Warning issued over bizarre fitness trend that sees people run on all fours like animals – as psychologists claim it ‘poses a danger to society’
From mermaid swimming to dog yoga, a number of unusual fitness trends have hit the headlines in recent years.
But the latest fad is arguably the most bizarre yet.
Fitness fanatics are scuttling around on all fours, in a practice that has been dubbed ‘quadrobics’.
Advocates of quadrobics say it offers a ‘full–body workout’, with one even claiming they were able to achieve a six–pack within weeks.
However, not everyone is so convinced.
Some critics have warned of the potential injury risks associated with quadrobics, while others have gone so far as to claim that the exercise ‘poses a danger to society’.
‘Quadrobing can be a form of creative expression and identification with a particular group,’ said child psychiatrist Inna Moskaliuk, speaking to Med Plus.
‘However, it is now turning into something that poses a danger to society.’
Fitness fanatics are scuttling around on all fours, in a practice that has been dubbed ‘quadrobics’
During quadrobics, people crawl, run, or bound around on all fours – often while filming themselves.
This might sound unusual, yet proponents claim it’s a ‘full–body workout’.
‘It’s definitely a full–body workout,’ said an anonymous fan called Soleil, speaking to The New York Post.
‘I’ve actually lost a lot of weight since I started doing it, and I really see the definition in my body,’ she added.
‘I started getting a six–pack. Try it for five minutes and you will be out of breath.’
While many see it as the ultimate workout, Samuel Cornell and Hunter Bennett, two experts in exercise science in Australia, explained why it’s not actually as effective as fans think.
‘Because quadrobics relies on body weight resistance alone, the load placed on your muscles is restricted to your body weight,’ the pair explained in an article for The Conversation.
‘This means it probably isn’t as effective as lifting weights for improving strength and bone density, wherein weight lifting allows you to progressively lift heavier.’
During quadrobics, people crawl, run, or bound around on all fours – often while filming themselves. This might sound unusual, yet proponents claim it’s a ‘full–body workout’
Given the animalistic nature of the practice, quadrobics is often closely linked with therians (people who identify as non–human), and furries (people who enjoy dressing up as animals)
The unusual positioning also leaves people vulnerable to injury, according to the duo.
‘If you want to try quadrobics, your muscles and joints will need time to adapt to the load being placed upon them,’ they added.
‘This is particularly important for your hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders, which might not be used to being used in this way.’
Other experts have raised fears about the psychological impact of quadrobics.
Given the animalistic nature of the practice, quadrobics is often closely associated with therians (people who identify as non–human), and furries (people who enjoy dressing up as animals).
If you or your child are simply doing quadrobics for exercise, this is probably fine, according to clinical psychologist Yuliia Malania.
Speaking to Med Plus, she said: ‘If a child is engaged in this as a hobby or sport and it brings him pleasure, then there is no reason to worry.’
However, if signs of more animal-like behaviours start to appear, this may be a cause for concern.
They adopt animal–like movements, including leaping through the air and showing off their walk, trots and canters
‘It is worth consulting a specialist if this hobby begins to have an antisocial or deviant character,’ Ms Malania added.
‘These are cases such as attacks on people, aggressive behavior, or when children begin to fully associate themselves with the animal.’
Overall, experts say that quadrobics is likely a social media fad – and if you are serious about fitness, it’s better to opt for more conventional exercises like running or weight training.
‘There’s not much evidence to suggest quadrobics is better for you than mainstream forms of exercise,’ Mr Cornell and Mr Bennet said.
‘While crawling and leaping can build stability and flexibility, scientific studies haven’t yet tested its long–term benefits or risks.
‘At best, it is a supplement to established training.
‘The current social media success of quadrobics has less to do with exercise science and more to do with visual spectacle.
‘The entertainment value is clear, and it will reliably attract likes, shares and commentary — making it as much about theatre and identity as about fitness.’
