If the funny British TV show Monty Python has taught us one thing, it’s that laughter is good for us. But now some creative researchers have taken the time to discover the health impact of walking outside in this way. It turns out that when the people they studied tried to walk like the actors in the funny show, there were health benefits for the body and mind. Now we can put it all together and throw our shame out the window. Careful of course, we don’t want to hurt ourselves!

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 the way the tall actor John Cleese managed to do it. Now, researchers have assessed the health benefits of walking outside and exercising in this inefficient way. The results of this unusual, querky study have been published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

To begin with, to engage in walking outside 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. Walking outside in such a way 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.

Walking outside and feeling happy

One of the other health aspects that researchers found, was related to feelings of happiness. Those that engaged in walking outside ‘teabag style’ were having a great time and it made them feel good. In fact, 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.” As mentioned, 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.” 

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