Jumping is one of the most common acts performed during a basketball game. Without it, the game just wouldn’t be the same.
When you remember back on your most exciting plays you have seen – someone soaring to the basket for a dunk, swatting away a shot into the fifth row, or leaping to catch an alley-oop – they almost always involve jumping.
As a hooper who measured in at exactly six feet, I would have killed for just two more inches on my height. Now I hear there is a story floating around the internet is that jumping can actually make you taller?
This can’t be true, can it!? You may be surprised to hear that the answer is yes! If only the internet existed during my playing days.
Keep reading for the skinny on jumping for height and potential ways to add inches to your frame at any age!
But first, what are some of the other ways to potentially affect your growth?
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Growth Factors
1. Genetics
The foremost determinant of how tall or short you will be are your genetics. Do you come from a tall or short family? Your body composition can be traced back throughout generations of your ancestors and, while specific height may be tough to determine, and you can ballpark your height to an extent.
2. Diet
You are what you eat, and if that means healthy Calcium and vitamin-rich foods that help your body grow then you are in luck!
3. Posture
If I had a nickel for every time my father told me to stand up straight. I may be rich, and I might have some bonus inches in my vertebrae. Saying that better posture will add some height to your body seems simplistic, but if you ever slouch in front of a mirror before standing up as straight as possible, you get what I am saying.
Jumping For Height
Now before you think that when you incorporate jumping exercises into your routine, you will magically begin to grow as you see on a cartoon.
The act of jumping doesn’t literally make your body grow, rather it removes decompressions on your vertebrae. These decompressions have materialized over time due to poor posture and general body wear and tear. Do you ever wonder why people tend to “shrink” as they age?
Before you head outside to start jumping up and down without a plan, we wanted to cover some of the best exercises to increase height. Jumping comes in all different types and intensity levels. You may perform a full jump or a simple hop or skip. The common denominator is that you leave the ground during the task.
This leads to a wide variety of exercises in which you can accomplish your new growth spurt. Let’s put it this way, with the ability to try a new move each day, you will never get bored with your jumping routine.
Also Read:
Best Jumping Exercises for Increasing Height
1. Trampoline Work
Think back on the last time you were on a trampoline. If you have kids, the answer may be more recent than you would like to admit. As a self-admitted trampoline dad, I can’t deny the fun of catching air, especially while your kids are laughing along with you (or at you).
Speaking of children, my kids’ strength has increased significantly since Grandpa sprung for a trampoline. A glaring improvement happened in their core which leads to better posture and a taller physique. Mother nature does the heavy lifting, but reaching your full growth potential is possible starting as a toddler through things like a trampoline.
As for those well past puberty, the increase in strength that you get from a trampoline builds muscle while removing the decompressions in your vertebrae. And, it is a lot of fun.
2. Single-Leg Hop
This exercise promotes growth, and your balance will thank you too. By simply hopping on one leg – try sets of 10 to start and work your way up as you feel more comfortable – while holding your arms upwards, you will eradicate decompressions. The balance that your body will have to maintain will work your leg and core muscles too, making you much more sure-footed.
Alternate your legs for consistency, and don’t forget to keep those arms up while you jump! The added arm motion will benefit your core greatly.
3. Jump Rope
Whether or not jumping rope helps you gain an inch in height or not, you should incorporate it into your workout routine. Bottom line is, jumping rope is a great full-body workout that does wonders for your heart. Everyone has dreams of reenacting to Rocky jump rope scene, and here’s your chance!
If running doesn’t suit you, why not swap jumping rope in for your cardio workout instead? It boosts your heart rate and is actually a lot of fun! Compete against yourself for added motivation. Count how many consecutive jumps you can get in before getting tripped up by the rope. After you are sick of counting, set a timer and see if you can jump for that long.
Now, about the increase in height from skipping rope. Jumping rapidly will increase your strength, which will prompt healthy growth within your muscles and ligaments. Jumping rope will also builds your bone mass which could lead to some inches on your frame.
4. Jump Squats
Squats are one of the most effective exercises you can do. Incorporating a jump to the end of the move adds leg power and a boost to your height. It’s a pretty simple move.
Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Bend your knees as far down as possible while keeping your back straight.
Burst out of the squatted position with a jump as high as you can.
Squatting builds muscle and supports your joints leading to a healthier, and longer, vertebrae.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. Jumping can, in fact, promote and add height to your frame! There are many ways other than jumping – diet, better posture, and genetics to name a few – that you can better your chances of being taller.
Include the exercises that we covered today in your workout routine. These workouts are can’t miss for building muscle, cardio, and balance in your overall body. And now they may be the secret between 5’11” and 6’0”? You want to become a more dominant player, both on offense and defense? You better start jumping today!
Have you ever incorporated these jumping exercises into your routine to increase height? How did it work? Let us know below in the comments!
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