Viral Fitness Experiment Leaves Man Dangerously Asymmetrical
Health experts are raising red flags after a social media influencer spent nearly a year intentionally exercising only one shoulder. The experiment, widely discussed online, highlights the risks of extreme asymmetry training, a practice doctors say can seriously harm the body over time.
The man, who calls himself The Crooked Man, trained just one trapezius muscle for more than 300 consecutive days. While the result was dramatic and intentional, medical professionals warn that such imbalance comes with long-term health consequences that outweigh any short-term gains.
Doctors Warn of Serious Long-Term Risks
Medical professionals have expressed concern about the experiment. One muscle may become stronger, but the body as a whole suffers.
This kind of extreme asymmetry training can lead to:
- Muscle and joint strain
- Spinal misalignment
- Poor posture
- Compensatory injuries in surrounding muscles
- Chronic neck, shoulder, or back pain
In addition, he noted that the human body is designed for balance. When one side becomes significantly stronger than the other, the weaker side struggles to keep up, increasing injury risk.
A Deliberate Move Away From “Perfection”
To begin with, the influencer says his idea was born out of frustration with online trends like “looksmaxxing,” where people chase physical perfection. Instead, he chose what he calls “looks minimising.”
In his videos, he explains that rather than trying to look more attractive or symmetrical, he wanted to do the opposite, become visibly uneven. As a result, he focused all his training on one side of his upper back and shoulder.
What Is the Trapezius Muscle?
The trapezius, often called the “trap,” is a large muscle that stretches from the neck across the shoulders and down the upper back. Importantly, it plays a key role in posture, shoulder movement, and spinal stability.
When trained evenly, it supports everyday movements. However, extreme asymmetry training of this muscle can disrupt how the body naturally balances itself.
Nearly a Year of One-Sided Workouts
Over time, the physical changes became impossible to ignore. One shoulder grew noticeably larger and higher, while the other remained underdeveloped. Older photos show he once had a balanced build, making the contrast even more striking now.
To support muscle growth, he also followed a high-protein diet, including foods like eggs, beef, sardines, yogurt, and protein supplements aimed solely at feeding growth on the trained side.
No Real Functional Benefit
Furthermore, doctors stress that overdeveloping one trapezius muscle offers little practical advantage. The muscle’s main job is stability and support, not raw strength.
Even if one side becomes stronger, it does not improve overall movement, fitness, or daily function. Instead, it may negatively affect how a person stands, walks, or moves over time.
Why Balance Matters for Long-Term Health
Symmetry is not just about appearance; it is essential for joint health, spinal alignment, and injury prevention. While social media trends often promote extreme challenges, experts urge people to prioritize safe, balanced training.
Although the influencer continues his one-sided workouts by choice, doctors emphasize that most people should avoid copying such routines. In the long run, balanced exercise remains the safest path for both appearance and health.
Conclusion
The viral experiment may grab attention, but health professionals agree: extreme asymmetry training is risky and offers no meaningful health benefit. For lasting fitness and pain-free movement, balance and proportion are still key.
If you are considering a new workout trend, experts recommend consulting a qualified trainer or medical professional before risking long-term damage for short-term attention.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 11 January 2026
- 22:00
