Squats are widely celebrated as one of the best exercises for building strength, sculpting legs, and toning the body. However, a shocking incident in China has revealed the hidden dangers of pushing the body beyond its limits. Two teenage girls ended up hospitalized with serious kidney damage after attempting an online squat challenge that spiraled out of control.
HOW A FITNESS CHALLENGE TURNED DANGEROUS
According to China Press, 19-year-old Xiao Tang from Chongqing, China, and her friend decided to compete over a video call to see who could complete the highest number of squats. What began as a fun game quickly escalated into an endurance marathon, with both girls pushing themselves far beyond their physical limits.
Reports indicate that the teenagers performed more than 1,000 squats in a single session—despite not being regular exercisers. At first, they only experienced extreme fatigue and soreness, which seemed like normal after-effects of exercise. But by the next morning, their condition had taken a disturbing turn. They woke up unable to bend their legs and noticed they were urinating dark brown urine—an alarming sign of internal damage.
DIAGNOSIS: RHABDOMYOLYSIS
Doctors rushed the girls into intensive care, where they were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a rare but serious muscle injury caused by extreme overexertion. In this condition, damaged muscle fibers break down and release toxic proteins into the bloodstream, overwhelming the kidneys. Left untreated, rhabdomyolysis can cause kidney failure—or even death.
The teenagers were immediately placed on intravenous fluids to flush toxins from their bodies and stabilize kidney function. In some severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to assist the kidneys in removing waste.
WHY THIS HAPPENED
While 1,000 squat challenges are a trending fitness test on YouTube and social media platforms, experts warn that such routines should only be attempted by individuals who are already conditioned, hydrated, and gradually trained for high-intensity workouts. For untrained individuals, the risks can far outweigh the benefits.
Medical experts emphasize that while squats are among the most effective body-weight exercises, overexertion without preparation can be life-threatening. Proper hydration with electrolyte-rich fluids, progressive training, and listening to one’s body are crucial for safe exercise.
LESSONS FROM THE INCIDENT
This incident serves as a reminder that fitness should never come at the cost of health. While social media challenges may appear fun and rewarding, blindly following them without professional guidance or preparation can be dangerous.
As Dr. Bruce Cohen, a medical officer quoted by Live Science, advises:
“Listen to your body. Don’t be reckless.”
Squats remain a valuable part of any workout routine—but moderation, proper technique, and gradual progression are the key to reaping their benefits without risking kidney damage or other severe health issues.
