We all know that swimming is an excellent and fun exercise that can help us stay fit and healthy. Among its many benefits are improved lung capacity, lowered blood pressure, toned muscles and increased endurance. Swimming is a cardiovascular exercise that burns calories, which helps us stay in shape. It also works our heart, which improves heart health.
A peculiar question has been raised in the swimming community recently: does it increase height? Many have wondered if the stretching and full-body movement involved in swimming could encourage growth.
So, is this a myth, or can swimming really increase your stunted height and help you grow? In this blog, we will dispel some misconceptions and look at them with a lens of truth! Keep reading to dive into the facts and understand how swimming can affect height, as well as testosterone and skin complexion.
Table of Contents
- Will Swimming Make You Taller? Let’s Test the Waters!
- Does Swimming Increase Testosterone?
- Does Swimming Make You Darker?
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Will Swimming Make You Taller? Let’s Test the Waters!
Well, sorry to burst your hopes, but swimming does not actually make you taller.
Swimming regularly can improve muscle toning in your upper body, legs and core, which enhances posture and may make you appear a bit taller—though it doesn't actually add height. The illusion of posture can be really strong!
But where does the idea that swimming increases height stems from? Well, it possibly comes to people's minds because many elite swimmers are tall and often link swimming with increased height. For example, Michael Phelps is 6'3" inches, Matt Gravers is 6'9", and Nathan Adrian is 6'6". All above 6 feet! So, yes, seeing these tall athletes, one inevitably begins to wonder if their sport has played a role in their height. However, studies have found no evidence to suggest that swimming can actually increase height.
A person's height is largely determined by their genetics, so if your parents are tall, the chances are that you’ll be tall as well. Additionally, height may even be influenced by your lifestyle, environment, nutrition, and hormones. So, while swimming does offer numerous health benefits, increasing your height isn’t one of them.
Also Read: 10 Amazing Benefits Of Water Walking And Exercise Routines For Better Health
Swimming affects general and physical health in the following ways: | |
| It is well known that regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence can positively impact growth. Swimming, as a full-body exercise, stimulates the body and can enhance physical development. |
| Swimming is a low-impact activity that allows our spine to stretch and decompress, which can temporarily lead to a slight increase in height. |
| Regular swimming can strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture. Perfect posture can make a person appear taller, even if there is no actual increase in height. |
A key aspect of the potential effect of swimming on altitude has to do with the nature of the exercise itself. Swimming involves a series of movements that encourage the body to stretch.
Stretching combined with water resistance can help develop a strong and flexible body. Although it does not directly cause bone growth, it does contribute to better posture. Over time, improved posture can lead to the appearance of increased height and a more balanced figure.
In a simpler way, experts say that when swimming, the effect of gravity on the body is reduced, and the body tenses up in an effort to remain stable in the water. In such a situation, one feels taller while swimming. Swimming corrects posture and keeps the spine upright. Because of this, the body feels taller after swimming.
Also Read: Level Up Your Flexibility And Prevent Injuries With These 10 Powerful Stretching Exercises For Legs
Does Swimming Increase Testosterone?
Yes, swimming can help increase testosterone levels! However, the effect may not be as high as other high-intensity exercises like weight lifting.
Testosterone is a hormone that's mainly produced in the testes in men and the ovaries in women, though men have much higher levels. Exercise, including high-intensity strength training or weight training, boosts testosterone production. However, swimming may not have as much effect on testosterone levels.
The effect of swimming on testosterone levels varies depending on intensity, duration, and individual differences. Some studies suggest that vigorous aerobic exercise, including intense swimming, may temporarily boost testosterone levels. However, long-term endurance exercise, like long-distance swimming, may have a less pronounced or even suppressive effect on testosterone levels.
However, these effects are only temporary, and testosterone levels tend to return to normal within a short time. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, stress levels and lifestyle factors also play a significant role in hormone production and regulation.
Also Read: Strength Training Vs. Cardio: Which Is More Effective?
Does Swimming Make You Darker?
Swimming itself won’t directly darken your skin, but swimming outdoors can give you a tan. The water reflects UV rays, which can cause your skin to produce more melanin and darken. So, it’s really the sunlight, not the water or chlorine, that causes your skin to tan while swimming.
Chlorine (present in all swimming pools to disinfect the water) is a strong chemical that can break down your skin's protective barrier. When you're in the water, chlorine can weaken your skin's natural barrier, making it more sensitive to the sun. This increased sensitivity triggers the production of melanin, which leads to your skin darkening with more sun exposure. Other than that, chlorine water also leaves the skin irritated, tight and dry. This leads to sunburn and extreme tanning.
Also Read: Why Is The Skin Under Your Armpits Dark? 9 Causes, Vitamin Deficiencies, and Home Remedies You Need!
Expert’s Advice
If you're still in the growing stage, some permanent factors like proper nutrition and diet can help in increasing your height. For this, it is important to receive proper nutrition and sufficient sleep from childhood. In addition, certain exercises, such as push-ups and chin-ups, are also useful. If one does swimming along with these exercises since childhood, then it can help in increasing height.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
In summary, while swimming may not directly increase height permanently, it promotes a healthier lifestyle that can support children and adolescents in reaching their genetically determined height. So, for those wondering how swimming affects height, it's more about creating optimal conditions for natural growth rather than swimming being the sole factor for height increase.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to increase height in a week by swimming?
Increasing your height in one week by swimming is practically not possible. You can try certain exercises that promote height growth, such as stretching, hanging, and pelvic thrusts.
2. Does swimming increase height after 18?
Swimming at any age does not significantly increase height.
3. What are the benefits of swimming?
Swimming offers various health benefits, including improved posture, relief from back pain, weight loss, and better mental health. It also promotes restful sleep.
References
- https://www.onlymyhealth.com/does-swimming-increases-height-doctor-tells-in-hindi-1722000638#google_vignette
- https://www.india.com/hindi-news/health/does-swimming-really-increase-height-know-the-truth-fom-the-doctor-7142705/
- https://themagic5.com/blogs/news/does-swimming-increase-height-unveiling-the-truth?srsltid=AfmBOoo8V580fUnLb3mC_KEHcOAEO93ahYwOikgCuNpJFG1etUXfOML2
- https://www.usms.org/fitness-and-training/articles-and-videos/articles/can-swimming-make-you-taller
- https://womenmenhealth.quora.com/Does-Swimming-Increase-Testosterone-https-www-quora-com-Does-swimming-increase-testosterone-answer-Health-Consultant
- https://www.simplyswim.com/blogs/blog/the-health-benefits-of-outdoor-swimming
- https://vidyaenews.mostr.gov.lk/science-insider/do-you-know-why-does-our-skin-gets-tan-after-swimming-in-a-pool/#
About ToneOp Fit
ToneOp Fit is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.
