“Laugh Your Abs Away” Workout Helps You Laugh Your Way To Rock-Hard Abs, Incontinence

Have you ever gone to, say, a college yoga class? And, just as an example, found yourself in bridge pose right beside a person who cannot. Stop. Farting? You cracked up, right? So much so that your instructor was like, “-Alejandra- Hey, you. Focus.” But you noticed it felt really good, like, all up in your abdominals. That’s the basic premise behind the “Laugh Your Abs Away” (aren’t we trying to laugh them…. into existence?) exercise series. Accroding to the workout’s creator, Kerry Beard:

I LOVE to laugh and truly believe that laughter is medicine. Did you know laughter produces the same chemicals as anti-depresents? Did you know laughter is a natural pain killer?

You totally want to see a video of people shrieking with laughter while lunging in Spandex, don’t you? Come along:

The workout, uh, works by strengthening your core muscles as you do other aerobic workouts, like stretches, squats and lunges. The routine also takes advantage of other benefits that come from laughter. Did you know, for example, that, according to “Dr. Kataria’s School of Laughter Yoga:”

- …Laughter can help eliminate stress?

Laughter is one of the best muscle relaxant. [sic] Laughter expands blood vessels and sends more blood rising to the extremities and other muscles all over the body. A good bout of laughter also reduces the levels of stress hormones epineprine and cortisol. It can be said to be a form of dynamic meditation or relaxation.

- And it can keep you from getting sick? If you, unlike us, actually believe the following statement?

Researchers have found that after laughter therapy there is an increase in antibodies (Immunoglobulin A) in the mucous on of the nose and respiratory passages, which is believed to have protective capacity against some viruses, bacteria and other micro organisms.

Plus, loads of other crap.

Kerry Beard’s MySpace rather endearingly reveals that she would love to meet people who “love to laugh.” Aw, Kerry! We’d want to meet you, too, if we still were able to remember what joy feels like. Anyway. Enjoy this video of the most awkward workout ever.

And try not to laugh… We dare you:

Kerry [MySpace]
Health Benefits of Laughter Therapy [Dr. Kataria's School of Laughter Yoga]