Gravity is said to contribute to a person being short, at least to him or her looking that way. It compresses the spine and squeezes the cartilage. So, most of the exercises recommended for growing taller aim at combating the effect of this. These involve stretching the spine to reduce compression on it. The following are some routines that are thought to be helpful:
Cobra stretch – This is a pose in yoga that helps to stretch your spine. Also known as Bhujangsana, a cobra stretch starts with you lying face down with palms kept under your shoulder. Then you bend your spine slowly upwards to form an angle. Maintain the position for up to 30 seconds and do 3-4 reps. In addition to stretching the spine, this exercise supposedly causes cartilages between vertebrae to grow.
Vertical bar hanging – The aim with this routine is to reduce compression on your spine to increase height. A solid bar capable of holding your weight will be required to do this exercise. This should be at a level where there is a distance of about six inches between your feet and the floor when hanging on it. Hang from the bar for about 20 seconds, perhaps longer if you can manage. You may swing back and forth while holding onto the bar. Also, try to touch the floor with your feet while hanging. The procedure may be repeated about three times. The weight of your body causes your spine to stretch and makes it more flexible.
Vertical bar hanging – The aim with this routine is to reduce compression on your spine to increase height. A solid bar capable of holding your weight will be required to do this exercise. This should be at a level where there is a distance of about six inches between your feet and the floor when hanging on it. Hang from the bar for about 20 seconds, perhaps longer if you can manage. You may swing back and forth while holding onto the bar. Also, try to touch the floor with your feet while hanging. The procedure may be repeated about three times. The weight of your body causes your spine to stretch and makes it more flexible.
Forward spine stretch – As the name suggests, this is an exercise that aims at stretching your spine. You start forward spine stretch by sitting on the floor with your feet in front. Keep your legs shoulder distance apart and stretch your arms in front while breathing in. Bend forward a little to touch your toes.
Pilates roll over – You begin this exercise by lying on your back with your arms by your sides. Keep your legs together, raise them up and try to touch the floor in the area above your head. Pilates roll over may sound quite daunting, but you will get used to it with time. It stretches the spine and lengthens your upper body.
Ankle weights – The aim with this exercise is to increase height in the lower part of the body. You do this by fastening weight to your ankles and trying to raise your leg. The idea is that ankle weights cause your legs to stretch. The exercise stretches cartilage between bones in the knee to improve mass. You should start with light weights at the initial stage and work up from there.
These are just some of the exercises that are believed to be potentially beneficial in helping you grow taller. Others suggestions include swimming, cycling, rope skipping and pelvic shift.