Alexander Technique

      How it works:  It’s believed that you may grow up to an inch within a year by following the Alexander Technique in which it helps to improve posture and release unwanted muscular tension throughout your body which has accumulated over many years of stressful living.

      Over the years we become accustomed to the ways in which we sit and stand without realizing that if is often these very positions that are putting strains upon our body - no matter how uncoordinated these positions are, they will always feel right to us. When we perform everyday activities it is amazing how frequently we subject our bodies to undue tension simply by not being aware of what we are doing; this tension spreads throughout the muscular system, even if it is triggered in one particular area of the body [Alexandertechnique.com]

An Alexander Technique teacher helps you see what in your movement style contributes to your recurring difficulties -- whether it's a bad back, neck and shoulder pain, restricted breathing, perpetual exhaustion or limitations in performing a task or sport.

In fact, many people who practice the Technique experience a general feeling of lightness throughout their bodies and even describe the sensation as being like ‘walking on air’.

      Experimented by:  Sky.
- I paid $50 to have a 45-minute session with a certified Alexander Technique instructor back in spring 2005.  She has one-on-one sessions in Center City Philadelphia (3 blocks from Liberty Place tower).  I don’t think it was worth it.  Basically she taught to move around with ease; however, I was more anxious about growing taller stretches which I didn’t learn anything from her.

      Statistical Success Rate:  Medium (Athletes)
…….…………………………..Very Low (Others)

- Athletes, bodybuilders, or elderly individuals with posture problems tend to achieve slightly better results (or better posture) than others (physically inactive) when following the Alexander Technique.

      Level of Difficulty:  Easy

      Duration:  1 week (March 2005)

      Result:  Not conclusive.
- The result of this experiment is not available due to the fact that I only experimented with the Alexander Technique for less than a week. Meanwhile, I believe that the Alexander Technique is unlikely to make you grow taller. However, it will allow you to utilize your full height, with proper posture.

Yoga & Pilates

      How it works:  It’s believed that you may grow up to an inch within a year by practicing Yoga or Pilates.

      Experimented by:  Sky.
- In March 2005, I registered for a Yoga/Pilates class which is located near Philly Chinatown.  In this class, I’ve learned some stretching moves, muscle conditioning exercises, and breathing techniques.

      Statistical Success Rate:  Medium (Athletes)
…….…………………………..Very Low (Others)

- Athletes, bodybuilders, or elderly individuals with posture problems tend to achieve slightly better results (or better posture) than others (physically inactive) when practicing Yoga or Pilates.

      Level of Difficulty:  Easy

      Duration:  3 weeks (March 2005)

      Result:  Not conclusive.
- The result of this experiment is not available due to the fact that I only experimented with Yoga & Pilates for less than 3 weeks.  Meanwhile, I believe that Yoga or Pilates is unlikely to make you grow taller. However, it will allow you to utilize your full height, with proper posture.

Yoga is a combination of physical and mental exercises that aim to promote flexibility, stamina and strength, and reduce stress.  On the other hand, Pilates is a system of exercise designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s to help flexibility, body awareness, core strength, balance, posture, breathing and endurance. This system utilizes a series of exercises on mats and equipment. Within this framework, Pilates focuses on control and precision of major and minor muscle groups. The six basic principles of Pilates are: Concentration, Centering, Control, Flowing movement, Precision, and Breathing.

    Yoga Success Stories

Spine

Methods

Success Rate

Duration

Tested

Level of

Difficulty

Sky’s Lumbar Routine

Very High (Athletes)

Medium (Others)

1 month

Easy

Stationary Inversion

Low (Athletes)

Very Low (Others)

3 months
plus 2 weeks

Easy

Stretching journals, downloads, exercises

Medium (Athletes)

Very Low (Others)

3 weeks

Easy

Alexander Technique, Yoga, Pilates

Medium (Athletes)

Very Low (Others)

3 weeks

Easy

Swimming

Low (Athletes)

Very Low (Others)

4 weeks

Easy

Pull ups

High (Athletes)

Low (Others)

3 weeks

Easy