What is Laughter Yoga?

Laughter Yoga is a combination of yoga breathing and simple stretching, combined with clapping and playful exercises. The most important thing to remember is that you can and should "fake it" and you will still get the same wonderful benefits as real laughter. Fortunately, in a group dynamic, the fake soon becomes real.  This is a body-mind experience that is best done not by "trying" to be funny, but rather by just "being there" in the moment.  Sessions can be as short as 15 - 20 minutes in the morning for a quick "wake-up" or as long as 45 minutes to an hour in the evening.  You can laugh alone, of course, or even better join a Laughter Club where you will get the benefit of the contagious nature of laughter.  There are even Phone and Skype Laughter clubs!

How do you make people laugh?

I don't "make" people laugh, but as we practice the different exercises and maintain eye contact with other people, it becomes real laughter very quickly.  The beauty of it is you don't have to really laugh to reap the positive benefits because your body does not know the difference between real and fake laughter.  That is why our motto is "Just Fake It Till You Make It!"

How much exercise can laughing be?

Studies have shown that laughing for 3 minutes is like being on a rowing machine for 10 minutes aerobically!  You are literally exercising from the inside out.  When this is combined with deep breathing and stretching, it gives you quite a workout!

I laugh all the time, why  do I need a club?

Studies have shown that children laugh about 300 times a day, but by the time we are adults we are down to an average of 15!  Getting together with other people to "practice" laughing for no reason helps us gain some of that lost laughter back. It reduces cortisol, a stress related hormone,  increases endorphins, a natural pain killer, elevates our mood, and starts a whole chain of positive health benifits. This is a very safe and economical way to combat the stress of everyday living.

Will I need anything?

Wear clothes you can move in and be comfortable. A yoga or exercise mat is nice as we end with Laughter Meditation, but it is not necessary. Most of all, just come prepared to have a great time!

l Home l About l Laughter Exercises l Find a Laughter Club l Photo Gallery l Calendar l Services l

l Contact l FAQ l