Staying healthy and fit is mostly thought of as something serious that requires focus and a straight face. But, it isn’t so. From hula hooping to belly dancing, there are many ways to get moving and have fun, too. Even yoga class doesn’t have to fit the stereotypical image of everyone moving in silence. Incorporating a little laughter into the routine can actually improve relaxation and enhance all the great benefits yoga has to offer. Area yoga instructor Adam Laufer makes sure his classes are a good time for all.

“My classes are fun,” he says. “Sometimes I joke and say that we get together and have fun and manage to slip some yoga in there. The students keep engaged with me and with each other because while we’re doing the poses, we’re talking about curious math and science facts, they’re correcting my horrible sense of left and right, or we’re placing bets on how late certain class members (who will remain nameless) will be this week. We tell silly jokes, we laugh about parking tickets and how much we’re suffering in the poses. (Remember: suffering is good!)”

So, it’s not all fun and games, but laughter helps students get through the tough moments, he says. “In reality, we get a great deal of yoga done. We all have our aches and pains; some are mental, some emotional, some physical. Through laughter, joy and community, we open up our bodies through the poses, and we also unlock the tension and stresses of our lives.”

Adam reminds you that you can create this easy-going feeling at your own movement class with these five simple, and funny, steps:
1. Ask people their name.
2. If they give you their name, ask their social security number (then say, “just kidding”).
3. Bring some chocolate. (Remember to share!)
4. Wear deodorant.
5. Turn all the way around (pretend you’re Wonder Woman) and make eye contact with people.

Adam Laufer teaches yoga at Lighten Up Yoga Center in downtown Asheville, NC and in Barnardsville, NC. He also offers customized classes and private sessions. View his class schedule for more info.


[Originally printed in "The Miracle of Laughter? It's Healing and Contagious!"
New Life Journal, November 2007 issue.]