Being bipedal is a crucial reason why humans are the most dominant species on Earth. Most importantly, it has allowed us to use our hands and opposable thumbs to make and use tools efficiently. In turn, we created early civilizations that eventually evolved into the human-controlled society we see around us today. That said, it's not like we're not missing anything by just walking around on our hind legs. For example, if you look at the fastest animals in the world, they are all four-legged. It's plain and simple: running on four legs is much faster than on two.
The good news is that while our bodies aren't exactly optimized for running on all fours, we can certainly do it, and a YouTube user can teach you how (viaSmiling squid).
In an instructional video, Ya Boi Kev says he has been running on all fours since he was six. One of the most important things to remember is to keep your back straight and level with the ground. It makes sense: just pay attention to your cat or dog, and for the most part, their back is not arched when they walk around. Furthermore, it seems to be about stride length, figuring out your walking style and practice.
Is this something you want to try, or are you okay with standing for a long time like the hom*o sapiens that you are? Let us know what you think in the comments!
Featured image:Ya Boy Kev/YouTube
FAQs
Four in dream work generally speaking represents stability and completion. In addition running on all four brings you closer to earth, closer to being grounded. You might reflect on what's going on in your life that being more grounded is being called for, and what wants to be completed perhaps bringing more stability.
Would we run faster with 4 legs? ›
3 Answers. The maximum running speed has little to do with the number of legs, it all depends on how fast can the available legs be moved: in laymen terms, you can't run faster than the speed at which you can push your leg back.
How fast can you go on all fours? ›
The fastest 100 m running on all fours is 15.66 seconds, and was achieved by Collin McClure (USA), in Canton, Ohio, USA, on 30 June 2022.
What is it called when a human runs on all fours? ›
Quadrupedalism is a form of locomotion where four limbs are used to bear weight and move around.
Is running on all fours faster than two? ›
We found that the projected speeds intersected in 2052, when for the first time, the winning quadrupedal 100-m sprint time of 9.249 s was projected to be lower than the winning bipedal time of 9.350 s. Conclusion. Quadrupedal running is not a new running style, and has been used by all humans.
What does the 4 symbolize? ›
"Almost from prehistoric times, the number four was employed to signify what was solid, what could be touched and felt. Its relationship to the cross (four points) made it an outstanding symbol of wholeness and universality, a symbol which drew all to itself".
Why can't I run in my dream? ›
I'm trying to run or scream in my dream, but I can't. Why? During REM sleep, the body's voluntary skeletal muscles are paralyzed. “This is good and important, because otherwise we would be acting out all the motions we're doing in our dreams,” Barrett said.
Why can't you punch in dreams? ›
Why can't I fight in my dreams? The exact reason you may find it hard to fight in a dream is not clearly understood. Some anecdotal speculation involves the notion of sleep paralysis. Your body cannot move, so when you try to punch in a dream your physical, sleeping body cannot perform the movement.
Do you run faster if your legs are strong? ›
Quad muscles help you straighten your leg, and they help lift your knees towards your chest. They also generate the force to propel your entire body forward. Your quads play a significant role in your body for speed training. The stronger your quads, the faster you will run.
Do you run faster with short legs or long legs? ›
Other factors such as stride frequency, stride length, muscular strength, and cardiovascular fitness also play important roles in determining running speed. In general, longer legs would give a runner a greater stride length, which can help to increase running speed.
Definitely having a higher muscle to weight ratio will help you run faster with more power and this is why sprinters tend to have a very muscular build while long distance runners look emaciated. Try to incorporate leg workouts to build up leg muscles.
Who is the guy who runs on all fours Tik Tok? ›
A man on TikTok has spent the past year training himself to walk — and soon, run — on all fours. The man, Nathaniel Nolan (@xpmovement), shared this video of his 300th day of training. Nolan's TikTok video has received over 1.8 million likes and 14.5 million views.
What is the fastest mile on all fours? ›
The fastest lunge mile (male) is 22 min 52 sec, and was achieved by Paul Searles (USA), in Hamilton, New Jersey, USA, on 19 March 2023.
Do humans run faster on their toes? ›
Studies suggest that about 80 per cent of athletes are rear-foot runners. Running on toes makes you faster and help you cover more distance without getting tired easily. When you heel strike, your body has to work harder, creating a disadvantage for you. Running on forefoot creates more power and engages more muscles.
Is 20 mph fast for a human? ›
There is no specific data available on the percentage of humans who can run at a speed of 20 mph. However, it is important to note that running at 20 mph is considered extremely fast and is typically achieved by highly trained and elite athletes.
Are quadrupeds faster than bipeds? ›
The maximum bipedal speed appears slower than the maximum speed of quadrupedal movement with a flexible backbone – both the ostrich and the red kangaroo can reach speeds of 70 km/h (43 mph), while the cheetah can exceed 100 km/h (62 mph).
Do tall people run faster? ›
When it comes to running, you may have heard that you're doomed from the starting line because of your height. A lot of people assume that being taller makes you speedier—but that's simply not true.
