Get Taller: A Complete Guide to Natural Height Growth
Brief Background– This Strength By Sonny Exclusive is for anyone who wants to learn how to get taller by means of natural height growth. I emphasize how to get taller naturally because leg lengthening surgery and using pharmaceutical grade HGH are expensive options.
They simply are not practical for the average individual.
Back in 2013, I measured in at 6’0″ (182.88 cm). In May 2014, I was in a very bad car accident that did permanent damage to my lower back. I went through several months of rehab to help strengthen the muscles on the right side of my lower back.
I never thought much about my height or had any desire to get taller until March 2016. One day I just realized that I felt a lot shorter than I used to be. My friends who had always been shorter than me were suddenly about the same height as me.
My apparent height shrinkage was very gradual until it became obvious.
I went to the doctor for a checkup and got the nurse to measure me. I measured in at just under 5’9″ (175.26 cm).
For the first time in my adult life, I was actually self-conscious about my height.
What the hell happened? Years of poor posture, stiffness, and gravity happened.
Poor Posture- Poor posture was the result of my accident and years of being hunched over a computer (and smartphone).
Stiffness- I was stiff because I hadn’t focused on mobility and function in almost a decade. Once I stopped playing sports in high school, all I did was lift weights. I stopped doing my rehab exercises once my back felt better.
Gravity- Height shrinkage is inevitable with age.
So how do you get taller?
You get taller by combating poor posture, stiffness, and gravity.
In March, I developed my own program to get taller. I did this program every single morning for 6 months straight.
In September 2016, I measured in at 6’1″ (185.42 cm.). Over the course of 6 months, I grew just over 4 inches.
You will grow if you pay attention and do exactly what I say.
Now it’s time for you to stand tall because life is a lot better when you max out your height.
Get Taller With These 5 Tips
Before we get into the actual program it is important that we first go over some general guidelines or tips. This is the important information that you must keep in mind during this program. These tips must be executed in conjunction with this natural height growth program.
1. Height is largely determined by genetics.
Both of your parents’ heights matter but it is your father’s height that is usually the most accurate predictor of your potential height.
Tall Father = You will likely be tall.
Short Father = You will likely be short.
This program is not a miracle cure. If you are 5’5″ you probably won’t reach 6’0″ with 6 months of stretching exercises. However, 1-2 inches is totally within reach.
2. Sleep is the most important factor within your control.
Everybody says get 8 hours of sleep but they never get any more specific than that.
For this program, you must get 10-11 hours of deep sleep every night.
In other words, you need 10-11 hours of that knockout type of sleep where you wake each day feeling completely refreshed.
Deep or slow wave sleep is important because it promotes the production of human growth hormone (HGH) in the pituitary gland.
In order to facilitate deep sleep, you should lay down in a calm, dark environment.
If you are having trouble getting deep, dark sleep use the following:
Sleep Mask- A sleep mask helps you sleep in darkness by eliminating any light from your line of vision.
Melatonin- Melatonin helps combat sleep problems by helping you sleep deeper.
3. Avoid Growth-Stunting Factors.
- Poor sleep
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking cigarettes
- Using drugs
- Stress
While there’s isn’t any concrete evidence that any one of these factors stunts growth, why risk it?
Better yet, what are the chances that these factors will have a positive impact on your height?
Growing taller or maxing out your height is like anything in life. It is a game of odds.
You make all the high probability moves that bring you closer toward your goal and avoid the low probability moves that potentially move you away from your goal.
4. Eat right and use the right supplements.
There’s no special height growth diet.
Just make sure you eat plenty of lean protein and stay away from the simple carbohydrates.
Avoid sugar as well.
*** Since March, I have increased my consumption of broccoli. I used to eat it sporadically whereas since March, I have eaten it every day.
While there is no definitive proof that eating broccoli helped, what are the chances that it hurt?
As far as supplements are concerned, there are no magic pills.
During my research, I have seen supplements such as ashwagandha toted as the next revolutionary magic pill to help you get taller.
In all likelihood, all magic height boosting supplements are just like all over the counter test boosters, they’re all a scam.
So what supplements work? Just the basics.
There are numerous scientific studies that prove that zinc deficiency is related to stunted growth.
See Does zinc deficiency play a role in stunting among primary school children in NE Thailand? (PubMed)
Increase your zinc intake by eating foods rich in zinc and using a zinc supplement.
I use this one.
Vitamin D promotes bone and muscle growth. Studies have linked a deficiency in Vitamin D to stunted growth and weight gain.
Daily sun exposure and supplementing with Vitamin D should be sufficient. My doctor recommended 10,000 i.u. per day (in the morning).
I take this one.
Supplements that specifically promote bone health are important because strong, healthy bones are crucial to not only getting taller but also combating future height loss.
