"I have four legs, so why do I have to walk on two?" BRRNANA !!, Blog post
Quadrobics, also known as quads, is a sport involving the performance of physical activities such as walking, running, jumping, and trotting on all fours. While it is often associated with therianthropy and the furry fandom, anyone can participate in quadrobics regardless of their association with such groups.
As with other sports, physical fitness and practice are essential for performing quadrobics safely and effectively. The sport primarily exercises the four major muscle groups of the human body: the quadriceps, quadratus lumborum, quadriceps surae, and quadriceps femoris.
Etymology
The term Quadrobics is a portmanteau of English "Quadrupedal" and "Aerobics".
Benefits & risks
While quadrobics can be enjoyable and therapeutic, it carries certain benefits and risks. Individuals with bone disorders, disabilities, or recent injuries should consult a healthcare professional before participating.
Benefits
- Improves cardiovascular fitness
- Builds muscle strength
- Enhances flexibility
- Boosts mood and mental well-being
- Open to therians, furries, and others interested in trying it
Risks
- Scrapes and wounds
- High impact on joints
- Increased risk of soft tissue, connective tissue, and bone injuries, especially while jumping
- Unusual cardiovascular system stress; it's important to introduce activities gradually
Equipment
Some equipment that can be useful for quadrobics are:
- Hurdles (those with measurements and those that are adjustable are also useful as well)
- Fingerless gloves, fitness training gloves, gloves in general (Boxing gloves are a nono!)
- Gymnast mats (especially for hard floor training/long or high jump landings)
- If wearing gear, using black-on-the-inside (from the wearer's view) mesh to help with sight
- Sports clothing
Moves
Some basic quadrobics moves include:
- Walking, ambling and pacing
- Trotting
- Cantering and sprinting
- Jumps/High jumps/Long jumps
- Bucking
Tips
- When practicing quadrobics, keeping your spine in a straight-neutral position is essential for safety and avoiding pain/bad posture issues.
- Engage in stretches both before and after practicing to promote joint, tendon and muscle health.
- If you experience excessive pain or muscle soreness after doing this, take a break. Do not overexert yourself as it may result in injury.
- Keep your legs and hips in a straight position relative to your body, not with your knees outward-turned.
- Try not to strain your neck by looking (tilting your head) upwards too much.
Quadrobics records
Below are notable records set in quadrobics events:
- 2008 - Kenichi Ito, Japanese quadrobist, breaks world record for fastest 100 meter run on four legs for the first time
- November 15, 2012 - Ito breaks world record for fastest 100 meter run on four legs for the second time
- November 12, 2015 - Ito breaks world record for fastest 100 meter run on four legs for the third time
References
- ↑ Exploring Quadrobics: A Fitness Trend That's Shaping Up the Future. Fashion Ratings.
- ↑ Quad - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms. Vocabulary.com. https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/quad#:~:text=Quadrangle%20and%20its%20nickname%2C%20quad,quadri%2C%20or%20%22four.%22
- ↑ Jump up to:3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Is Quadrobics Good For You? Benefits, Risks and Alternatives. Statcare. https://statcarewalkin.com/info/is-quadrobics-good-for-you-benefits-risks-alternatives.html#:~:text=*%20Improves%20cardiovascular%20fitness%3A%20Quadrobics%20involves,to%20increased%20strength%20and%20endurance.
- ↑ Jump up to:4.0 4.1 WeShow Sports (15 November 2012) Fastest man on all fours - Guinness World Record. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3rcWarJOe0
- ↑ 5 News (12 November 2015) World record: The fastest 100m running on all fours. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJNbAaYj1IY