Anyone that is looking to improve their physical and mental fitness should consider getting outside and going for a run or job on a regular basis. If you’re new to running, or unsure of the idea, you can start by walking and incorporating interval training or weights.
Running has many benefits for the body, as many of you know… but did you ever wonder if it can make you taller? I actually had one of my students ask me that very question the other day, given I’m fairly tall and have been running since high school.
While my gut response was, “no”… it got me thinking. Can running technically make you taller? Or contribute to your height in some way? While the scientific answer is, “no”… running will not directly impact your height, it can provide you with a variety of different health benefits and improve your posture.
How Running Can Make You Feel Taller
There are many physical and mental benefits associated with running. However, getting taller from running is not one of them. While genetics is the leading contributor towards your height, there are two ways that this activity can help you feel, and even appear, taller.
Improved Posture
One of the ways that running can help you feel and appear taller is by improving your posture. When you run regularly, it can help to strengthen your back muscles and various joints. This improved strength can help you maintain better posture. Further, you may feel better about yourself and more confident, which can also encourage you to stand taller.
Improved Toning
One of the advantages of running is that it can help you lose weight and appear trimmer. This will give you a more streamlined and toned appearance, which can help you appear taller and stronger.
Health Benefits of Running
While running cannot directly make you taller, it is still a very good form of exercise… do don’t give up on it just yet. Being taller is not the only way to actually feel “larger than life” and hold your head high. The endorphins released from regular exercise, especially running, can give you the shot in the arm you need to soar to new heights!
Burn Calories to Lose or Maintain Weight
One of the benefits of running is that it can help you lose weight or maintain an already healthy weight. Running continues to be a common form of exercise as you can burn calories in a short period of time. Depending on the individual, you could burn over 100 calories for every mile you run.
Improved Cardiovascular Fitness
Another advantage of running is that it can help you improve your cardiovascular fitness. All people should be focused on keeping their hearts and the rest of their bodies healthy. A great way to do this is by completing cardiovascular exercises from time to time. Ideally, you should get at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 4 to 5 times per week. Running will help you get your heart rate up while going at your own pace.
Better State of Mind
While it is important that you are focused on your physical health, keeping your mental health in good shape is also very important. One of the best ways that you can improve your state of mind and mental health is by going for a run. A good workout can help release endorphins in your brain, which will improve your mood. This is commonly referred to as “runners high” by active participants.
Less Likely to Catch a Cold
Did you know that running regularly can help you avoid getting sick? Having a strong immune system is very beneficial and can help you avoid getting routine colds… or worse. Engaging in regular aerobic exercise has been shown to help protecting your respiratory system.
Final Thoughts On if Running Can Make You Taller
Running continues to be viewed by many as a very effective exercise for someone that wants to live a healthy, active lifestyle. It’s also extremely cost effective and doesn’t require a gym membership… just a good pair of shoes will do!
While it can help you lose weight, improve posture, and improve your overall appearance… it will not actually make you taller. Sorry to disappoint.
Despite this, running can still make you feel taller and more confident as your body reaps the physical and mental rewards. Try setting your goals on training for a 5K, or even a marathon, and soon enough you’ll be so focused on that… you won’t have time to worry about the “small” stuff. Pun intended.
