The exercise is based on imitating the movements of different animals. Photo / supplied
The exercise is based on imitating the movements of different animals. Photo / supplied
A bizarre fitness trend has emerged in the Chinese city of Zhenghou where individuals 'crawl' like animals to get fit.
According to China News , participants donned gloves before slowly proceeding along paths on all fours. Participants claim the light exercise does wonders for their backs and spines.
Theorigins of the exercise crawl are said to be based on a method used in traditional Chinese medicine in which people imitate the movements of five different animals: the bear, monkey, deer, tiger and bird.
Didn't believe it when I saw the pix in state media, but it's true: crawling on all fours is all the rage in Beijing pic.twitter.com/7NTbH77hqE
But the idea that the movement can have health benefits hasn't convinced some social media users with one commenting on blogging site Sina Weibo: "If I saw this in my park I would feel embarrassed."
Another commented: "The evolution of the human race just regressed 5,000 years."
China isn't new to unconventional exercise practices. Along with the country's dama - women who dance to music in public squares - walking backwards is also a common form of fitness.
