Does stretching make you taller?

Does stretching make you taller? Lets explore the question that many of you might wonder (Alora Griffiths/ Unsplash)
There's no conclusive proof that stretching can make you taller. (Pic via Unsplash/Alora Griffiths)

Does stretching make you taller? Lets explore the question many of you might be thinking about.

If you've spent any time on Instagram or TikTok, you've probably seen a viral video or two showing a person measuring their stature, doing a couple of stretches and gauging their height. One might wonder if stretching can make you taller. Let's find out.


What is stretching?

Stretching is a type of exercise in which you flex or lengthen a specific muscle. Stretching can be classified into two types:

Static stretching entails stretching a muscle as far as possible and holding the position for approximately 20 seconds. Dynamic stretching entails repeatedly extending the muscles as far as possible.


Is it true that stretching can make you taller?

"Does stretching make you taller?" is a difficult question to answer. (Pic via Unsplash/Luemen Rutkowski)
"Does stretching make you taller?" is a difficult question to answer. (Pic via Unsplash/Luemen Rutkowski)

"Does stretching make you taller?" is a difficult question to answer. There's not any conclusive proof that stretching increases height.

However, a variety of factors, including genetics, sex and nutrition, can influence your height. While you cannot alter your height, you can make sure that you get all the nutrients you require for growth by consuming a well-balanced diet.


Stretching poses that make you look taller

Child's pose

A deep-seated or lying position that stretches and lengthens the spine, glutes and hamstrings, the child's pose helps relieve stress in the lower back and neck.

To do this stretch:

  • Sit on your heels, knees hip-width apart, and big toes touching.
  • Bow forward from the hips, bringing your forehead to the mat as you exhale.
  • Place your arms by your sides, or extend them out in front of you, with the palms flat on the mat.
  • Sit back on your heels, and bring your arms by your sides to release the pose.

Folding forward

This standing stretch relaxes the spine, hamstrings and glutes. It also helps lengthen the hips and legs. While performing the folding forward stretch, you should feel your entire back opening up and lengthening.

To do this stretch:

  • Place your hands on your hips, and stand with your feet hip-width apart.
  • Bend forward from your hips as you exhale, keeping the spine long.
  • Place your hands on the floor or in front of you on a yoga block.
  • Roll up to standing slowly to release the pose.

Cat-cow

Stretching doesn't make you taller. (Pic via Unsplash/Michael DeMoya)
Stretching doesn't make you taller. (Pic via Unsplash/Michael DeMoya)

This yoga pose is excellent for warming up the spine and preparing it for deeper stretches. The cat-cow pose also aids in the release of back tension.

To do this stretch:

  • Begin on all fours with your hands under the shoulders and knees under the hips.
  • Drop your belly to the floor, and lift your head to the ceiling as you inhale, entering the cow pose.
  • Exhale by rounding your spine towards the ceiling, tucking the chin into your chest, and entering the cat pose.
  • For ten rounds, alternate between the cow and cat poses.

Stretching doesn't make you taller, but it can help improve posture and relieve muscle tension. Incorporate some of the aforementioned stretches in your daily routine to feel to look your best.