Didnt your parent’s tell you to ’sit up straight’ or ’stop slouching’ when you were a child? While we know that LiftKits are the only of getting a significant, natural and immediate height increase there are some other steps you can start getting in the habit of to help make you healthier and appear taller at the same time. This wont make you a giant, but it will make you look and feel taller and more confident. Stand up straight! Posture is a basic thing we take for granted. By standing up straight you can add a inch to your height instantly!

There are a multitude of scientific papers supporting the benefits associated with a good posture. These are not only physical but also psychological too.

Next time you are in a public or busy place take a look around and you’ll see that bad posture is quite a common thing. Poor posture can lead to ailments and a loss of height. Posture isn’t something we should take for granted, it’s something we need to be conscious of.

How does bad posture begin?

There are several factors that lead to bad posture. Some can be present at birth but for the majority develop over time due to bad habits; sitting at a desk too long with the wrong ergonomics, certain sports and weight lifting, even low self-esteem. Low self esteem may be the biggest contributor towrads bad posture. When you dont feel good about yourself you tend to close yourself not only mentally but physically by hunching your shoulders, drawing yourself down and inwards.

Now, its time to reverse that.

Stretching helps to loosen and elongate your muscles allowing you to stand taller with a better, more defined posture. Like anything, these stretches and eventually a routine workout needs to become just that, a routine. Or else, you will not see results.

By following these simple excercises you should see and increase in height and confidence.

Standing Forward Bend – This is a very simple, but effective, exercise. It is a great way to relax and decompress your spine.

Forward Bend – Increases your Height

Also, it stretches your calves, hamstrings, hips, neck, and all of your back support.

To begin this exercise, stand with your feet approximately 18 inches apart and your palms on the back of your thighs.

Then slide your hands down along the side of your legs without bending your knees.

Try to slide as far as possible, as you bend over make sure your hands stay firmly on your legs.

As you bend you will find the resistance increase in your knees, but do not bend them.

Another variation is to slowly run your palms down the back of your legs, forcing you to arch backwards.

Downward Facing Dog – Also known as Adho Mukha Svanasana, this yoga-based maneuver is one of the great ways to increase height through stretching and increase your body’s flexibility.

You will want to begin this exercise by getting down on your hands and knees. Your legs should be shoulder width apart and your fingers straight forward.

Downward Facing Dog – Increases your Height

Position your elbows so that your inner arm is pointing away from you. Take a deep breath and curl your toes as if you were trying to stand on your toes.

Then straighten your legs as you exhale and push your arms upward.

Ideally, you want to push so that your spine is lengthening. Make sure your legs stay straight and your feet firmly on the floor.

If you need to bend your legs at first, that is okay. However, you will want to stretch yourself further and further each time until your legs stay straight.

Also, keep your shoulders flat and distribute your weight evenly to add the resistance on your spine. You should remain in that position for several deep breaths and then repeat the entire movement several more times.

Head to Knee – The Janu Shirshasana position, as it is called in yoga, is a fantastic way to decompress your spine and stretch your hamstrings.

Just like the downward dog stretch, you want to make sure your spine stays straight to get the full benefit of the exercise.

Head to Knee – Increases your Height

Keeping your spine straight while exercising is one of the best ways to increase height. Also, remember to breathe deeply and fluidly throughout your maneuvers because it will also help decompress your spine.

Begin this exercise by sitting on the floor with your legs fully extended in front of you. Bend one leg by pulling your heel as close to your body as possible, in a “P” shape, but keeping your buttocks planted on the floor.

You should rotate your body so that you are facing the extended leg and raise your arms over your head while you inhale. Keep your back straight as you bend forward slowly and exhale.

Do not bend at your hips, but by rolling forward on your buttocks. Tense your thigh muscles as you bend, this will release the hamstring and promote better flexibility.

At the end of your forward momentum, gently lower your arms to grab your foot and pull forward.

Then, pull your opposite leg into the “P” shape and extend the leg that was previously bent. Repeat the exercise for the opposite side of your body.

Keep your pace slow and breathe deeply throughout the exercise to fully stretch out your spine.

Whether you are doing a simple standing forward bend or the more aggressive Janu Shirshasana, stretching exercises will help decompress your spine and promote your body’s flexibility.

*We recommend consulting with a physician before beginning any serious exercise programs in order to verify that there are no underlying problems or ailments you may not be aware of.