Subculture of quad robers. Why do children like to transform into animals?

In the modern view, quad robers are people who put on animal masks and repeat their movements. In 2024, this subculture gained enormous popularity. From our article you will learn about the first quadrobers, unusual cases related to them, as well as the possibility of banning this movement at the legislative level.

The word “quadrober” itself comes from a combination of the Latin word quattuor (“four”) and the English aerobics (“aerobics”). Initially it was about an unusual sports direction. Probably every child in childhood depicted pets or wild animals. But in the early 2000s, Japanese sprinter Kenichi Ito decided to adapt hussar monkey running to human capabilities. In 2008 he ran the 100 meter sprint in 18.58 seconds, and in 2015 in 15.71 seconds. For an ordinary athlete, this is not an excellent result, but it is worth considering that Kenichi walked on all fours. As a result, he was entered into the Guinness Book of Records. It is curious that his first attempts at quadrobing presented problems for him. The police detained him on the street, and in the forest a hunter tried to shoot the man, deciding that this was a wild animal.

New techniques are constantly appearing in the sports world that offer ways to lose excess fat and gain muscle mass. Some of them are gaining popularity and creating complete fitness movements. One of them appeared in 2010 and was called Animal Flow. It is based on imitating the behavior of animals, with almost all movements being performed on all fours. In addition to aerobics, a similar style was used in parkour. It got to the point where quads were considered an unofficial sport.

According to those who promote this form of fitness, gorilla walking works the glutes, legs and upper body, imitating a crab strengthens the triceps and shoulders, and repeating the movements of a bear improves the strength of the back and legs. There are many articles online that reveal the benefits and dangers of quads, especially when beginners are trying to perform difficult jumps or train on slippery surfaces. However, if everything were limited only to sports, this movement would not have attracted so much public attention.

In 2024, kvadrobika unexpectedly became widespread among children and adolescents from 7 to 14 years old. Here we are no longer talking about sports, but about some kind of analogue of cosplay. Imitating animals is just the tip of the iceberg, because quad robers want to completely transform themselves into the chosen animal. Masks, skins and other accessories are used for this. Many begin to bark, meow or growl, and also attack passers-by and their animals. For example, in the city of Noyabrsk, a girl in the shape of a cat rushed to children who received bruises and scratches. And in Nikolaev, a quad bike driver jumped onto the road and caused a collision with a cyclist. Fortunately, such examples are rare.

Psychologists have different opinions about quads among teens. Some believe there is nothing wrong with this; this is an attempt at self-expression, a kind of game, an attempt to escape from cruel reality, and also a way to find new friends among like-minded people. Others argue that such behavior in children over 9 years old is a deviation, which can cause neuroses and adjustment disorders in the future. A special danger arises in cases where quadrubation takes up all the child’s free time.

For example, a therian movement has formed on TikTok, whose representatives identify with a specific animal. They declare that it is a more natural state for them to be an animal than to remain human. But we must understand that such stories are more likely to be the exception to the rule. Most children realize that this is a kind of game and change the images depending on their mood.

From the point of view of physical activity, everything is extremely ambiguous. If a child sometimes walks on all fours, this is even beneficial for the development of his body. Especially if he wears shoes with orthopedic insoles and every step is confident and stable. But difficult jumps that land on your hands and feet can cause injury. In addition, the lumbar spine is formed at the age of 13-14 years. Incorrect posture can lead to a curvature of the back and poor posture. Staying on all fours for a long time also negatively affects the development of the child’s body. It is especially dangerous to engage in quad training for overweight people.

Online stores quickly responded to the new hobby of teenagers. They sell masks, skins, false claws, fangs and much more. The most popular accessories are those that allow you to turn into a cat. And in October, food for quadrobers appeared, which imitates animal food; it consists of sugar, cocoa, milk powder and grains. If you want, you can buy a stand that can accommodate a teenager.

According to the quad robers themselves, young children and older people treat them best. But boys and girls between the ages of 20 and 40, as well as peers with other hobbies, often express their disapproval. People are especially irritated by people who make loud animal noises and disturb others.

Currently, there are no laws preventing children from practicing quadroberica. However, such initiatives are already being discussed. Senator Natalia Kosykhina of the Federation Council believes that this hobby is traumatic for the psyche and can lead to injury, which is why it should be banned. Sergei Kolunov, deputy of the State Duma, proposed introducing administrative and criminal liability for mothers and fathers of children of quad robers, depriving them of parental rights. Vitaly Milonov took a different position. He stated that bans would only increase people’s interest in this subculture, and that they should therefore not be introduced. Over time it will disappear on its own. Ekaterina Mizulina shares a similar opinion.

What do you think of quad robers? Share your thoughts in the comments!