As the trend of crawling and leaping on all fours gains attention online, experts weigh in on its health benefits and cultural impact.

A new fitness trend has taken the internet by storm, with people scuttling, crawling, and bounding around on all fours while filming themselves. Known as quadrobics, the practice is gaining popularity online, with users claiming it improves fitness, strength, mobility, and even offers a spiritual connection to nature and the “primal” self. The term comes from the Latin word quattuor (meaning four) and aerobics, a form of rhythmic exercise that engages large muscle groups.

Quadrobics first gained notoriety in 2008 when Japanese sprinter Kenichi Ito set a Guinness World Record by running 100 meters on all fours. Since then, records have continued to fall, with recent performances by athletes like Ryusei Yonee, who clocked an impressive 14.55 seconds in 2025. Yonee, who trained by observing the movement of dogs, cats, and monkeys, has become a key figure in the competitive side of quadrobics. His success has inspired a new wave of athletes and fitness enthusiasts to explore the potential of quadrupedal movement.

Beyond the world of competitive athletes, the trend has also found a home in subcultures, particularly in Russia and other former Soviet states, where “quadrobers” blend the practice with costume play and animal masks. This has sparked moral panic among some politicians and religious leaders, with one Russian politician, Vyacheslav Volodin, blaming the West for the trend, calling it a “dehumanisation project.” In Uzbekistan, the Interior Ministry even issued a warning to parents that children’s involvement in quadrobics could be seen as parental neglect.

The trend has also resonated with the therian community, a group of individuals—often children—who identify as non-human animals. For many therians, quadrobics is more than just exercise; it’s an embodied expression of their identity. However, it’s important to distinguish therians from the “furry” fandom, which is centered around anthropomorphic animal characters and the creation of “fursonas” or personal animal avatars. While both communities share an interest in animal themes, the motivations and cultural contexts differ significantly.

While some proponents of quadrobics claim benefits such as improved balance, flexibility, and core stability, experts caution that it may not be as effective as traditional forms of exercise for building strength and bone density. As with any physical activity, quadrobics carries potential risks, particularly for joints and muscles not accustomed to the movement. The hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders are especially vulnerable, as they are not typically used in this way during conventional exercise.

Though some studies suggest that quadrupedal movement can help improve balance, flexibility, and core stability, and given its rhythmic nature, it can also get your heart rate up, which can have benefits for aerobic fitness and health, the long-term benefits or risks of quadrobics remain largely untested. Scientific research is still in its early stages, and there is no conclusive evidence that quadrobics is superior to mainstream forms of exercise.

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. While it may offer some physical benefits, it is best viewed as a supplement to established training methods rather than a replacement.

Moreover, quadrobics is part of a broader trend in “ancestral” or “primal” wellness, which includes practices like paleo diets, ice baths, and the raw meat diet promoted by figures like the “Liver King.” These trends aim to reconnect individuals with nature and their evolutionary past, often blending fitness with spirituality or self-discovery.

In conclusion, while quadrobics may not replace traditional forms of exercise, it has carved out a unique niche in both the fitness and cultural landscape. Whether it’s a fleeting fad or a meaningful movement, its impact on social media and identity expression is undeniable.