MEPs want to ban “quadrobic” fitness, an “immoral” practice that “comes from the West”

The «quadrobic»a fitness trend consisting of exercising by imitating animals, is currently in the crosshairs of some Russian MPs who want to ban this activity “immoral”, “coming from the West”.

This new funny and free sport allows you to combine, according to its young fans who post their videos on TikTok, elements of aerobics and calisthenics, by mobilizing your arms and legs, to tone the entire body. Some take the opportunity to dress up as animals, wearing masks and other colorful costumes.

“They walk around like animals”

A sign of the emergence of the subject, very little known to the general public, within the ruling elite, it was raised on Tuesday by the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of a regional summit.

“Quadrobic. Children dress up as dogs (…), they walk like animals”explains Mr. Lavrov to his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoïan, who seems not to understand.

Sergei Lavrov’s remark may make you smile but it reveals a growing concern within part of Russia’s political elite, whose army has been leading an armed offensive against Ukraine since February 2022.

The subject was propelled into public debate in September when Kremlin supporter singer Mia Boïka publicly humiliated a little girl on stage who claimed to be «un quadrobic».

“Today she’s a cat, tomorrow a dog, and the day after tomorrow she’ll decide she’s become a boy.”asserted the singer, denouncing “a trend absolutely foreign to our society”.

Several deputies in the Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, have also denounced in recent days a “destructive ideology” “coming from the West” incompatible, in their eyes, with the traditional values ​​of Russia.

A law in preparation

President Vladimir Putin defends a conservative line on social issues, seeing it as an extension of the fight against the West, described as “decadent”in particular because of their tolerance towards LGBT+ people, the target of increased repression by the Russian authorities.

A bill is currently being prepared in the Duma to “to forbid” ce “social problem”says MP Iana Lantratova. This trend “is not as harmless as it seems at first glance”she judges.

“This is propaganda (aimed at) a return to barbarism, to the depths of paganism”for his part tackled Vakhtang Kipchidzélé, a representative in Moscow of the Orthodox Church, which supports the Kremlin.