New Yoga Class Keeps Dexter Seniors in Stitches

When it comes to Laughter Yoga, the newest addition to the class schedule, seniors might be asking themselves, “What is there to laugh about?”

Program instructors Pam Martin and Barb Fisher, both certified laughter leaders, say it isn’t about comedy. It’s about fitness.

Laughter Yoga will be offered at the senior center beginning July 8, at 1 p.m., lasting approximately 45 minutes. Classes will continue to be offered the second Friday of every month at 1 p.m., led by Martin and Fisher.

“We both have been certified for more than two years,” Martin said. “I read about it first in the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) bulletin magazine and thought how cool it sounded to be called a ‘laughter leader.’ I looked it up on the Internet and I was hooked. It has been so much fun and has added so much to my life, and I think I can say the same for Barb.”

Laughter Yoga, an exercise routine pioneered by Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India, has been sweeping the globe for more than 15 years. Combining yoga breathing with unconditional laughter, Laughter Yoga takes advantage of the body’s inability to distinguish between fake and real laughter. Simulated laughter can exercise the same muscles and has the same psychological benefits.

“We don’t use jokes or comedy because not all people think the same things are humorous," Martin said. “We ‘laugh for no reason,’ or ‘laugh on purpose’ for the benefits.

“Our sessions are done either sitting or standing, so it works for people of all abilities,” Martin said. “We do some light stretching and deep breathing, and then we do some laughter stimulating exercises where we act out a simple scenario and laugh. It’s great fun. Sometimes it is a little difficult at first for people to let go and laugh, but they usually do and are glad.”

A few of the health benefits, according to the Laughter Yoga International website, include reduced stress or anxiety, an increase in endorphins, improved digestion, improved breathing, lower blood pressure, bonding, and a boosted immune system.

“These benefits apply to all who practice laughter, but seniors especially seem to enjoy acting like kids again and many of them have lost a sense of joy in life,” Martin said. “Laughter Yoga helps relieve stress and cultivate joy from within, which carries over into everyday life. And it’s good for seniors because they can do it from a seated position.”

Classes cost $3 for members or $5 for non-members. The first class is free and open to the public.

“At this time in this world, everybody needs something to laugh about,” Senior Center Director Kim Martini said.

To contact the Dexter Senior Center, call 734-426-7737.

For more information on Laughter Yoga, visit www.laughteryoga.org.

There is also a local laughter club, Ann Arbor Laughs, led by Martin and three other women. The club hosts monthly free classes for the public. For more information about the club, e-mail annarborlaughs@gmail.com or call 734- 769-1825.