We all know that running is an excellent form of exercise. Not only does it help us to get in shape, but it keeps us in shape as well. But, have you ever wondered if running will help you become taller?
Many claim that running does positively affect a person’s height. As this aerobic exercise doesn’t need any special equipment, you could start running tomorrow. Also, it is an excellent form of exercise that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
But, does running increase height or not? We hope to answer this question below and look at the benefits of taking up such an activity. But, before we address the big question, let’s take a look at what determines a person’s height.
What Determines a Person’s Height?
The height you finally reach as an adult is partially determined by your genetic makeup. Around 60 to 80% of your genetic makeup determines how tall you will be.
But, this isn’t the only factor that affects how tall or short you are. There are certain nutrients that your body needs that can also affect your height.
Throughout your childhood and teen years, your bones are growing. Each bone comprises specialized cartilage known as growth plates. At first, these are soft, but hormonal changes cause them to close and harden over time. By the age of 20, you’ll have reached your maximum height.
Now you’re probably starting to wonder if I’ve reached my maximum height, how will going for a run help increase my height? We’ll explain how below!
How Does Running Increase Height?
Below we’ll look at some of the ways that this type of physical activity can increase your height.
Stimulates Production of HGH (Human Growth Hormone)
Running and eating a well-balanced diet can lead to you growing a few inches taller because it stimulates the HGH production in the body. But, to achieve this, you need to run with as much intensity as possible. Going for a slow jog around the block once a day won’t cut it.
Research shows that a high-intensity workout could increase your body’s production of growth hormones by up to 530%! Even after exercising, your body will continue to produce growth hormones for at least the next 24 hours.
Stretches Your Spine
When running, the muscles in the human body expand and contract. By following the right kind of diet and allowing your body time to recover, your muscles will become stronger. They will then start to grow longer.
Your back and core upper body muscles are crucial concerning your height because as these grow longer, they can also cause your spine to stretch.
Helps Improve Your Posture
If you have poor posture, you will look shorter to others. But, going out for a run every day helps you maintain a straight posture. As you are standing up straighter, this will make you appear taller.
People who suffer from bad posture tend to develop a hunched back or tend to bend over more.
Maintaining proper posture will get easier if you go for a run every day. You may find that your height will increase by 1 to 2 inches!
Helps Increase Body Flexibility
You might be surprised to learn that by going for a run each day, you are improving your body’s flexibility. As you run, you help to loosen the muscles in your body which allows bones to grow longer.
Improves Sleep Quality
It isn’t just how much sleep you get, but the quality of sleep that can affect the production of growth hormones. Even simple exercise like a quick jog around where you live can help you enjoy better quality sleep.
Depending on how old you are, you should be aiming for around 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night. Not only will it help you to recover faster after any bout of exercise, but it helps to produce new growth plates.
Along with what we’ve laid out above, there are other health benefits from taking up running
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Other Health Benefits from Running
Good for Weight Loss
Over time your body will start to burn more calories than it consumes. So, your body will use up any additional fat you’ve gained in order to help compensate for such a loss.
Any form of exercise that involves various activity levels will help increase your body’s muscle mass and bone density.
When you pair these with a proper diet, you will soon see your body weight go down to a healthier level.
Reduced Risk of Developing Cardiovascular Disease
Through this form of physical activity, you can help keep your blood pressure under control. In turn, you’ll find that this activity also helps keep your blood sugar level and cholesterol level down.
All of these can help ensure the risk of you having a heart attack or a stroke is significantly reduced.
Final Thoughts
As you now know, running can, in some ways, help to make you taller. But, going for a run every day or even every other day can prove beneficial to you in many other ways.
Keep in mind that if you pair this kind of activity with eating the right food, you’ll see so many other improvements in the way you look and feel!