“LAUGH and the world laughs with you” are the opening words from a famous poem, but they could also be the motto for a group of fun loving people on the Central Coast.
The Laughter Club of Budgewoi meets 52 weeks of the year, come rain or shine, for 30 minutes of side-splitting laughter yoga.
There are no strange poses at this class, but if there were, the 20 or so participants who turn up every Wednesday and Friday at 10.30am would probably fall around in mirth.
Run by laughter yoga teacher Alan Ferguson, the fun lovers are put through a series of exercises designed to induce giggles, guffaws, belly laughs, chortles, cackles, howls and shrieks of hilarity – there’s even silent laughter.
And what puts an even bigger smile on everyone’s face is that it’s absolutely free.
“It’s a scientific fact that the body cannot tell the difference between fake and real laughter,” Alan said.
“The forced laughter is enough to trigger the brain into releasing endorphins (pleasure hormones), which make you feel good for the rest of the day.
“Laughter yoga provides gentle cardio exercise and makes you feel more energised and relaxed. It’s great for helping people with depression, anxiety and mental illness, it provides companionship and it’s really addictive.
“When people come for the first time they are a little inhibited, but in next to no time they are joining the party and laughing along with the rest of us.”
Members range in age, with most being in their 60s and 70s and the oldest guffawing just as loudly at age 85.
Sometimes the numbers swell when nearby retirement homes bring residents along for a laugh.
After a yoga session members often gather for coffee or a movie and the group has been responsible for developing some great friendships.
The classes are held under cover in Mackenzie's Reserve and new members are welcome.
“Laugh and the world laughs with you” is from the poem Solitude by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
- Alan 4396-9174, 0481-207-044.