I use Bone-Up because it contains Vitamin D, Zinc, Calcium, and specifically promotes bone mineral density.
5. Exercise.
You must exercise because if you don’t, you will slowly decay both physically and mentally.
An exercise program that incorporates lifting weights and cardio vascular training is ideal.
Movement is a must. You have to do something. Anything!
Even if all you do is walk for 20 minutes during your lunch break at work, anything is better than nothing.
When you do nothing, your entire body becomes stiff and compact. You shrink like a diamond.
Corporate slaves shrink by the day because they sit at their desk eternally hunched over a computer.
The Strength By Sonny “Get Taller” Morning Routine
Here is the routine broken down by individual movement. I also include my thoughts on each stretch. In other words, what should be going on inside your head?
Movement #1
Movement #1- “I can almost reach it!”
This is the first movement in the routine. With this movement, you are stretching your entire body out one side at a time.
You should feel this movement really stretch out the side of your lats.
Imagine yourself trying to grab something high above your head. Your life depends on it but it’s just out of reach.
Look up and imagine it. Open and close your hand repeatedly to make it seem more realistic. Stand up on your tippy toes.
You can execute this movement once each side or twice.
Movement #2
Movement #2- “I am reaching for the heavens. The waist must be kept tight!”
With this movement, your hands are joined together as if you are going to dive into a pool.
Except you’re not diving into a pool, you’re reaching high for the heavens.
Stand up on your tippy toes. Keep the waist tight and execute a vacuum pose as you reach as high as you can.
Imagine your entire body stretching out and getting longer.
Execute this movement twice in a row.
Movement #3
Movement #3- Abundance Pose into “See if you can Matrix.”
The abundance pose is a must in any stretching routine if you want to get taller. (It also helps lower cortisol and raise testosterone.)
You are literally opening up to the world as you stretch out your entire body.
Spread your wings like an eagle, arch your back, and raise up on your tippy toes.
It’s okay if you stumble.
Do this movement 3 times, each time arching your back further than the last time.
See if you can move like Neo in The Matrix.
Movement #4
Movement #4- “Opposite arm opposite leg. Straight forward. Claw for every inch!”
With this movement, you are on the ground stretching forward.
Opposite arm opposite leg, stretch out your entire body!
Claw forward because every inch counts. Feel your leg clawing backwards.
It helps to have something barely reachable in front of you (like the edge of a mat) because this forces you to claw for that extra inch.
Like Al Pacino said, “We claw with our fingernails for that inch!”
Do this movement 2 times for each side.
Movement #5
Movement #5- Same concept as Movement #4, except “diagonal”. Think 45 degree slant for both limbs.
This movement is the exact same as Movement #4. The only difference is that you are on an angle in both instances.
Don’t forget to claw with your hands and feet!
Do this movement 2 times for each side.
Movement #6
Movement #6- Opposite arm opposite leg. Reach for the heavens with both your hand and your feet. “Make them touch.”
This is the most difficult movement because it requires some balancing skills.
With this movement, you are on your hands and knees facing forward.
Using your opposite arm and opposite leg, reach for the heavens with both your hand and your foot.
Imagine yourself joining your hand and your foot above the center of your spine.
Do this movement 2 times for each side.
Movement #7
Movement #7- “Claw forward and vacuum.”
With this movement, you are on your knees. Your legs do not move.
Claw forward with your arms and stretch as far forward as you can go.
Keep the waist tight in a vacuum pose.
Do this movement 1 time.
Movement #8
Movement #8- “Hang like a monkey.”
Hanging from a bar is the most direct way to stretch out your entire body and fight against gravity.
As you age, gravity compresses your body like a diamond.
The first position is a straight dead hang where you hold on to the bar with both arms while your legs hang straight down.
In the second position, you are curling your legs backward and arching your back. Imagine you are trying to use your feet to grab your head.
The final two positions are where you hold on to the bar with only one arm. Lean your body toward the side that is holding on to the bar.
When you are hanging with only one arm it’s better to have your feet on the ground in order to prevent uncontrolled hanging. Wild, uncontrolled hanging can lead to injuries, such as a dislocated shoulder.
“When will I actually get taller?”, FAQ, & Final Words of Encouragement
“2017 is your year. It only makes sense.”
One day in March 2016, I randomly started stretching in the morning because I was noticeably shorter than I was 3 years prior and I wanted to get taller.
Those stretches became a daily habit and eventually they developed into program for others to follow.
I started in March and I never stopped or took any breaks.
I did a ton of travelling in 2016 but I always found time to do this natural height growth routine.
- Las Vegas, NV
- the beach at Hermosa Beach, CA
- my hotel rooms in Fruita, CO; Topeka, KS; London, OH and many more
- by the Montauk Lighthouse and on the shores of Fire Island
- my current home in North Carolina
I never made excuses. From March 2016 to September 2016, all I did was show up everyday and execute the game plan you just witnessed.
