Laughter as Exercise: Burns Calories Like Pilates
- A recent study initiated by the fitness app Yoga-Go has revealed a surprising finding: unrestrained laughter can be categorized as a form of physical activity that burns calories...
- The study, titled "Laughter over lunges," has garnered critically important attention.
- According to Melissa Leach, a yoga expert and strength and conditioning coach at Yoga-go, genuine laughter can increase heart rate and breathing rate, mimicking the effects of brisk...
Laughter: More Than Just Entertainment
A recent study initiated by the fitness app Yoga-Go has revealed a surprising finding: unrestrained laughter can be categorized as a form of physical activity that burns calories and exercises muscles. The research even suggests that laughter could be a “legitimate gateway to exercise,” challenging conventional views on the definition of a workout.
The study, titled “Laughter over lunges,” has garnered critically important attention. Researchers from Yoga-Go analyzed the top 10 comedy films spanning over 100 years, with a minimum rating of 6.5 and a duration of less than four hours. They used a metric of “laughs per minute (LPM)” to identify films that triggered the most frequent and consistent laughter.
According to Melissa Leach, a yoga expert and strength and conditioning coach at Yoga-go, genuine laughter can increase heart rate and breathing rate, mimicking the effects of brisk walking or even light mat Pilates. “Laughter acts like a mini stability workout, breath practice and mobility session,” says Leach.
She explains, “When we laugh, the diaphragm contracts and relaxes rapidly, much like the paced breathing used in yoga. Genuine belly laughs also create isometric contractions in the transverse abdominis, obliques and pelvic floor, mimicking the foundational muscle engagement you see in beginner mat Pilates. And just like a gentle walk, laughter increases both heart rate and respiration, boosting oxygen uptake and supporting cardiovascular function.“
How Manny Calories Are Burned?
While the exact number of calories burned varies depending on the intensity and duration of laughter, the study estimates that 10-15 minutes of hearty laughter can burn approximately 40 calories. It’s vital to note this is comparable to the calorie expenditure of a gentle walk.
The researchers acknowledge that laughter shouldn’t replace traditional exercise,but it can be a valuable and enjoyable supplement to a healthy lifestyle. incorporating more laughter into your day may offer unexpected physical benefits,making it a fun and accessible way to boost your well-being.