Fun Fact: Laughing 100 times burns as many calories as 10 minutes on a stationary bike

It turns out laughter really is the best medicine—and possibly a great addition to your fitness routine. According to various studies, laughing 100 times can burn roughly the same number of calories as spending 10 minutes on a stationary bike. That’s right: your favorite comedy special might actually double as a light cardio session.

When we laugh, our heart rate increases, muscles contract, and we even engage our core—just like during exercise. A solid laughing fit can increase energy expenditure and improve blood flow, giving you a quick and joyful boost. It also stimulates the diaphragm, works the abdominal muscles, and even gets the shoulders moving, leaving your body more relaxed afterward.

But the benefits of laughter go far beyond just burning calories. Laughing releases endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, which can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even strengthen your immune system. It’s a natural mood booster and stress reliever—two things we could all use a bit more of in our busy lives.

In a world where we’re often told to do more, hustle harder, and squeeze in time for fitness, it’s refreshing to know that joy itself can be part of the wellness equation. Of course, laughter shouldn’t replace your regular workouts, but it’s a fantastic (and fun) supplement to your routine.

So, next time you’re curled up on the couch binge-watching a hilarious sitcom, remember: those giggles aren’t just good for your soul—they’re giving your body a mini workout too. Who knew fitness could be so funny?

Bottom line: Laugh more. It’s healthy, fun, and apparently, kind of like cardio.