If you've recently seen people walking on all fours, crawling in parks, or climbing trees on social media, don't be surprised. The pioneer of this trend is Belgian influencer and documentary filmmaker Alexia Kraft de la Saulx. She inspires millions with her lifestyle, which she calls the 'Tarzan Movement'. So, we're facing a new trend. Let's see what it is...
Alexia Kraft de la Saulx, with her Instagram account of 1.84 million followers, has been moving on all fours in forests, parks, and city streets for the last three years. We sometimes see her climbing trees, sometimes running on the grass.
Alexia, who grew up intertwined with nature as a child, says she lost this connection when she transitioned to city life. Now she moves on all fours to reconnect both physically and mentally. She says, 'As a little girl, I wanted to feel my connection with nature. Now I remember again.' She plans to teach this movement to others with online courses she will open by the end of 2025.
In the videos, people are jumping, crawling, and trying to balance as if imitating animals. For some, this is a form of meditation, while for others it's an unconventional exercise method that strengthens the body.
The roots of this trend actually date back to the 2020s. Victor Manuel, who lives in Spain, organized more than 60 events worldwide with a similar initiative he called the 'Tarzan Movement'. Similarly, the 'French Tarzan', also known as Leo, is one of the pioneers of this movement in Europe. According to them, the goal is to reconnect with nature and break free from the rigid rules of modern life.
They even say it can temporarily alleviate back pain. However, moving in this way for a long time can lead to problems such as neck and back pain. This is because the human body is not designed to carry its weight on its hands and wrists.
According to orthopedists, such movements can be done as controlled exercises for a short time, but it is not recommended to become a lifestyle. Otherwise, the spine weakens, the neck muscles are overstretched, and the body's balance system can be damaged.