By The Conversation

Copyright independent

Quadrobics is a growing online trend involving individuals moving on all fours, with supporters claiming the practice promotes fitness, strength, mobility, and spirituality.

The practice gained notoriety in 2008 when Japanese sprinter Kenichi Ito set a world record for sprinting on all fours, a record that has since been broken multiple times.

Much of the online quadrobics content originates from the therian community, individuals who identify as non-human animals and often use the movement as an embodied expression of their identity.

While some research suggests quadrupedal movement can improve balance, flexibility, and core stability, experts indicate it is not superior to mainstream exercise for strength or cardiovascular health.

The trend has sparked moral panic in some countries, such as Russia and Uzbekistan, where politicians and authorities have criticised it as a ‘dehumanisation project’ or warned of parental neglect.