Q&A for How to Get Taller by Stretching

Hold stretches for at least 20 seconds or longer (up to 60 seconds) if you wish.

No, stretching does not build muscle. Only working the muscle will build it, but stretching does elongate the muscle fibers.

You may still grow. We don't stop growing completely until we are in our early 20's. Doing an exercise for 2 or 3 months will not help much, though. It will be better for your spine to continue with a daily or every other day routine of strengthening and stretching until you reach your 20's or even forever. Remember, you have one body to last your lifetime.

Unfortunately, no. Pull ups will help build your back and shoulder muscles, but they won't make you taller.

Unfortunately, you won't grow any extra inches or centimeters by stretching. If tight muscles and poor posture make you slouch, however, you may notice a slight increase in visible height after stretching.

No, I'm afraid not. Stretching affects muscles and connective tissues, but it won't help your bones grow physically taller.

Running of itself doesn't help you to "grow" taller but it can help to make you "look" taller by improving your posture and stance. As with other forms of cardiovascular exercise, it can also help your pituary gland to release more HGH (human growth hormone) levels in response to healthy exercise, which contribute to growing taller. Keeping fit also means you tend to look leaner, which can add to a sense of looking taller. However, it remains important to remember that it's your genetics that determine your ultimate height; exercise helps to keep you healthy, which is part of ensuring your genetic potential is reached.

Hanging can assist be reducing compression of the spine, if this is an issue for the person in question. However, it doesn't make you grow taller; it restores the person to their full height pre-compression and is usually only around 1/2 an inch (1.2cm) difference.

Try to stretch daily, and let your body grow naturally. You can't force it. It takes time.

Around 5 deep breaths at first. When you get better at them (and it doesn't hurt as much) try increasing the amount you can hold it for. Five deep breaths generally is enough to get a good stretch without taking too long, and without rushing.

Just a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from sugary and fatty foods such as fast food, soda, and sugary desserts. Try replacing white bread with 100% whole wheat bread. Also get plenty of protein from eggs, meat, tofu, beans, and nuts.

You will feel more able to do these stretches after about the first week, but don't expect noticeable differences right away. Just keep at it, and don't get discouraged! Remember. it'll be worth it in the end. It's also good for your health, so doing these exercises for the rest of your life won't hurt either.

No, there is no proof caffeine stunts growth. However, it may keep you awake at nights, and a lack of sleep can affect growth.

Yes, the quality of the nutrition during teenage years is vital to growing taller. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D (to absorb the calcium), protein, healthy fats and a variety of fruits and vegetables will produce the best results height wise. After 21 years of age for men and 18 years of age for women, food plays a minor role in height. At this point, one's height potential is already achieved and although it is important to maintain a balanced diet to avoid osteoporosis, the main factor to maintain height from these ages is posture, not food.

It depends in large part on your genetics, but most people don't stop growing until at least 18 years of age. You can probably expect some future growth.

Routinely stretching will help to keep your body fit and flexible. Gymnastics won't affect your height either way, since studies have shown that most female gymnasts are genetically predisposed to being the size they are. Sprinting, cycling, and swimming will all help you grow taller before puberty.

No. You will very likely continue to grow for years!

No. Do effective stretching exercises instead.

It's possible for children to be taller than their parents, but there are no guarantees. Do your best. Make sure to take good care of yourself in general, including getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet. That will help ensure you grow as much as you are capable of growing.

Be patient. It usually takes several months to reach your expectations.

You may or may not. It's hard to predict in a situation like this. Generally, your parents' height is the best predictor of your own height, but it's also possible for a family's new generation to become taller than the previous generation for various reasons (e.g., different diet). It's also possible that it was a one-off thing in your brother's case and he just got lucky.

Yes, but it's best to do it when your body feels warm and flexible. After a warm shower, or before bedtime, work well for some people.

Yes, this is always a possibility.

Absolutely! You will very likely keep growing for years.

Probably 1/4 of an inch or so.

In addition to stretches to improve overall posture, weightlifting makes bones longer and denser.

No, masturbating won't have any effect on your height.

Good nutrition helps ensure that you grow to your optimal height.

No. You can't force your body to grow taller. Drink more water and get about eight hours of sleep if you're under 18. Don't drink alcohol, do drugs or smoke; this can prevent growth.

Teens tend to grow in spurts; you've still got years ahead that your height will increase, perhaps even dramatically. Follow the tips in the article; eat well, drink plenty of water, exercise, stretch, and be sure to get 8 hours of sleep every night.