The world of viral TikTok challenges has led users to all kinds of bizarre behavior, from the silly to the downright dangerous. One of the latest trends, the “Up & Down” challenge, mixes a techno hit from the ’90s with a complicated aerobic routine. The trouble is, failing to pull off the complex maneuver can lead to some nasty injuries.
A TikTok Blast From the Past
@sioned69 Taking it up a notch on this fun Friday 🤪my abs are on fire 🔥##abcrunchchallenge ##fyp ##foryou ##couplegoals ##hubbywifey
♬ Up & Down – Vengaboys
The “Up & Down” challenge kicked off earlier this month when TikTok user sioned69 uploaded a video of her and a partner performing a difficult exercise. For background music, she used the song “Up & Down” by ’90s techno superstars the Vengaboys.
To date, the video has racked up more than 200,000 views. Since its posting, over 55,000 users have posted videos of the challenge, according to the Vengaboys’ website. Among the most popular posts is one that singer Olly Murs posted to Instagram on April 13.
A Warning from the Vengaboys
Unfortunately, not everyone who tries the challenge fares as well as Murs or sioned69. The Vengaboys themselves uploaded a compilation video to Twitter of several people trying the challenge — and failing spectacularly.
Please stop getting hurt ❤️ pic.twitter.com/6ZPK4ZGYVD
— Vengaboys (@vengaboys) April 29, 2020
In a press release on the band’s website, the Vengaboys pleaded in no uncertain terms for the “Up & Down” challenge to end, despite the attention it’s brought them. “It looks easy and harmless, but that’s not always how it turns out!” the statement read. “They are usually successful, but when it goes wrong, people can end up with everything from bumps and bruises to fractures and light concussion.”
Vengaboys member Captain Kim agreed. “We are of course delighted with the huge success, but we still want to ask the TikTok community to stop this challenge,” said Kim. “If you break a finger or sprain your wrist, you still have to go to the hospital where they have more important things on their mind right now.”
According to the band’s statement, TikTok has added disclaimers to videos that are tagged as part of the challenge. “At least TikTok has added a warning to the ‘Up & Down’ challenge videos,” said band member D-Nice. “And even though we can see that a lot of people are having fun, we are pleading with them to stop.”
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