1.       Q: How does your training routine look like? Do you have rest days?

A: Currently, I do weighted inverted sit-ups for 3 days in a row, followed by a rest day and the cycle repeats itself. On a so-called rest days, I just do normal, static full inversion, without the weights. I do my routine three times per day at regular intervals: once in the morning when I wake up, once before lunch and finally, once in the late afternoon. So, to recap, I invert EVERYDAY. Whether I do weighted inverted sit-ups or not, depends on the schedule. Right now, I’m using 10 kg on both hands, which adds up to 20 kg of load. For each session of weighted crunches, I do 3 sets of 8 reps.

Ok, this is the current stage of my routine which I had worked up to for the past 8 odd months. When you’re starting out, DO NOT just dive into this routine. That would be crazy. If you’re using an inversion table (which I recommend), you need to work up your way from doing partial inversion at an angle of maybe 10 degrees below the horizontal and then gradually increasing the angle of inversion every day. Do whatever is comfortable to YOU. If you feel uncomfortable, take a break and rest for a day or two. After all, what’s the point in being taller if you’re dead, right? The same goes for weighted inverted sit-ups. You’ll have to start with normal crunches first, WITHOUT any weights and then work your way up once you become stronger and more accustomed to the motion.

2.       Q: So, how should I work my way up to your current routine then?

A: Honestly, I cannot say. You have to listen to your body. Do what is only comfortable for YOU. I cannot stress that enough. For me, I gradually increased the angle of inversion to 180 degrees (full inversion) in ‘bout a week. Then, I took ‘bout 2 more weeks to let my body get accustomed to hanging upside down, gradually increasing the duration from 15 seconds to ‘bout a minute. Then, I did normal inverted crunches for the next 3 weeks or so and as the weeks went by, I started using weights, incrementally increasing the load. I was very cautious not to strain my back or abs.

3.       Q: What was it like inverting upright for the first time?

A: I’m glad you asked! It was nerve-racking. On the first try, I almost inverted fully but at the last second, I went back up again. Same thing happened on my second try. I know, I’m such a pussy. Finally, on the third attempt, I felt a bit more confident after praying that the ankle holder won’t bail on me and I inverted fully. Now, I don’t have any fear bout inverting any more.

4.       Q: What was it like inverting fully? Did you get sick?

A: Well, firstly, I felt the blood rushing into my head but that’s expected. Duh. As for hanging by my feet, it was far more comfortable than I thought it’d be. The cushion that held me up by the top of my ankles was quite comfy and the ankle cuffs that wrapped around the back of my ankles were ok too. (N.B. The feet holder might be different depending on our model of inversion table) Oh, it’d be more comfy if you wear sports shoes with socks while inverting.

5.       Q: Can anyone invert themselves?

A: NO! As I’ve mentioned in the disclaimer and in other parts of my site, inversion is not for everyone. I’m going to state this one more time. Check with your family doctor before using an inversion table. Patients with certain medical conditions shouldn't use an inversion table, including women who are pregnant, people on anticoagulants, and anyone with hernia, glaucoma, retinal detachment, conjunctivitis, high blood pressure, recent stroke, heart or circulatory disorders, spinal injury, cerebral sclerosis, swollen joints, osteoporosis, unhealed fractures, surgically implanted supports, ear infection or obesity. Obviously, the list is not exhaustive so if you have any concerns ‘bout your medical condition, PLEASE check with your doctor, ok?

6.       Q: I have more qns that I want to ask you. Can you give me your MSN? It’d be easier that way.

A: Well, if we’re chatting on MSN, I’d be tempted to flash you with my sweet round bum and I’m sure you wouldn’t like that :P Nah, but seriously, I think this F.A.Q section is comprehensive enough to address most of your queries. However, should you have any qns that you can’t find answers to here, then simply shoot me a msg under the ‘Contact’ page, right in the ‘Navigation’ panel. I’ll be sure to clarify that by adding it to the growing list of F.A.Q.s.

7.       Q: I think you’re a scammer! You are so full of shit!

A: Scammer? Uhm.......did I say that I have a rich inheritance and I need you to cash it out for me through Western Union? Besides, I’m not Nigerian, you know. ( No offence to those nice Nigerians out there but seriously, you can’t join any social networking sites without one of those pesky Nigerian scammers bothering you.)  As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not here to sell you anything and neither do I ask you for your hard-earned money. I have plenty of my own, thank you very much. In addition, should you decide to embark on this height increase routine, those equipment that you buy are solely yours to keep, FOR LIFE. They’re not mine, they’re YOURS and don’t forget, I do list alternatives to doing those exercises without having to pay a SINGLE DIME (though I do not recommend them for obvious safety reasons)

 

8.       Q: Oh yeah? If you’re not a scammer, then why don’t you show your face?

A: Obviously for privacy reasons. Duh. Besides, if my gf found out ‘bout this, she will probably dash over to my place and yell, “So this is why you have to rush back home in the morning? Cos you have to do some goddamned sit-ups?!!!” before proceeding to smash the living shit out of my trusted inversion table. We can’t possibly let that happen, can we? ;)

Besides, tell me, how many profiles with pics on social networking sites are actually of real people? So, think carefully, do you really think displaying a freaking pic adds to my credibility? You be the judge. All I know is that everything that has been documented on this site is a true account of what I did for the past 8 odd months (since late May 2009). However, if you’re still sceptical, then I can’t help you with that. I’m terribly sorry.

9.       Q: Ok, so you’re not a scammer. Are you going to continue increasing the load for your weighted sit-ups?

A: No, I think I’m going to do ‘maintenance’ routine for the next 2-3 months; I’ll be continuing my current routine without any changes to intensity or duration.  After all, a gain of approximately 2 inches in the spine, over a period of ‘bout 8 months, is quite an accomplishment already. I wouldn’t want to strain my spine by loading up too soon.

10.   Q: Can you lend me some money to buy the equipment? After all, you do want to see me succeed in becoming taller, right?

A:  While I sincerely hope that everyone can achieve their aims in life, I just find the idea of sending money to strangers out of the goodness of my heart rather silly. Sorry, mate.

11.   Q: How did you come across the idea for the routine?

A: I saw this idea on some height increasing forums (many of which are now defunct) and decided to give it a go.

12.   Q: Would the gain in my height be permanent?

A: From the accounts that I’ve read on the forums, many of them lost their gains due to discontinuing the routine. You must understand, we’re increasing our height by incremental thickening of the cartilage discs in our spine, not growing of bones. We need to keep our spine, to the best of our ability, in constant, daily traction so that we won’t lose the height gain. This is akin to bodybuilding. If you discontinue your workout routine, your muscles will just atrophy ie. waste away. So, if you want to keep all of that precious height gain, you must stick to the routine. You don’t need to continue increasing the load. Once you’re satisfied with the height gain, you can just do ‘maintenance’ routine.

13.   Q: But I don’t work from home like you. (You lucky bastard!!!) So, it’s very hard for me to do these exercises 3 times a day. What should I do then?

A: Yes, I understand perfectly where you’re coming from. A hectic schedule will prevent you from doing these exercises as frequently as you should. However, do not despair. Try to fit these exercises into your daily routine as much as you can. If you can’t do 3 sessions per day, then aim for 2. If you can’t do 2 per day, then just do 1. After all, 1 session per day is better than nothing. The only downside is that your height gain will be much slower, that’s all.