Question: “How long will it take for me to get taller?”
Answer: It takes as long as it takes. Everyone is different. Some people (mostly older people) will do this program and not see any results because it is impossible for them to get taller because gravity has already won.
Younger guys in their teens and twenties are most likely to see a measurable growth in height because their growth plates have not fully closed yet.
Most people will see improvement in their posture, leading to measurable height growth, after a few months of consistence execution of the advice above.
Question: “You never mentioned anything about tracking height progress. Why is this?”
Answer: After nearly 3 years as a paid self-improvement consultant, I have amassed a ton of experience helping others and feel like I know a lot more about the human psyche during the journey toward accomplishment or improvement than your Average Joe.
The fact of the matter is that we live in an instant gratification society where everyone wants it now and when they don’t get it now, they get discouraged. Many times they give up right away.
We are too smart informed for our own good. The beginning of any journey sucks because it’s filled with failures and not knowing what the hell you are doing.
It’s better to be ignorant or just plain stupid because you have no idea where you stand. You have no idea whether you are heading towards failure or success.
You just keep moving forward because that’s the only thing that really matters.
Tracking progress makes people lose their minds. They become obsessive over measuring their height, weight, etc.
This causes them to break down mentally and lose hope when they don’t see measurable improvement every single time. Then they give up.
I never measured my height because I just kept my head down and executed.
Slowly, I began to feel taller and more “upright.” Then my friends started telling me “Wow you got taller!”
I simply waited until my next doctor’s appointment to measure myself.
Question: What are the additional benefits of this routine?
Answer: Great question. This is a movement based stretching routine. If you are like me (most people are) you simply do not incorporate enough physical movement into your daily routine.
You’re as stiff as a board. Lifting weights does not count because all you are doing is training your muscles.
I’m talking about fluid, functional movements.
In addition to helping you grow naturally, this program will also help eliminate that stiffness and make your body fluid again via movement.
No matter what your level of fitness is, you will become far more comfortable and confident in your body’s movements.
Final Words of Encouragement
Don’t give up and don’t drive yourself crazy measuring your height every single day.
Visualize yourself getting taller, execute the game plan, and you will get there.
See you when I see you.
Related posts:
Strength By Sonny 2014 Physical Transformation Guide (Part III: Prep Mode Training)
Strength By Sonny 2014 Physical Transformation Guide (Part IV: Prep Mode Diet and Supplements)
The Age of Excuses : “There are no asterisks in this life, only SCOREBOARDS.”
You know you’ve got something special when you’re willing to go BEOWULF
58 Comments
Sick post. Will start implementing it
Awesome. Don’t give up!
How does one get 11 hours of sleep while working full time and striving to hit other goals? The most I’d assume a young ambitious person could get is 7hrs…maybe 8hrs per night.
I feel you. I haven’t worked less than 16 hours a day in four years – the short answer is that if you want the results you have to make time. Automation and hiring helps more than anything else.
Yea… but getting 11 hours of sleep every single day is simple not possible for the young working professional. Period. People have dates, friends, events, vacations some classes, hobbies… 8 hours max is more realistic
You’ll get it. Just make sure the sleep is deep.
Cam will find a way. He’s a winner!
I should have specified. That’s what worked for me. I needed 10-11 hours of “knockout sleep”.
If all you can get is 8, then just get 8. But make sure they are knockout.
I will say that most people are underslept to a degree. It might be worth doing 10-11 for at least the first night or 2 to reset and then shoot for 10-11 once in a while.
Sonny Any suggestions for knockout sleep. I have this habit of waking up once in a while during sleep and heard its not bad
Yes. Wear an eye mask and take Melatonin as instructed in the article. Also avoid staring at screens at leats an hour before bed.
I need to start incorporating stretches into my routine. I’ve never been very flexible, and it is something that I need to work on. Some extra height would help too, and I noticed a small amount of vertical growth when I started working out regularly. My dick got bigger too (pause).
Creating a growth hormone friendly environment in your body works wonders. Regular blood work checking hormones especially.
Re: pumping iron growing your dick, yeah it can happen. Most dramatic gains come from reducing body fat. By reducing the size of the fat pad over your dick, you get a little extra to work with.
Yup. I’m contemplating going for a more streamlined look by July around 200 lbs. even.
Do it you got nothing to lose.
I was expecting this post when you uploaded your video on stretching in the doorway. I’ve been doing similar. 4 years after being run over, I was much shorter than before.
Guys, this stuff really works. When I got married I was my wife’s height. Six years later I’m 4″ taller than her and counting. I’m not stopping until I’m closer to my Dad’s height. 3 inches to go, I hope.
