Invented by the Japanese Kenichi Ito, the quadrobic – or quads – has quickly established itself as a trend in its own right, particularly on TikTok where videos from its followers are multiplying. But if this atypical discipline amuses and intrigues, it also raises questions: what to do if your child seems a little too attached to it? Psychologist Pascal Anger enlightens us.
Reconnect with your animal instinct
Quadrobics consists of imitating the movements of four-legged animals, in the great outdoors: parks, forests or lawns thus become the practitioners’ playgrounds. Some add a touch of fantasy by wearing masks (of fox, dog, gorilla, lizard, cat, etc.) or faux fur paws.
Behind its fun aspect, this activity conceals real physical benefits. Quadrobics uses the entire body – arms, legs, back, abdominals and heart – and requires balance, endurance and coordination. Fans assure that it also helps reduce stress and live fully in the present moment, concentrating on each movement.
A fashion that divides
If the majority of Internet users see quadrobics as an original way to reconnect with nature, others are wary of it. In some countries, such as Russia, this practice is even perceived as deviant, sometimes associated with BDSM circles.
Practitioners, for their part, demand above all a return to basics. For some, however, this discipline is accompanied by a partial identification with the animal, an aspect that can raise questions.
“As a parent, you have to be careful”
For Pascal Anger, psychologist, everything depends on the relationship the child has with this practice:
“If this sporting trend reflects a desire to reconnect with one’s animal side, too much animality or aggressiveness can become worrying.”
He recommends that parents keep a close eye on this new passion:
“Parents must remain cautious about this trend, observing and supporting their child. If in doubt – or if the child seems very ‘bitten’ by this trend – talking to a child psychiatrist or their attending physician is necessary, in order to obtain a professional opinion.”
In other words, testing out of curiosity or having fun occasionally is nothing to worry about. But if the child only talks about quadrobics, devotes himself excessively to it or seems to identify strongly with it, a discussion with a professional is necessary.