Does Running Make You Taller?

Over the years, several theories have sprung up pertaining to how you can add a few inches to your height. Among the many “how to get tall” recipes you will find online, many people see running as a sure success method.

Truth be told, once you reach adulthood, no amount of running will make you taller – not even a few inches of skeletal length! Granted, you will gain proper posture, which might make you seem taller, but that is the only form of height-related benefit you get.

In today’s article, we will look at this myth’s basis. Why do so many people believe they grow vertically by powering themselves through horizontal movements?

As a side piece, we will also discuss factors that majorly determine how tall you grow up. Stick with us and find out the truth concerning this thread.

Why Do People Think Running Has an Impact on Getting Taller?

Several reasons prompt people to conclude that going on routine runs will help them gain height.

The first reason revolves around the production and release of human growth hormones. Most people hypothesize that the human growth hormone (HGH) produced by the pituitary gland sees a significant increase due to running, ultimately making them grow taller.

Yes, running leads to an increase in growth hormones. However, growth hormone release does not translate to the lengthening of bones in adults. This halt is because adults possess closed growth plates.

Another surprising reason is bone density. Most people associate an increase in bone density with bone growth. Bone density typically refers to bone strength, thus, ruling out skeletal lengthening.

Running does help with increasing bone density, thereby preventing osteoporosis and other bone-related problems.

Lastly, we have spine stretching and outright bone lengthening. The idea that repairing micro fractures along your lower leg region significantly increases bone length is false.

Similarly, the idea that running routinely will eventually stretch your spine and growth plates in adulthood is also false. Instead, you only benefit from good posture, which makes you appear as though you grew taller.

Research shows, quite clearly, that running may lead to temporary compression of the spinal discs, which contributes to height fluctuations, typically daily.

What Does Impact on Height?

As stated earlier, several factors are huge in how tall a person becomes. These factors are especially transcendent at a young age, and their variation results in the height difference amongst individuals.

Correspondingly, we will look at other factors that combine to make you taller naturally.

Genetics

This is the biggest factor determining how tall one grows up to become. Scientific evidence suggests that genetics determines 60–80% of your peak height.

Consistent exercise routine

Consistent exercising is another determiner that influences height growth in humans. As we grow up, partaking in exercise can help stretch the growth plates, thereby promoting height increase.

Well-balanced diet

Aside from genetic composition and exercise, indulging in nutritious foods is fundamental to growing taller.

A balanced diet contains all the essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin A, and a host of other essential nutrients required for mental and physical development.

This ultimately allows children to reach their maximum potential regarding height.

Posture

It is all about being able to stand tall. Good posture makes you appear taller, unlike walking with a hunch or slouching.

Consequently, running with proper form engages your core, relaxes your shoulders, and engages your chest. If you maintain consistency, it will slowly transition into your everyday life, making you appear taller.

Additionally, you lose weight when you run, leading to the development of a lean body. Leaner people tend to appear taller than their chubby counterparts.

Quality sleep

Getting at least 8 hours of sleep is very important, especially for growing children, because it affects growth hormone production.

Your sleep routine accounts for the release of more growth hormones. As such, having an appropriate sleeping routine – one you follow fervently – is mandatory. It also helps with maintaining normal blood pressure and regaining lost energy.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, running is not the way to go if you want to add up to two inches to your height. Nevertheless, you still gain from the other benefits linked with running, and with proper posture, you can give off a tall look.

So, put on some nice comfortable clothes and a good pair of running shoes, and hit the curb! Even if you cannot add two inches to your height, you can still live a healthy lifestyle, and, in the long run, that is all that matters.