Most of us are on the shorter side when it comes to height. It can be more difficult for men and women below average height. Thankfully, there are some things that you can do to help keep your stature chic and fit. The challenge for shorter people is obvious: you have less room to stretch out horizontally as you grow up. Luckily, there are ways to strengthen your legs and increase your overall length. Keep reading to learn more about how to get shorter in height if you’re a man or a woman.

How to Get Shorter in Height: The Basics

For shorter men looking to get shorter, there are a few basic things that you can do to make yourself shorter. You can also use these tips to be taller if you are already above-average height.  

  • Avoid Inactive Days  
  • Keep your body active by exercising, even if it’s just for five minutes a day. You’ll build muscle which will increase your height.  
  • Wear Heels  
  • Tuck your toes. Wearing heels can make you look taller since it puts your toes in a different position. If you keep your toes tucked, you can wear your heels without making you look taller.  
  • Use Props  
  • Use things like a stool, a small plant, a book, or a lamp to help you look taller. If you combine these things with heels, you may look shorter with props than without.  
  • Wear Sleeves  
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and jackets can make you look and feel taller. Wearing long-sleeved shirts can make you appear more imposing if you have short arms.  
  • Wear Scarves  
  • Wearing scarves or neckties can make you feel and look taller, especially if you tie them in a manner that pulls them up high. 

Strength Training for Men

A sound and well-balanced diet are essential for men who want to get shorter. A substantial body will allow you to lift heavier weights and perform better in sports. Strength training exercises are a great addition to any gym routine. They are relatively safe, easy to do, and provide significant health benefits. You’ll want to choose exercises that challenge your muscles and don’t just work on your cardiovascular system to get the best results.

Here are a few ways to add strength training to your routine:  

  • Use a resistance band  
  • You can do pull-ups, chin-ups, squats, lunges, and many other exercises with a resistance band. You can also use it for ab exercises, such as crunches or twists.  
  • Buy a Home Gym If you have the space or resources, a home gym can be a great addition to your routine. It can be used for cardio, resistance training, or weight training.  
  • Do Cardio and Strength Training Together Some people like to do cardio first in the morning and strength training in the evening? Others like to include cardio in their routine with strength training. The best way to incorporate strength training into your routine is to find a routine that works with your schedule and preferences. 

Women, Weight Training, is a Must!

There are a few things that men can do to get shorter. However, you’ll want to focus on making yourself more muscular and leaner if you want to get shorter without much effort.  

  • Weight Training For men and women, muscle determines height. Women tend to be shorter because of their less muscular physique. Women need to add muscle to gain height. You’ll want to aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio and weight training three times per week to get the best results. You can also do HIIT training (high-intensity interval training) for 20-30 minutes once or twice a week.  
  • Cardio  
  • Cardio exercises are great for fat loss and overall health. Running, elliptical training, and walking are all great options.  
  • Post-WOD Meals A few studies have shown that consuming protein after a workout can help muscles recover, which can help you get stronger and build muscle. Some great options for post-workout meals include oats, protein shakes, eggs, and nuts. 

Avoid Negative Body Thoughts and Emotions

We’ve all been in our heads for a while. Avoiding negative body thoughts and emotions when trying to get shorter is important. You don’t want to constantly worry about your appearance or be upset about your height. It is important to remind yourself that how you feel about yourself does not have to be how you think about yourself.  

It is important to allow yourself to feel any sadness, disappointment, or anger without trying to push it away. These feelings are normal and should be acknowledged without blame. Once you can admit them, you can work on moving forward and changing how you feel. 

Conclusion

You’ll have to work on your strength and appearance if you want to get shorter. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and correct supplementation are the keys to becoming more muscular and taller. If you want to get shorter, avoid sitting all day, smoking, and wearing a half-inch or fewer shoes. When you shorten your height, you will become more mobile and agile, increasing your ability to perform any activity efficiently.