Laughter is an exercise….true or false?
According to extensive research over the last few decades – TRUE!
Laughing heartily on a regular basis gives the body a thorough aerobic workout – and it’s free!
No expensive gym membership, no tight lycra to squeeze into – just put on a grin and start to laugh!
Laughing even burns calories – research has shown that laughing heartily can burn up to 200 calories an hour. Laughing your socks off for one minute has the same aerobic effects as being on a rowing machine for ten minutes!
Roaring with laughter helps to:
- Strengthen the immune system
- Work the heart, lungs and other major organs
- Re-oxygenate the whole system
- Rid the body of stale air and toxins
- Work the diaphragm
- Bring a flush to your cheeks and a naughty glint to your eyes!
Building in a quick-fix burst of laughter daily can rejuvenate a sluggish Monday morning and give you a spring to your step. If you haven’t already been for an early morning sprint to the paper shop or even been out to walk the dog/hamster, how about laughing in the shower for 5 minutes?
Try it and see. Never thought of laughter as an exercise before? Come and join in a Laughter Yoga session at Hamblin hall in Bosham every last Saturday of the month, or visit the Goodwood Hotel in October and join in on the laughter Yoga Work outs in the studio on Tuesday afternoons.
How do you feel after a good laugh?
Relaxed? Refreshed? Alive?
And you didn’t even need to put on your running shoes.
It’s a thought. Keep chuckling.
