Hanging neck exercise: Bizarre workout trends among China’s aging population

Just when you think the internet can’t surprise you anymore, something wild pops up. Imagine strolling through a park in China and seeing a group of elderly folks—yes, seniors—literally hanging by their necks from tree branches or workout bars. No, this isn’t a scene from a sci-fi flick or some bizarre stunt show. It’s a real fitness trend sweeping through China’s older population, and it’s as strange as it sounds.

How did this even start?

The trend seems to have started in Shenyang, a city in northeastern China. A 57-year-old man came up with a DIY neck-hanging device to deal with his own nagging neck pain. He claims it worked wonders. Word spread, and before you know it, other seniors were giving it a shot—and posting about it online.These “neck hangers” say the exercise helps stretch out the spine, ease nerve pressure, and tackle chronic back and neck pain. Some even say it helps them sleep better. One woman swears it cured her spinal issues entirely and now she sways from a tree like it’s the most natural thing in the world.Watch the video:

Sounds cool… until it’s not

But here’s the kicker—doctors and health experts aren’t thrilled.The human neck isn’t exactly built to support the full weight of the body, especially when it’s swinging around. Medical professionals warn that this kind of stress on the cervical spine can lead to some serious problems: pinched nerves, permanent injuries, or worse.And sadly, this isn’t just theoretical. In May 2024, a 57-year-old man in Chongqing died while attempting the exercise. He used a chin strap at a public workout area but mistakenly placed the strap on his neck instead of under his chin. When he started swinging, the pressure was too much—and it ended in tragedy.

Not just neck hanging: other quirky fitness fads

The neck-hanging craze might be grabbing the spotlight, but it’s far from the only oddball exercise trend among China’s aging crowd. Here are a few more that might raise your eyebrows:Crocodile crawling – Picture this: groups of seniors crawling on all fours across the park, chanting together. They believe it strengthens the spine and boosts flexibility. It’s got a kind of military boot camp vibe—if that boot camp was run by your grandma.Tree bumping – Some folks are literally walking up to trees or poles and bumping their backs into them—repeatedly. The idea is to stimulate the spine and help with issues like cervical spondylosis.Head-butting trees – Yep, you read that right. Instead of bumping with their backs, some seniors go head-first, believing it builds endurance and mental strength.Groin striking – This one might make you wince. Practitioners use metal objects to strike their groins, claiming it boosts vitality and masculinity. Ouch.As bizarre as these sound, they all stem from the same motivation: a strong desire to stay healthy, active, and independent—even in old age.

So, why are seniors turning to these strange workouts?

It’s not just about staying in shape—it’s also cultural.Traditional Chinese medicine often leans toward holistic, non-drug remedies. Many seniors prefer these natural approaches over popping pills or undergoing surgery. Add in the rise of social media, where videos and testimonials can go viral in seconds, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fitness trend explosion.Plus, in a lot of cases, older adults may not have easy access to modern medical care or reliable health information. So when someone in the park swears that neck-hanging or tree-bumping helped them feel better, others are quick to follow.

Harmless hobby or hazard?

Look, staying active as you age is important. No one’s arguing that. But when workouts start involving neck-hanging and groin-hitting, maybe it’s time to hit pause and consult a professional.Doctors say there are safer, proven ways for seniors to stay fit—like walking, tai chi, yoga, or swimming. These might not go viral on TikTok, but they also won’t land you in the hospital.So, while it’s fascinating (and admittedly kind of entertaining) to see what’s trending in the parks of China, let’s not forget that fitness should help you live longer—not shorten your lifespan.Would you hang from a tree for your health? China’s elderly say yes. But maybe, just maybe, let’s leave this one to the professionals—or the daredevils.