Walking in a way that is not only funny but also completely inefficient can be a healthy form of exercise. It is the conclusion of a group of scientists who have investigated what happens when we walk like this. Like John Cleese in Monty Python’s Ministry of Silly Walks, to be precise. It turns out that while we don’t have to throw our legs in exactly the same way as John Cleese could, walking in such an enthusiastic way can be a good thing.
Image thanks to Pexels, Rodnae Productions
Do you remember how the characters on the legendary British 70s show Monty Python Ministry of Silly Walks (MoSW) walked? How, on each step, they would throw one leg in the air? They were, after all, working for the special Ministry of Silly Walks. It was impossible not to laugh, especially when John Cleese did it. Now, researchers have assessed the health benefits of walking in this inefficient way. The results of this unusual study have been published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
To walk so inefficiently, we have to use a lot of energy. Especially when we do so in ‘Teabag Style,’ referring to the nickname of the character John Cleese plays in the show. Such type of walking can even be compared to high-intensity aerobic exercise. In fact, the researchers discovered that people who engage in it can experience the sought-after feeling called runner’s high.
One of the other health aspects that researchers found, was related to feelings of happiness. Those that engaged in walking teabag style were having a good time and feeling good. Many times they couldn’t help but burst out in laughter. “Our analysis of the energy consumed during different styles of walking, seeks to empower people to move their own bodies in more energetic — and hopefully joyful — ways,” the researchers said. They added: “Any joy derived from inefficient walking would further promote its uptake.” Provided we don’t hurt ourselves in the process of course!
“Our analysis of the energy consumed during different styles of walking seeks to empower people to move their own bodies in more energetic—and hopefully joyful—ways.”
EN 
NL , is healthy exercise){kind=link}
 allow more people to have their say){kind=link}
