What is the Nicki Minaj challenge — and is it safe?

What is the Nicki Minaj challenge — and is it safe?

TikTok’s newest trend features a gravity defying pose where users perch on a tall stack of random objects, while crossing their legs as they stand on one foot… in heels.

Known as the “Nicki Minaj challenge,” this viral moment is an elaborate balancing act. The challenge has taken over the internet, as the hashtag #nickiminajchallenge has been used over 115,000 times on TikTok alone.

Creators have balanced on everything from Jenga blocks to soup cans. Many have found their own humorous, if not outrageous, ways to embrace the challenge and make it their own. Some have ridden on their kids’ play cars while remaining in the pose, while others have used their pets to get in on the action.

As the trend grows in popularity, some are wondering how it all started, and is it safe? Here’s what you need to know about the Nicki Minaj challenge.

Where did the Nicki Minaj challenge come from?

The trend is inspired by rapper Nicki Minaj’s famous pose in the music video for the 2013 song “High School” ft. Lil Wayne. At the video’s 34 second mark, Minaj stands by a swimming pool in stilettos, crouching low to the ground with one leg crossed over the other.

In April, TikTok user @1jacore posted a video attempting to emulate Minaj. Since then, others followed suit, with many getting creative as they tried to channel the singer’s impressive posture.

Now, the trend has evolved beyond just completing Minaj’s original pose. Users have taken the challenge to new heights, balancing on as many objects as possible, all while wearing a pair of high heels. The trend also appears to have become somewhat competitive, with some participants seemingly attempting to outdo one another with the most elaborate balancing act.

For example, one user posted a video of herself on TikTok balancing on a tall stack of tables in her garden. In the video, she holds a hose in one hand and balances on an upside down flowerpot while in a pair of heels.

Users have also recorded themselves balancing on champagne bottles, cakes and weights.

On TODAY with Jenna & Friends July 24, Jenna Bush Hager and Willie Geist both attempted the trend. Jenna completed the pose on a stack of books with her July book club pick in hand and a pair of sunglasses on. Willie fulfilled the challenge by balancing on top of ceramic coffee mugs with a margarita in hand.

Some attempts at the trend seem to defy physics and gravity. But as participants try to create the craziest take on the trend yet, they should also consider the safety implications behind completing such a stunt.

Is the Nicki Minaj challenge safe?

TODAY fitness contributor Stephanie Mansour tells TODAY.com that the Nicki Minaj challenge can be unsafe if the proper precautions are not taken.

“I never recommend working out in heels or balancing on one foot in heels, unless wearing them is part of the artistic nature of a workout,” Mansour says.

Balancing on unstable objects is risky, she adds. If the proper precautions are not taken, this challenge could be “very dangerous.”

While the challenge is still sweeping social media, Mansour offers her sobering take on whether fans should try to take it on.

“I hate to be the bearer of bad news over a fun TikTok trend,” Mansour says, “but I really don’t recommend that anyone seriously try this.”

How to safely do the Nicki Minaj challenge

Even though the Nicki Minaj challenge is not “recommended,” there’s still hope for those who want to join in on the fun. There are ways to safely complete the challenge and doing it might even have some benefits.

Mansour says balancing workouts can be a great exercise to build strength.

“This could be a great exercise to strengthen your glutes, hamstrings, quads, calf and the stabilizing muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding your ankle, knee and hip joints,” Mansour says, referring to the challenge.

To complete the trend safely, Mansour recommends balancing on a stable surface, such as a level stack of books. She also says participants should make sure that what they are balancing on is wide enough, which will help them from tipping over.

She says it also would be helpful to have past experience balancing on one foot on surfaces that are not elevated.

After you have the right surface to balance on, and wear a pair of workout shoes, your risk of injury is lower.

Now, all that’s left for you to do is bring your own personality to the trend and see what creative items you can grab to feature in your pose.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:





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