The height of a person is actually decided by genetics. But, there are a few ways in which this height can be altered a bit to make you taller. Exercise is the best method. There are a number of exercises that can help you gain a few additional inches. Read on for a few of them, which can be really useful.
Bar Hanging:
Gravity compresses your joints and spines which affects your height by squeezing the cartilage. This makes you look shorter. To combat this problem, you must try the vertical bar hanging. When you hang on a bar, the weight of your lower body pulls down your body and stretches it. The pull on the vertebras is decreased, and your spine is stretched. It can show up to 1 to 2 inches’ gain in height over a period of time. Hang on the time for about 20 seconds, and repeat it three times.
Cat Stretch:
Put your knees and hands in the floor and keep your arms locked out. Flex your spine down and breathe in as you it. As you breathe out, arch your spine upwards and keep your head down. The pelvic bone should touch the floor, elbows should be straight and shoulder must be high. Stay in the position for 3 to 8 seconds.
Cobra Stretch:
This is a yoga exercise which works on your spine. Start with lying on the floor with your face down and palms under the shoulders. Bend your spine upwards to the chin and form an elevated angle. Make about 3 to 4 reps of 5 to 30 seconds each.
Super Cobra Stretch:
Keep your arms perpendicular to the floor and arch on your spine. Bend your hips and form a V position with your body. Bring in your chin to the chest and then get back to the original position. Stay in the position for about 10 to 20 seconds.
Downhill:
Stand up straight and keep your hands together and arms at your back. Bend down from your waist and start swinging your arms as high as you can, behind you. Perform the exercise for 4 to 6 seconds.
Dry Land Swim:
This exercise concentrates on your lower back, and is called “alternate kick”. Lay flat on your stomach and put your arms in front. The palm should face the floor. Raise your right hand and lift your left leg. Stay like this for 4 seconds, and then repeat the steps with the other hand and leg.
Forward Spine Stretch:
Sit on a mat and keep your feet in front. Extend your legs at a distance of the width of your shoulders. Breathe in as you extend your arms in front. Bend a little and touch the toes as you do this.
Forward Bend:
Stand straight and keep your feet wide apart. Put your hands up and bend forward to touch the floor. Your knees must not bend. Get back to the original position after that.
Hands on the Head Bow Down:
Put your hands together at the back of your neck and stand straight. Bend forward and bring your chin to your chest. Your knees must not bend. Stay in this position for 4 to 8 seconds.
Hop with One Leg:
Keep your hands pointed to the sky and hop on your left leg 8 times. Repeat it with your right leg as well. It helps in brain development, and generates the growth hormones.
Pilates Roll Over:
This exercise stretches your spine. Lie on your back and keep your arms on the sides. Bring your legs together and lift them to point the ceiling. Bend them to the back and try to touch the floor. The spine lengthens as you stretch your body.
Pelvic Shift:
This exercise stretches your whole body from the hips and spine. Lie on your back with your hips and arms on the floor. Bend your knees and bring your feet closer to your buttocks. Bend your back in an arch and thrust your pelvic upward. Stay in the position for about 20 to 30 seconds.
Rope Skipping:
Take a skipping rope and make it a daily routine to skip using it. It is very useful for increasing height.
Spot Jump:
Stand on your toe, keeping your legs close together. Put your hands straight up in the air and start jumping for 2 minutes.
Super Stretch:
Put your hands at the back of your neck and stand straight. Bend your head upwards and back. Try to bend as much as you can. Hold the position for 5 to 15 seconds.
Swimming:
Swimming at least 5 days a week for a couple of hours is very useful for gaining height. All your muscles are put to use in this exercise and it is a really intense one.
Straight Legs Up:
Lie down on your stomach and keep your hands behind your neck. Raise one leg high in the air, keeping it straight. Put it back and then raise the other leg. Hold the position for 3 to 5 seconds.
The Bow Down:
Stand straight with your hands on your hips and bend forward to the maximum. Your knees must never bend, and chin must be off the chest. Stay in the position for 4 to 8 seconds and get back to the original position.
Two Straight Legs Up:
Lie down straight with your arms at your sides. Raise your legs in the air as high as possible, and keep them straight together throughout. Hold the position for 3 seconds and then get back to the initial position.
Wall Stretch:
Stand against a wall and put your hands as high as possible. Stand on your toes as you do this. Keep your spine flat against the wall and stand for 4 to 6 seconds.
All these exercises are sure to help you gain height. Try them out regularly and correctly for all the benefits.
