Grow taller: Stretching exercises

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for stretching exercises to increase height, with a focus on claims made by various products and personal experiences. Participants explore the biological mechanisms behind height increase, the validity of these claims, and related concepts from anatomy and exercise science.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Personal experience
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the validity of claims that stretching exercises can lead to significant height increases, citing medically established methods like distraction osteogenesis as more reliable.
  • Others share personal anecdotes of gaining height through stretching exercises, though they express uncertainty about the scientific basis for their experiences.
  • A participant mentions the possibility of height variation throughout the day and the influence of factors like nutrition and posture on perceived height changes.
  • There are claims that specific stretching exercises can lead to spinal decompression and thickening of cartilage, potentially contributing to height increase.
  • Some participants reference anecdotal evidence from bodybuilding regarding rib cage expansion through stretching, although they note a lack of scientific backing for these claims.
  • Concerns are raised about the credibility of certain websites promoting height-increasing exercises, with some participants dismissing them as unacceptable sources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of stretching exercises for increasing height. There are multiple competing views, with some supporting the idea while others express skepticism.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of scientific evidence supporting the claims made by various products and personal experiences, as well as the potential influence of external factors on height perception.

ericksvensson
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http://www.betaller.com/whyitworks.htm

Greetings, PF community. Certain product has come to my attetion, as it claims to be an exercise and health guide to grow up to 3 inches in an average period of 5 months (depending on the effort you put on it).

The whole thing has to do with stretching exercises that help you on lenghtening and straightening the cartilages on your spine, therefore claiming that anybody has the potential to be taller than their actual height.

Cartilage is a tough, elastic, fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as the joints. It can be THICKENED and STRENGTHENED only by applying specific life changing exercises (Stretching exercises) and taking appropriate supplements.

Since the human spine consists of MANY discs that are made from cartilage, research has proven that it can be LENGTHENED and STRAIGHTENED up to THREE INCHES (and sometimes MORE)!

Therefore most individuals have the POTENTIAL to increase their height at ANY AGE!

As I do not have much knowledge about biology, it'd be really appreciated if you could tell me about the efficience of this product, not neccesarily on the diet program, recommended sleeping habits and psychological stuff included, but the exercises themselves.

Here is the website
http://www.betaller.com/whyitworks.htm (I can assure you there are at least 30 other companies selling the same stuff, just picked one of them randomly)

Thanks for your help
 
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I don't know for sure how valid that claim is, but I know that there is a medically sound bone lengthening method, called distraction osteogenesis, that allows you to lengthen your legs 3-6 inches at the expense of a couple of surgeries, 6-12 months in a wheelchair or on crutches, and a fair bit of pain. I'd imagine that, if it were possible to add 3 inches to your spine without all that, it would be mandatory before (or instead) distraction osteogenesis.
 
Hey guys, just wanted to give my two cents and personal experience on this matter.

Look, I'm not a scientist, a physicist, a biologist, or anybody who knows anything above high school/college level science.

BUT, I have tried these "stretching exercises" to grow taller, and no idea what the science behind them is, or if it was something else I did (nutrition, other exercise, posture, etc.), but I gained a couple inches, believe it or not.

On my website/blog thing, I tried to offer a basic explanation (the one I was told). That may be the answer? Not sure. Just trying to offer a possible idea.
 
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steveharlin said:
Hey guys, just wanted to give my two cents and personal experience on this matter.

Look, I'm not a scientist, a physicist, a biologist, or anybody who knows anything above high school/college level science.

BUT, I have tried these "stretching exercises" to grow taller, and no idea what the science behind them is, or if it was something else I did (nutrition, other exercise, posture, etc.), but I gained a couple inches, believe it or not.

On my stretching taller website/blog thing, I tried to offer a basic explanation (the one I was told). That may be the answer? Not sure. Just trying to offer a possible idea.

Did you measure yourself at the same time every day? The height of a person changes during the day, with a person being tallest in the morning and shortest in the evening. It's also possible judging by your blog that you hadn't actually finished puberty, so it is entirely possible that you had a late(ish) growth spurt.
 
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Along with HGH and some other growth-supporting chemicals...
 
Similarly, some professional bodybuilders (including a famous movie star-turned-politician), claim that the rib cage can be expanded slightly with specific stretching exercises over a long period of time. (in line with the general goal of bodybuilding to appear more massive) This would also be due to the properties of cartilage. This seems somewhat credible, as contrary to height, gravity won't counteract as much over the rest of the day. But I'm not aware of any true scientific evidence.
 
Personally, I don't know much about this, but it's something we've been talking about in anatomy class, and I just did some quick research.

I found this website:

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/744624.html

It specifically addressed the website mentioned in the first post, as well as similar ones. It's about 3/4 of the way down the site linked to above.

While there are numerous exercises that target the spine, our
researchers have developed the best possible combination of yoga style
exercises that tone, strengthen, and develop the muscles that support
the spine leading to height increase.

Once these muscles have developed appropriately, the spine will begin
to lengthen as well as straighten another inch or two through spinal
decompression.

Then, with time and proper implementation of the exercises the spinal
discs as well as the cartilage that supports your arms, legs, and
spine will begin to thicken leading to a proportionate and taller
body.

Hmmm.
 
kk727 said:
Personally, I don't know much about this, but it's something we've been talking about in anatomy class, and I just did some quick research.

I found this website:

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/744624.html

It specifically addressed the website mentioned in the first post, as well as similar ones. It's about 3/4 of the way down the site linked to above.



Hmmm.
Those are not acceptable sites.