Ella Chen Sparks Debate After Demonstrating "Abdominal Vacuum" Move During China Concert

Taiwanese singer Ella Chen, 44, performed in Xi’an, Shaanxi, earlier this month where she showed off her slim figure and shared one of her go-to methods for staying in shape.

While chatting with the audience, the former S.H.E member spontaneously demonstrated what she described as a yoga move known as the “abdominal vacuum”, quickly going viral on social media platforms like Weibo and sparking heated online debate.

In the viral clip, Ella was seen wearing a black halter top that highlighted her toned waistline. After introducing the technique and asking the cameraman to zoom in to her, she took a deep breath and exhaled fully before tightening her abdominal muscles, causing her stomach to hollow inward dramatically. Her ribcage became strikingly prominent, creating a startling visual.

Ella then held the pose with her stomach pulled in for about 10 seconds, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

She later joked: “I still can't do the rolling stomach move, I can only do the vacuum”, before repeating the demonstration twice so audience members at the sides could get a better view.

While many admired Ella’s impressive core strength and control, some questioned whether the move was truly beneficial. Others said it looked “scary.”

“That’s quite terrifying,” commented one netizen, while another added that it looked like “all of her organs had disappeared". 

Some also questioned whether her physique was truly “healthy,” with concerned fans urging her to eat more and maintain a sustainable figure. 

According to online sources, the abdominal vacuum is a yoga and fitness technique in which a person exhales fully and draws the stomach inward toward the spine, engaging the deep core muscles to improve posture, strengthen the abs, and support overall core stability.

However, some experts have cautioned against attempting it without proper guidance. Doctors have warned that performing the move incorrectly or excessively could lead to discomfort or strain, and in rare cases may contribute to hernia risk. Women who have recently given birth and individuals with mobility or spinal issues have also been advised against trying the move.

That said, others argued that the abdominal vacuum isn’t particularly difficult for someone who works out regularly. And Ella definitely fits that description.

The singer, who is a mum to a nine-year-old son, is known for her disciplined fitness routine. In addition to yoga and core exercises, she also does regular cardio, including slow jogging and treadmill walking. At one point, her body fat percentage was reported to be just 16.7 per cent, and she often goes viral on social media for sharing her weight-loss and fitness methods.