Can you make yourself taller by stretching?
View hidden commentThis post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff.
Yes, absolutely. When we are sitting at our desk, when we're driving, we become a little bit more kyphotic, which means that we're getting a little more hunched over. This also means our chest is getting tighter, and our back muscles are getting weaker to support us from standing upright.
So, when we stretch our chest and strengthen our back muscles, all of a sudden, we can enable ourselves to sit up taller, therefore we grow taller. And it takes little by little because it's hard. Our muscles are not used to that, they're weak and naturally want to go back to what felt comfortable.
View hidden comment
So, when we stretch our chest and strengthen our back muscles, all of a sudden, we can enable ourselves to sit up taller, therefore we grow taller. And it takes little by little because it's hard. Our muscles are not used to that, they're weak and naturally want to go back to what felt comfortable.
Most people find that if they stick with a consistent Pilates regimen, they do get a little bit taller because so much of what we do is decompressive. We decompress the spine and train the muscles to support the spine in a more elongated position. Also, posture improves naturally as a result of doing good Pilates consistently.
With just those two things, will you gain four inches? No, you're not going to go from being 4'10 to being 5'10 - that's not going to happen. But most people find that between improved posture and decompressing a little bit, and strengthening, they do actually gain a tiny bit of measurable height.
Specific stretches within the Pilates method that I’d recommend include the ballet stretches. There are a number of stretches on the tower system or the pole system, it's called both things, and the reformer that are really great. They're always part of a full workout, so they don't really stand alone, with the possible exception of the ballet stretches.
In the fitness world in general, one of the easiest, most effective ways that you can decompress is to do passive hanging, you know, to hold a bar and just hang, let your body weight hang. It's not like a full body stretch, but it will decompress your spine and do quite a lot for you.
View hidden comment
With just those two things, will you gain four inches? No, you're not going to go from being 4'10 to being 5'10 - that's not going to happen. But most people find that between improved posture and decompressing a little bit, and strengthening, they do actually gain a tiny bit of measurable height.
Specific stretches within the Pilates method that I’d recommend include the ballet stretches. There are a number of stretches on the tower system or the pole system, it's called both things, and the reformer that are really great. They're always part of a full workout, so they don't really stand alone, with the possible exception of the ballet stretches.
In the fitness world in general, one of the easiest, most effective ways that you can decompress is to do passive hanging, you know, to hold a bar and just hang, let your body weight hang. It's not like a full body stretch, but it will decompress your spine and do quite a lot for you.
Unfortunately, you won't grow any extra inches or centimeters by stretching. However, if tight muscles and poor posture are making you slouch, you may notice a slight increase in visible height after stretching because it helps you stand up straighter.
View hidden comment
No that is not true but there is a myth if you sleep on your back you will grow taller but lol really to the actually point though drink a lot of milk it really helps with growth and eat right like fruits and vegetables and try playing sports and be active.
View hidden comment
Stretching can make you taller because stretching loosens the tightened areas and make them weak
Voted: 👍 Yes
View hidden comment
What’s on your mind? Ask anything.
Get advice and feedback from experts and wikiHow readers just like you.
Ask a Question
More Forum Discussions
Ask a Question
Submit a Poll
Poll submissions coming soon!
Trending Discussions
Am I a psychopath??
Uuuh this quiz said I might be a psychopath...but I feel like I'm not? Anyone else get psychopath as their result and not agree with it?
Read More
🌱 Small Victories Thread: Jun 13th, 2025
It's Friday the 13th, so let’s celebrate the little wins from this week before anything unlucky happens!
Post one thing you’re proud of achieving or doing this week below – there's nothing too small or big. 🙌
Whether you drank more water, tackled something on your to-do list, or just made it through a tough week, this is the spot to share it!
As usual, I’ll go first in the comments. ⬇️
💬 P.S. If you've got some time to read through other comments, let's encourage each other with upvotes and replies.
Read More
Post one thing you’re proud of achieving or doing this week below – there's nothing too small or big. 🙌
Whether you drank more water, tackled something on your to-do list, or just made it through a tough week, this is the spot to share it!
As usual, I’ll go first in the comments. ⬇️
💬 P.S. If you've got some time to read through other comments, let's encourage each other with upvotes and replies.
How to make a period kit?!?
I really don't know what to do honestly I mean, I do have one but it's bulky and not discreet. I have the basics but I just feel I'm missing stuff. Thank you, Skylin.
Read More
