Keep Growing

Okay, so you aren’t the tallest person around. Don’t get all Napoleonic on us or anything. Get busy and do something about it!

Not that you can literally make yourself taller (big hair and platform shoes don't count), but you can make yourself look that way with good posture. Think optical illusion. You can also work these posture-improving stretches into your daily routine:

Pec Stretch: Hold onto a doorway, arms bent at the elbows, palms facing forward. Gently lean forward to feel the stretch in your chest and shoulders. Hold for 3-5 breaths.

Hip Stretch: Sitting, place one ankle on the opposite knee. Gently lean forward, back straight and abs tight, to feel the stretch in your glute and hip. Hold for 3-5 breaths. Repeat on opposite side.

Rows can also do wonders for posture. Use a rowing machine or try the bent-over barbell variety. And this goes for everyone, no matter how vertically challenged you may be—always stand up tall and proud. You're beautiful at any height!