Laughercize
Laughercize is a form of contagious laughter exercise, which works off the natural infectiousness of human joy. The technique is a form of practiced joy fitness which combines laughter and exercise.
History
Laughercize was developed by Canadian filmmaker, journalist and Laughologist Albert Nerenberg. In the course of researching a TV documentary about laughter, Nerenberg told Hour Magazine he learned more about how "laughter protects people against heart disease, strengthens immunity and fights depression." [1] Nerenberg believes joy fitness is an unexplored part of physical fitness. By combining contagious laughter techniques with exercise, Nerenberg created Laughercize, a set of exercises that trigger natural contagious reactions that can often result in extended bouts of laughter with therapeutic benefits. Nerenberg states that laughing can naturally deter stress by metabolizing cortisol, one of the main stress hormones. Laughing also improves breathing and heart health. It often quickly resolves anxiety and works towards lowering stress levels.[2][3] The development of Laughercize was influenced by the development of Laughter Yoga and Improvisational Theater.
Current usage
Laughercize has been used to treat disabled children and recovering alcohol and drug addicts who have supposedly lost the ability to create natural endorphins.[2] The system is also used in certain Canadian spas and health centers.
References
- ↑ Hour
- 1 2 "A laughing matter" (Interview). Global News (Edmonton). 4 March 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
- ↑ Laughercize
External links
| ||||||||||