Feeling Good with Laughter Yoga

“Laugh first, feel good after” says Rosanne Spinner, a certified laughter yoga leader who has been teaching this type of yoga since 2009. She views herself not as a teacher but rather a leader who helps facilitate the body and mind.

People can alleviate pain with laughter right here in New Hyde Park. Spinner offers one-hour meetings twice a month to reduce stress management, depression and promote cardio exercise. Laughter yoga delves into a unique type of cardiovascular workout where you are encouraged to have fun and use your creativity. Participants quack like ducks, talk in gibberish and practice breathing exercises to reduce stress and boost their health.   

Laughter Yoga is open to everyone from ages 13 to 80.

“The only reason why a person wouldn’t like laughter yoga is if they have a hard time removing themselves from the 'what if' mode – where a person cannot live in the present,” Spinner said.

The meetings take place in a sun room surrounded by glass and a cathedral type ceiling. There are cozy couches and walls filled with inspirational messages throughout the room to help people feel comfortable. Spinner encourages people who participate to take home and utilize the resources from what she calls her "lending library".

“It is a collection of books, CDs and movies that don’t necessarily have to do with laughter but rather a lesson about life,” she said.

Dorothy, who is fairly new to Spinner’s laughter yoga, said her first meeting felt like a breath of fresh air.

“There’s something to it, I’m not sure what it is, but it’s great," Dorothy said. "It’s my second week and I’m back so that says something."

To find out more about Rosanne Spinner’s Laughter Yoga, visit her website at www.RosanneSpinner.com.