That’s awesome man. Thanks for stopping by Lloyd!
Lloyd how old were you when you tried this?
22 to 26 (present). Learned some of these when studying martial arts. Some of these stretches are new to me – I’ve implemented them going forward.
Have you gotten any closer to your Dad’s height yet?
How tall were you when you started? What does your wife think of the taller you?
My Dad is 5’3″
I usually train in the afternoon, so I think I’ll experiment doing these before or after training and see what feels better. Is there any particular reason why it should only be done in the morning?
Because when you sleep your body is stationary (not moving) for an extended period of time.
Great post. Thank you for sharing. You are great man.
Thanks brother! Glad you liked it!
Great post like always! You mentioned that you’re 6’1. At what age did you get your final growth spurt and is it true some guys grow a little bit more before they hit their 25th birthday? Thanks.
I graduated high school at 5’9″ and slowly grew from there. Absolutely, so guys still have growth potential in their 20s.
That’s awesome. From 5’9 to 6’1. Am 5’5, gonna aim for that 5’7 before my 25th haha. I implemented this stretching routine the day you posted this article. How long is one suppose to hold the stretch? 30 seconds?
I usually hold for a about 15-20 seconds.
I’ve been doing this since more than a month. For each exercise I should hold for 15-20 secs?
I’d say at least 30
This is the kind of high-quality content that made me bookmark SBS years ago..
Keep it up. And tell me your thoughts on bridging. Worth addition to your routine or waste of time?
Bridging would help too.
what is bridging?
Google it
How did you feel when you measured at 5’9?
I have my starting height marked, supplements are on the way, LETS DO THIS!!
I was a little disappointed at first but I knew if I really focused on posture building exercises I could improve it.
I have to say that is an incredibly optimistic view, especially when it’s widely accepted that height is one of the traits you cannot change.
Yes. If you are a young guy, it is ABSOLUTELY possible.
I am going for another 3 cm this year and I think it is absolutely possible, if you get really good posture and do the exercises. There is a lot of growth potential when the lower back muscles are not fully stretched to their potential.
I just wanted to add that the Alexander technique might be a good method to get a better posture and it might be a good addition to the stretching exercises.
Makes sense. Yup. Do as much stretching/movement as possible.
I am 5 5 during my teenage and during those time I didn’t really care cause I had a zero knowledge about growing taller what I thought was I will grow naturally grow until coz I am still young as I became older I realised that I hadn’t grown at inch. When I look out for solutions hoping I could find one.
Darn it!!! I wish knew at those age.
Hope this one works… 🙄
It will. Just stick with it.
Do you recommend to stay away from very heavy squats and deadlifts for this program to work? hence they put immense pressure on the spine.
Couldn’t hurt. Come to think of it, I stayed away from those lifts during that time period.
Sonny, have you tried using this to grow taller than 6’1″?
No. I actually have to start stretching again myself.
Hey Sonny, I’ve read that intermittent fasting raises HGH levels. Do you think this is relevant to height growth?
I’m not sure. I would have to look more into it.
Hey Sonny,
How did you come up with the stretches in this routine?
IDK just started doing them one day.
“life is a lot better when you max out your height.”
Indeed it is. Even if you’re tall, it’s still true. Sonny, you should expand on how “life is a lot better when you max out your height” in a blog post. I have tried to introduce this process to men who are like 6’1″ or 6’2″, they aren’t interested. They think they are already “tall enough”. They say they are afraid of scaring off women by being “too tall” and other rubbish. I wish I could better explain why they are incorrect and convince them otherwise.
On the other hand, I introduced this to a man who was only 5’9″ several months ago. He now stands over 6 feet. After I showed this to him, he couldn’t wait to get started, and now he has the benefit of being over 6 feet tall.
Sonny, in my opinion, this is some of the best work you have ever done. I just wish I could reach more men with it.
Thank you so much! Yea it’s one of those things where if you stick with it… things begin to happen 🙂
So if you are 37, this isn’t really going to get you anywhere save an inch or so for good posture, correct?
Most likely, no but you won’t know until you try.
Hey Sonny, I’m 23 do you think these exercises will still work for me? Also how old were you when you started doing these exercises, you don’t have to answer I just want to know an age range. How much did you grow when you started doing these exercises back in 2016?
I was 26 when I did these. Read the article again. All this info is in it
Whats good Sonny. Big problem! I have been 6’2 since the sophomore year in high school and now people are starting to grow over me. I just graduated highs school and I’m still this height. I’m starting to feel discouraged. I just turned 18 and I’m praying to at least reach 6’5 or 6’6 if I’m lucky. I’m wondering if doing your program can give me extra inches and I want to believe that your program is legit because they’re a lot of fake programs out there and hopefully this can be the one right here. What’s your take?
It’s a free program- what do you have to lose