Woman who ‘walks on all fours like a dog’ shares effect it has on her body
Alexia Kraft de la Saulx has become an online sensation by sharing videos of herself moving on all fours, also known as quadrobics, with the clips racking up 80million views
Many of us try our hardest to keep in shape, whether that’s nipping to the gym when we can, going for a run or having a go at some yoga. However, one woman has shared her unique approach to staying fit – walking on all fours like a dog.
Alexia Kraft de la Saulx, known on Instagram as @alexias.films, has racked up 181,000 followers on the social media site where she regularly shares clips of herself moving on all fours, also known as quadrobics. The fitness trend sees people mimicking animal movements, such as galloping and prancing in a bid to improve coordination, balance, and strength. It’s designed to engage the core and needs no equipment, though some fans also describe it as a cultural or spiritual practice.
Alexia, who started quadrobics three years ago, has become a viral web sensation by showcasing the fitness phenomenon, with 80million views on her clips. She also recently appeared on ITV show This Morning with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley to chat about the activity.
Alexia Kraft de la Saulx recently went on This Morning to talk about quadrobics(Image: ITV)
She told the presenters that during her childhood, she used to live in the countryside and feel “connected to nature”, but she moved to the city when she was older and became rather “disconnected” from the natural world. After six years of honing her skills to become a documentary filmmaker, Alexia confessed that the idea of a “normal 9-5 job” didn’t appeal to her.
She was keen on independently creating a documentary and thus began her hunt for a compelling narrative. “I came across this bloke doing monkey movements in the park,” she reminisced.
Immediately I met him and thought, ‘There is a story here.’”.
She disclosed that they started collaborating, and while she showcased his practice, known as Tarzan movement, through her film, he imparted all his knowledge about quadrobics and the “monkey movement”.
Alexia relishes practising quadrobics when she’s out exploring. “I like to just explore on all fours,” she commented.
However, she also mentioned that she occasionally practices it in urban environments when she’s hanging out with friends.
When quizzed about people’s reactions when they witness her doing it in public, she said people are often surprised and intrigued by what she’s doing.
She also pointed out that the impact on her hands and feet isn’t too harsh as she’s “used to it” after three years of practice, although she admitted that the skin on the soles of her feet was “quite hard”.
Talking about the benefits of quadrobics for her physique, Alexia declared that her core and shoulders are now “super strong”.
Her grip strength has also seen an improvement, as tree climbing is part of the regimen. “I couldn’t do a pull-up before quadrobics, and after months of practice, I could lift three times my weight,” she revealed.
When asked about any backlash she faces for her quadrobics pursuits, Alexia reveals that some critics reckon she’s “devolving”, but she counters that quadrobics “takes inspiration from monkeys, which are our ancestors and just seeing how they are connected and present in nature”. She added: “I think that’s super inspiring, how can we learn to move in that way and use our toes to grip on certain things”.
A clip from the chat was shared on This Morning’s Facebook page, racking up hundreds of likes and responses.
Some viewers seemed sceptical about the practice, with one person writing: “We are not built to walk like dogs…hence we only have 2 legs!”
Another observer noted: “My back and pelvis hurt just watching her!” whilst a third chimed in: “Going back before we became human.”
However, someone else quipped: “That’s how I go up my stairs.”
How to safely engage in quadrobics
1. Make sure you warm up
Begin with some stretches and light cardio to ready your body, focusing on the shoulders, hips, ankles and calves.
2. Train in a safe environment
Make certain you’re doing quadrobics on cushioned surfaces like grass, a gym mat, or carpet. It’s best to steer clear of concrete or hardwood floors at first.
You might also want to have gear such as padded gloves, knee pads or trainers for comfort, although it can be done barefoot.
3. Try the basic stance
Start in a tabletop position with your hands beneath your shoulders and knees under your hips, ensuring your back is flat.
4. Begin with simple movements
At first, try crawling and trotting. As you build strength and coordination, you can advance to cantering or galloping.
This involves lifting both front limbs at the same time and propelling forward with your back legs, similar to a small leap.
5. Listen to your body
It’s vital to start slowly and not push yourself too hard. Regular breaks are also advised.
6. Join a community
You can link up with other quadrobics enthusiasts on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit, which could be beneficial for your practice.