Just if you think the Internet can no longer surprise you, something wild pops up. Imagine a walk around the park in China and see a group of elderly people – yes, the elderly – literally hanging neck -branches or training. No, this is not a scene with a sci-fi or some bizarre trick. This is a real fitness -trand that penetrates the older population of China, and it’s as strange as it sounds.
How did it even start?
This trend seems to have started in Shenyan, the city in northeast China. A 57-year-old man came up with a device that led to his neck to cope with his own intricate neck pain. He claims to have worked wonders. The word spread, and before you know, other elderly gave him a shot – and posted about it on the Internet.These “neck hangers” say the exercise helps to stretch the spine, alleviate the nervous pressure and fight chronic back and neck pain. Some even say it helps them to sleep better. One woman swears that she has completely healed her spinal problems, and now she staggers with a tree as the most natural in the world.Watch the video:
Sounds cool … until there will be
But here is a kicker – the actors and health care experts are not delighted.The human neck is not quite built to support full body weight, especially when it waves. Medical workers warn that this type of stress in the cervical spine can lead to some serious problems: pinch nerves, constant injuries or worse.And, unfortunately, this is not just theoretically. In May 2024, a 57-year-old man in Chunkin died during the teaching attempt. He used his chin in public training, but mistakenly put the strap on his neck, not under his chin. When he started waving, the pressure was too big – and ended with a tragedy.
Not just hanging a neck: other intricate fitness -children
The hobby on the neck can capture the spotlight, but this is not the only strange trend of exercise among the old crowds in China. Here are some more that can lift your eyebrows:Crocodile crawling – Draw this: Groups of the elderly who crawl through all the four in the park, chanting together. They believe it strengthens the spine and increases flexibility. He has a kind of vibration of a military camp – when this boot camp was ruled by your grandmother.Pressing trees – some people literally approach the trees or pillars and come across their back – after all. The idea is to stimulate the spine and help in issues such as cervical spondylosis.Trees of the head-so, you read correctly. Instead of running back on their backs, some elderly people go primarily, thinking it creates endurance and mental power.Deprivation – it can make you cause. Practical professionals use metal objects to strike in the groin, claiming that it increases vitality and courage. Oh.As strange as these sounds, they all stem from one motivation: a strong desire to remain healthy, active and independent – even in old age.
So, why are the elderly turn to these amazing workouts?
It is not just about being in shape – it is also cultural.Traditional Chinese medicine is often leaning towards holistic drugs. Many elderly people prefer this natural approach to jump out tablets or transactions. Add social media lift where videos and reviews can become viral in seconds, and you have the perfect fitness explosion recipe.In addition, in many cases, elderly adults may not have easy access to modern health or reliable health information. Therefore, when someone in the park swears that the neck or trees helped them feel better, others quickly follow.
A harmless hobby or danger?
Look, keeping active as you age is important. No one argues with that. But when the workouts start with the participation of the neck and groin, it may be time to hit and consult with a professional.Doctors say that for the elderly there are safer, proven ways to stay in shape – for example, walking, tai, yoga or swimming. They may not become viral on the science, but they also do not land you to the hospital.So, though it is entertaining (and presumably entertaining) to find out what in China in trend, we will not forget that fitness should help you live longer – not reduce your service life.Would you hang out of a tree for health? Older people in China say so. But perhaps just, perhaps let’s leave this professional – or ditch.
