Laughter Club opening up in Takaka
Laughter is truly contagious. At a Laughter Yoga demo workshop at last Sunday’s H.A.N.D.S. Market, yoga teacher Hera Livingston showed people how to warm up from the inside out, and had group participants bursting into hearty laughter.
“I’m also into theatre, and this brings yoga and theatre together in a releasing and energising way, providing a natural antidote to stress and depression,” said Hera. “Sure, it’s a funny concept and yes, it’s both strange and hilarious, but it is great for the winter when we are all in need of a good laugh.”
The 45-minute workout is based on yogic breathing and stretching exercises that promote sustained laughter without the need to crack any jokes. The health benefits of laughing have been widely documented, and the laughter workout provides the aerobic equivalent to 10 minutes on an exercise bike. Laughter exercises the heart, diaphragm, abdominal, intercostal, respiratory and facial muscles and exercises the arm, leg, and back muscles. The exercises are said to strengthen facial muscles and thus reduce wrinkles. It is apparently beneficial to cardiovascular health and can reduce blood pressure. Laughter also boosts the body’s oxygen and energy levels and releases endorphins.
While children laugh 300 to 400 times a day during their important formative years, the average adult grump only laughs 10 to 15 times a day. Since laughter is known to be one of humans’ best defences against stress, laughter yoga offers a way to laugh, stay healthy and get exercise at the same time.
Janet Huddleston participated in the laugh session with gusto. “I was sweating afterwards. It’s a really good workout. It’s very enjoyable and a great release of endorphins.”
Hera will show a DVD on Laughter Yoga made by its founder, Dr Madan Kataria, this Monday evening at 7.30pm in the Community Centre lounge.
Regular laugh sessions are held on Tuesdays at 5.10 to 5.50pm at the Community Centre, and Fridays from 9.00 to 9.40am, recommencing 9 July, community centre. This is a donation-based club and everybody is welcome. For more info: www.laughteryoga.org.nz or phone Hera on 525 8633.
Ina Holst
