Conclusion
No physical activity or stretching can alter people's height. Although you can't change your height by swimming, you can correct your posture and upright stance. This could make you appear taller. It would also make you healthier and more confident about your body. In addition, swimming helps in the development of the muscles and other body components. Especially during the growth years.
Can Swimming Make You Taller?
There is no doubt that swimming is a great way to exercise, improve fitness, and stay fit. But can swimming make you taller? Is there a direct correlation between swimming and growth? In this article, we will examine the effect of swimming on height from a scientific perspective. But before we get into that, let us first understand the origin of this claim.
So, can swimming make you grow taller?
Most successful swimmers are tall. That could be the main reasons why people think that swimming can make you taller. But those swimmers are not tall because they are good swimmers. They are good swimmers because they are tall. Because longer legs and arms mean larger surface area to use against water. This helps propel the body through the water more efficiently. The length of limbs gives swimmers a longer reach. But that doesn't mean shorter swimmers cannot be good swimmers. Some shorter swimmers have won Olympic gold medals, which proves that height isn’t the sole determinant of success in swimming.
We have no scientific evidence that swimming makes you taller. Your genes determine your height and there is nothing you can do to change that. But swimming can help in other areas like correct your posture and promote a more upright stance, which could make you appear taller.
But Isn't It True That Stretching Makes People Taller?
While some body parts, especially muscles, can stretch and grow longer, this does not apply to bones. Bones determine your height by providing your body's structure and shape. Stretching muscles will not make bones longer, so it cannot lead to increased height.
What About The Release Of Growth Hormone?
Swimming can boost the release of a hormone called Growth Hormone (GH). However, even if your body produces sufficient hormones that could promote growth, this is only applicable during the growth years. Furthermore, this concept remains largely theoretical, as there is no evidence to suggest that young swimmers experience increased height.
So Can You Do Anything To Increase Your Height?
It is very unlikely that anyone would be able to become taller by exercising, or by doing anything else. As mentioned earlier, your height is in your DNA. There is nothing you can do about it. At least not yet.
Which Swimming Stroke Is The Best For Posture?
No matter what stroke you choose, it will help you develop better posture. But backstroke is the most effective stroke for improving posture. Mainly because the pulling of water happens behind the body. This opens up the chest and pulls the back more into a straight line. Also, the head position is in line with the spine, which helps the body in achieving a better upright stance.
Does Aqua Aerobics Also Improve Posture?
Yes, I included an aqua exercise below that is great for posture and hunched back problem. You can do this exercise with or without aqua dumbbells. So even if you are not a great swimmer, you can still benefit from exercising in water.
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