CHINESE SENIORS EMBRACE QUIRKY WORKOUTS – CROCODILE CRAWL, TREE-BUMPING FOR LONGEVITY

Obsession with longevity drives many to pursue unconventional health routines to boost vitality

Pursuing longevity is the aspiration of many, particularly as we advance into the later stages of life. For seniors in China who have entered their golden years, conventional exercise routines may not suffice in fulfilling their quest for a robust and healthy body.

As a result, many adventurous individuals have taken to inventing unconventional workouts to foster physical well-being and mental clarity, capturing the public's attention over recent years.

The Post delves into some of the most unusual exercises popularised by senior citizens across China.

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Crawl like a crocodile

This unique practice is frequently observed in the eastern Jiangsu province and central Hunan province, where dozens, and sometimes even hundreds, of individuals line up to crawl like crocodiles along jogging tracks and open plazas.

Participants, typically in their 50s and 60s, often don matching uniforms and chant rhythmic slogans. Many who encounter these energetic "crocodile groups" express admiration for the vitality exhibited by these aunts and uncles, as they move in unison at a surprisingly brisk pace.

Some group members assert that this sport enhances their health, alleviating discomfort associated with herniated discs. However, healthcare professionals caution those with shoulder or leg issues, as well as individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, to avoid this particular form of exercise.

Tree bumping

Believe it or not, it has become a common sight in parks across mainland China for elderly individuals to stand alongside trees and gently bump their bodies against the trunks.

They believe this practice is healthful, serving as a massage to enhance blood circulation and stimulate the jingluo, a term from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) referring to the body's primary and collateral channels through which energy flows.

Many participants also enjoy this exercise as it helps alleviate anxiety and stress, providing a sense of relaxation and satisfaction from bumping against the trees. However, doctors warn that the impact may have detrimental effects on bones and joints, especially for those with low bone density.

Neck hanging

This unusual activity involves participants suspending themselves from trees using horizontal sticks with ropes positioned under their chins. Once suspended, some individuals swing from side to side.

They contend that this practice can help alleviate issues related to cervical vertebrae. However, medical professionals caution that this movement can be precarious, posing risks of injury to muscles, nerves, and vertebrae if participants engage too vigorously.

In May last year, a 57-year-old man in Chongqing, southwestern China, tragically died while attempting this form of exercise, as reported by the news outlet The Paper.

Pebble walk

Many parks and residential communities nationwide feature designated pebble paths, meant for residents to engage in a unique workout by walking barefoot over the small stones.

Rooted in TCM, which endorses this practice steeped in history, proponents believe that walking on pebbles promotes blood circulation and can address issues such as insomnia, neurasthenia, and digestive disorders.

However, individuals with joint problems are advised to refrain from this activity, and medical professionals recommend that each session be limited to about 10 minutes for safety.

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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2025-03-20T06:10:10Z