Stretching to get taller has been a topic of interest for people of different ages for many years. One method that has gained popularity is hanging from a bar, which is believed to help in height increase. But is it effective? Can hanging from a pull up bar stand make you taller? This article will explore the science behind hanging from a bar and whether it can help you achieve your height goals.
Understanding the Science Behind Height Increase
Before we delve into whether hanging from a pull up bar stand can make you taller, let’s first understand how height increase works. Several factors, including genetics, nutrition, and physical activity, determine our height. The human body has growth plates located at the end of the bones. During childhood and teenage years, these growth plates produce new bone tissue, leading to height increase. Once the growth plates fuse, usually around 18-25, the bones stop growing in length.
However, it’s not just the growth plates that determine our height. The spinal column also plays a crucial role. The spinal column comprises 33 vertebrae, and the intervertebral discs between them account for about 25% of our overall height. The thickness of these discs can be increased by stretching, leading to a slight increase in height.
Can Hanging from a Bar Make You Taller?
Now that we understand how height increase works, let’s return to the question: can hanging from a bar make you taller? Hanging from a bar is a stretching exercise involving suspending the body from a horizontal bar using the hands. This exercise is believed to decompress the spine, leading to an increase in height.
The theory behind this exercise is that when you hang from a bar, the gravitational force pulls your body downwards, leading to a stretching effect on the spinal column. The intervertebral discs are stretched, leading to an increase in height. Also, hanging from a bar can improve posture, making you appear taller.
While hanging from a bar may have some benefits, no scientific evidence supports the claim that it can make you taller. The increase in height is likely minimal and temporary. This exercise may help to decompress the spine and improve posture, but it is unlikely to add inches to your height.
Stretching to Get Taller
While hanging from a bar may not make you taller, stretching exercises can have some benefits regarding height increase. Here are some stretching exercises that you can try:
Cat-Camel Stretch:
Start on your hands and knees, with your back straight. Arch your back upwards and then downwards, like a cat stretching.
Cobra Stretch:
Lie face down, with your hands on the floor near your shoulders. Slowly push your upper body up, keeping your hips on the floor.
Forward Bend:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and slowly bend forward, reaching towards your toes.
Pilates Roll-Up:
Lie on your back with arms stretched above your head. Slowly roll up, reach for your toes, and then back down.
Leg Stretches:
Sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Reach for your toes, holding the stretch for a few seconds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while hanging from a free standing pull up bar may not make you taller, it can have some benefits in decompressing the spine and improving posture. In general, stretching exercises can also help improve posture and flexibility, leading to a more confident and taller appearance. If you want to increase your height, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and overall health is essential. Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein can help to support bone health and growth. Regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or cycling, can also help promote overall health and fitness.
