Dangerous Fitness Craze Sweeping China’s Elderly: Neck-Hanging and Beyond

A concerning fitness trend is emerging amongst older adults in China: neck-hanging exercises. This unusual practice, involving suspending oneself from trees or workout bars, is purportedly intended to alleviate pain and is gaining popularity in cities like Shenyang. It’s part of a broader movement incorporating other unconventional methods such as “crocodile crawling” and “tree bumping,” all rooted in traditional medicine and readily available, albeit potentially misleading, health information.

While proponents claim benefits, medical professionals strongly caution against these practices. The inherent risks are significant, and a tragic fatality in Chongqing serves as a stark warning of the potentially fatal consequences. The lack of proper guidance and the potential for serious injury underscore the urgent need for safer, more effective alternatives for elderly individuals seeking improved health and well-being. The need for accurate health information dissemination and the dangers of unverified fitness trends are brought sharply into focus by this worrying development.