Reach New Heights: Understanding the Relationship Between Hanging and Height

It is known that genes determine our height (1). However, some anecdotal evidence suggests that hanging helps increase height (2). In fact, this is one of the most common tips anyone wants to increase their height. Drinking milk and cycling are also believed to increase height. That said, hanging exercises can be a great addition to your exercise regime. They are easy to do and do not require large equipment. Read on to know more about them and if they are really effective in increasing height.

Does hanging increase height?
For most of the day, most of us are in an upright position. Experts say that one of the main obstacles to growing taller is gravity (3). Gravity affects our spine and joints and actually compresses them. It squeezes the cartilage and contracts the muscles. This is what makes us look short. So, what can be done to defy gravity? The answer is to hang on for that extra boost! Hanging can help fight the effects of gravity on our bodies, and thus promote growth!

How does hanging help?
Hanging is a very simple exercise and at the same time it is tough. When you hang by holding the bar, you're actually pulling your whole body. Your feet are off the ground. While doing this exercise your lower body is fully stretched, and the spine is also stretched. Try this little experiment. Ask someone to measure your height while you are standing on the ground. Ask them to do this while hanging. When you compare the two you will notice a significant difference in height, as your bones are stretched due to stretching when you stand.

Factors to consider when hanging

• Hanging is a completely antigravity exercise.
• Every muscle and bone in your body is stretched when you hang.
• Blood circulates more efficiently to stretched body parts.
• Oxygen also circulates well from head to toe.
• The body naturally stretches due to improved circulation of blood and oxygen in the body.

How to do hanging exercise to increase height?

• First, you need a good set of horizontal bars. These are also found in gymnasiums and many public parks.
• However, make sure that the horizontal bars are positioned high enough to support the entire length of your body.
• When you hang from this bar, your feet should be at least 1 inch off the ground.
• If your body does not fully suspend itself, bend your knees slightly.
• Your body should hang freely from the bar.
• When gripping the bar, your palms should be facing away from you.
• Imagine if you were doing push-ups, you would be holding the bar with your palms facing in opposite directions. Similarly, try to use the same posture even while hanging.
• Make sure you hold the bar tight enough.
• Begin to relax your body and let it loose.
• This gives the body room to grow a few inches.
• When you hang your feet above the ground, gravity acts on your body and tries to pull it down. This is what stretches your body.
• You can also choose a rope hanging exercise that helps build your strength while training your core. You can add knots to your rope or use knotted rope for extra support.