Image thanks to Pexels, Rodnae Productions

If the British TV show Monty Python taught us one thing, it’s that laughter is good for us. But thanks to some innovative researchers, we now also know that walking in an inefficient, mindless way is healthy. The show’s Ministry-of-Silly-Walks provided the inspiration, and it turns out that walking in a way that makes us and others laugh is a good thing. It’s time to go for a walk, John Cleese style.

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 and exercising in this inefficient way. The results of this unusual study have been published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

To begin with, 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. Walking 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.

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.” 

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Image thanks to Pexels, Rodnae Productions