Just when you feel that the Internet can no longer surprise you, some wild pop ups. Imagine a walk through a park in China and looking at a group of elderly people – yes, the seniors – virtually hanging from the tree branches or exercise bar hanging from their neck. No, it is not a view of a science-fi-fliction or some bizarre stunt show. This is a real fitness tendency through China’s old population, and it is as strange as it seems.
How did this start?
This trend seems to have started in Sheenyang, a city in northeastern China. A 57-year-old man came with a DIY neck-cutting device to deal with his own neck pain. He claims that it works amazing. The word spread, and before you know it, the other seniors were giving it a shot – and posting about it online.These “neck hangers” say that exercise helps to take out the spine, reduce nerve pressure and deal with chronic back and neck pain. Some people also say that it helps them in better sleep. A woman vowed that it completely cures her spinal cord issues and now she flows from a tree as it is the most natural thing in the world.watch the video:
Looks good … until it’s not
But here kicker -doctors and health experts are not thrilled.The human neck is not made at all to support the full weight of the body, especially when it is swinging around. Medical professionals have warned that such stress on the cervical spine can lead to some serious problems: pin veins, permanent injuries, or worse.And sadly, it is not just theoretical. In May 2024, a 57 -year -old man died in Chongking while trying to exercise. He used a chin strap in a public workout area, but accidentally placed a strap on his neck instead of his chin. When they started swinging, the pressure was too much – and it ended in the tragedy.
Not only neck hanging: other bizarre fitness fads
The neck hanging craze can catch the spotlight, but it is away from the only Audball exercise trend among China’s aging congestion. There are some other here that can increase your eyebrows:Crocodile Crooling – Pictures This: Groups of senior citizens crawling around the park, chant together. They believe that it strengthens the spine and increases flexibility. This is a type of military boot camp vibe – if that boot camp was run by your grandmother.Tree Bumping – Some people are really going to trees or poles and colliding with them – with repetition. The idea is to stimulate the spine and help with issues such as cervical spondylosis.Head-biting trees-yes, you read that right. Instead of colliding with their back, some seniors are headed, assuming that it creates endurance and mental strength.Grin Strikeing – This one can make you vins. Practitioners use metal items, which to attack their grin, claiming that it enhances vitality and masculinity. Auch.As bizarre as these sounds, they all stems from the same inspiration: a strong desire to stay healthy, active and independent also in old age.
So, why are the seniors turning to these strange workouts?
It is not just about being in shape – it is also cultural.Traditional Chinese therapy often bends towards overall, non-drug treatment. Many superiors prefer these natural approaches to undergo popping pills or surgery. Add to the rise of social media, where videos and admirers can go viral in seconds, and you have found the right recipe for the fitness trend explosion.In addition, in many cases, older adults may not have easy access to modern medical care or reliable health information. So when a person in the park swears that the neck-knot or tree-bumping helped them feel better, then others are in a hurry to follow.
Harmless hobby or danger?
Look, it is important to be active as your age. Nobody is arguing. But when the workouts began to neck and hits from the waist, it is probably time to hit a professional and consult a professional.Doctors say that there are safe, proven ways to stay fit for seniors – such as walking, tai chi, yoga or swimming. These may not be viral on tiktok, but they will not even get to the hospital.Therefore, while it is attractive (and what is trending in China’s parks, to see (and accepted), let’s not forget that fitness should help you survive for a long time – not shorten your lifetime.Will you hang from a tree for your health? The elders of China say yes. But maybe, it can be just, let’s leave it to professionals – or Daredevils.
