Quadrobics Craze Sweeps Fitness World: The Animal-Inspired Workout Taking Over TikTok and Gyms

Fitness enthusiasts and animal lovers are pouncing on quadrobics, a dynamic exercise trend that has you moving like a cat, fox, or even a wild goat. This unconventional workout, blending primal movement with aerobic flair, is taking social media by storm. From TikTok to Instagram, quadrobics devotees showcase their bear crawls and leopard leaps, often donning furry masks for extra pizzazz. The practice has become particularly popular among members of online “therian” and “furry” communities, who identify closely with animal traits and often incorporate quadrobics into self-expression. Not just for therians but also for people who identify as non-human animals, this trend promises a chiseled six-pack, boosted agility, and a playful escape from the gym grind.

Quadrobics, a portmanteau of “quattuor” (Latin for four) and “aerobics,” delivers a full-body workout that engages your core, shoulders, glutes, and quads. In one clip, a quadrobics athlete moves on all fours with surprising speed, shifting smoothly from crawling to vaulting and cat-like leaps. The performance highlights the intensity and athleticism of the trend, showing how primal movement can work as both high-energy cardio and functional strength training.

Another video takes a more instructional approach, breaking quadrobics down into simple steps for beginners. It demonstrates safe crawling patterns, correct posture, and gradual progressions that make the workout approachable for anyone.

Kenichi Ito, the Japanese sprinter who started it all, set the quadrobics world on fire with his 2008 record. His animal-like speed and form turned heads, proving humans could move like quadrupeds with jaw-dropping efficiency. Four years later, he outdid himself, sharpening his technique. Then came Collin McClure, the American powerhouse who redefined the sport in 2022. McClure’s 15.66-second 100-meter dash on all fours cemented his name in the Guinness World Records, pushing quadrobics into the mainstream. Their rivalry and record-breaking runs have sparked a global quadrobics craze, with fans mimicking their moves on platforms like TikTok.

In Russia, the subculture around quadrobics has grown rapidly since 2020, especially among teenagers who film themselves practicing in parks or abandoned buildings. The trend has sparked heated debates, with critics labeling it bizarre or unsafe while supporters frame it as a creative form of self-expression. Kazakhstan has even proposed a bill to restrict public “quadrobbing,” citing safety concerns and complaints from residents.

Want to sprint like Ito or McClure? Quadrobics requires no gym or fancy gear—just your body and a soft surface like grass or a yoga mat. Here’s how to start:

1. Get in Position: Drop to hands and knees, then lift onto the balls of your feet. Keep your back straight and core engaged. Hold for 1-2 minutes to build strength.

2. Crawl with Confidence: Move one foot and the opposite hand forward, keeping your rear high at first. Focus on smooth, controlled steps.

3. Trot Like a Pro: Lift opposite hand and foot together, adding a bouncy spring. Push forward with gentle leaps as you gain confidence.

4. Canter for Speed: Push off with your legs, land on your palms, and kick your feet up. Keep the motion fluid, mimicking Ito’s seamless style.

5. Sprint and Leap: Extend your canter strides for a full-on run, landing hands farther forward. For jumps, tuck arms and push off vertically, aiming to soar like McClure.

Safety first: Stretch arms, legs, and core for 3-5 minutes before starting. Limit sessions to an hour weekly to avoid wrist or back strain, especially if you’re new to the game.

Ukraine-based psychologist Tetyana Tatarintseva said to UNN that quadrobics may serve as an escape from anxiety or motivation slumps, particularly in younger schoolchildren experiencing stress. Experts advise parents to engage in open, non-judgmental discussions rather than outright bans—highlighting that supportive dialogue can help children return to their human-mode behaviors when they’re ready.

Pediatric and clinical psychologists emphasize that while imaginative play—like acting animalistic—isn’t inherently problematic, signs of blurred fantasy and reality or repetitive behaviors interfering with daily life warrant professional assessment.

(Rh/VK/MSM)