Quadrobics: What Is It and How To Do It?

Quadrobics is a fitness trend that involves moving on all fours, mimicking the gait and movements of four-legged animals. Often referred to simply as “quads,” the practice is increasingly popular, especially with people who feel a deep connection to animals. However, anyone who wants to try a new and challenging workout can do quadrobics.

This article explains quadrobics and provides guidance on how to do it safely.

Quadrobics Defined

Quadrobics is a full-body workout that combines various skills, including crawling, jumping, and balancing. People who do quadrobics (many refer to themselves as quadrobists) complete workouts that involve quadrupedal movements like trotting, cantering, and jumping.

You can practice quadrobics indoors or outdoors and don’t need any equipment. However, if you're working out on a hard or abrasive surface, wearing gloves and shoes to protect your hands and feet can be helpful.

Health Benefits of Quadrobics

It’s important to note that quadrobics is a relatively new exercise practice that hasn’t been studied extensively. However, it may provide physical and mental/emotional health benefits, including:

• Full-body workout. Quadrobics engages many muscles, including those in the arms, legs, core, and back. This can improve your strength, flexibility, and coordination.
• Cardiovascular health. Quadrobics can elevate your heart rate and potentially increase your cardiovascular fitness. The continuous movement and varying intensity levels can help burn calories and improve endurance.
• Stress relief. Quadrobics can be a fun and playful way to relieve stress. The rhythmic movements and focus on physicality can help clear your mind and reduce anxious feelings.
• Self-expression. For people who identify as Therians, quadrobics can be a powerful form of self-expression and a way to connect with their animal identity. The practice allows them to explore their physicality in a new and fulfilling way.

How To Do Quadrobics

If you want to try quadrobics, here are some helpful pointers:

• Warm up slowly. Gently prepare your muscles for the workout. Light cardio, stretches, and animal-inspired poses are good ways to get ready.
• Practice basic movements. Online videos are a helpful resource for learning basic quadrobics movements like trotting, cantering, and galloping. It takes practice to mimic the gait of a four-legged animal effectively, so be patient with yourself!
• Explore different movements. After you get comfortable with basic movements, consider expanding your practice with different paces and additional movements (jumping, prancing, pouncing, etc.).
• Challenge yourself. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. You can also incorporate courses or obstacles to make your routine fun and interesting.
• Cool down. Finish your workout with low-intensity movements and stretches to allow your muscles to recover and reduce your injury risk.

Quadrobics Safety Tips

It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns. When you begin experimenting with quadrobics, do so gradually to let your muscles, tendons, and ligaments get used to the motions.

It’s also essential to listen to your body. If a particular movement (or the practice generally) causes pain or discomfort (beyond the typical post-workout stiffness or soreness), you should discontinue your regimen and talk with your doctor.

It’s best to practice quadrobics on even, cushioned surfaces like mats or grass initially. This helps protect your joints. Finally, as noted above, warm up before and cool down after your workouts.

Quadrobics can be an excellent way to improve your fitness, relieve stress, and express yourself. Just be sure to do so safely.