Does Regular Running Contribute to Height Growth?
With the improvement of living conditions, children nowadays tend to be taller. However, some children may be shorter than average due to genetic factors, causing concern among parents who seek various methods to help their children increase their height. Can regular running contribute to growth in height? Studies have shown that children who participate in regular physical activities tend to be taller than their peers who do not exercise. Therefore, appropriate outdoor exercise can indeed promote growth.
Firstly, running can indeed help children grow taller. Research indicates that children who engage in regular physical exercise are, on average, 4-8 centimeters taller than those who do not. It is recommended that children participate in outdoor sports daily. The specific type of exercise should be chosen based on the child's personality, physical characteristics, and preferences. It is crucial not to force children to engage in activities they dislike, as this may negatively impact their mood and ultimately hinder their growth.
Generally speaking, activities such as jumping, touching high objects, jogging, skipping rope, cycling, shuttlecock kicking, basketball, volleyball, ballet, stretching exercises, swimming, and chin-ups can help stretch muscles and ligaments, stimulate the growth of epiphyseal cartilage, and are beneficial for the growth of the spine and limbs.
The first benefit of running is the prevention of myopia. During running, you gaze ahead, allowing your eyes to adjust from far to near and vice versa, providing appropriate rest. Additionally, the process of running can help you gradually relax. If you maintain a running routine of over an hour daily, it can effectively improve vision and reduce the risk of developing myopia. For those who already have myopia, running can be a beneficial way to alleviate the condition.
The second benefit is the prevention of blood clots. Running promotes blood circulation in the body, enhancing the function of the heart and blood vessels, allowing the heart to receive more blood and effectively preventing the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Furthermore, regular running can help consume cholesterol and other substances in the blood, allowing waste and toxins to be expelled from the body quickly, thus preventing the formation of blood clots.
The third benefit is muscle strengthening. For male individuals, having a well-defined abdominal musculature is often a lifelong goal. Running can help achieve this by activating the muscles throughout the body, making loose muscles more firm and reducing fat content in the muscles. This continuous stretching process increases muscle mass and strengthens bones.
