
Posture
One reason you might feel shorter is poor posture. Keeping your head and shoulders forward at all times can take inches off of your height and lead to back problems. According to author Wayne L. Westcott at Quincypersonaltrainer.com, stretching your back and shoulder muscles has been shown to improve posture, thus making you appear taller. Stretching also helps replace lost muscle mass from inactivity.
Benefits
The benefits of stretching reach further than just improving posture and muscle function. Stretching is also key to keeping your joints moving correctly and delaying the onset of conditions such as arthritis. According to Health.gov, stretching is an important part of a healthful exercise routine and should not be ignored. Maintaining muscle and joint flexibility not only helps your movements but allows for stamina during more vigorous exercise such as running or cycling.
Conclusion
With all the information available through governmental websites regarding physical fitness, its no wonder that the question of stretching benefits has come to the forefront. Although stretching cannot cause you to grow several inches, you can improve posture and flexibility, helping in your growth efforts by adding a few inches.
References
- Quincy Personal Trainer: New Reasons to Exercise: Better Posture and Greater Height
- Health.gov: Be Physically Active
- "Advanced Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription": Vivian H. Heyward; 2010
Member Comments