Abdul Jabbar, anchor person of the exercise describes his experience: "When I came here for exercise, I could wear only size 44 shirts, and that too with difficulty. I have reduced 15 kgs now and am able to wear size 42 shirts with ease. I can walk for long distances without feeling breathless." Says Padmanabhan, who underwent treatment for asthma for 20 years: "For the past 2 years, I am quite normal."

Founded in 2001 by P.V.Padmanabhan, President of Mumbai West Laughter Club, the Annamanada Laughter club practices laughter everyday for an hour. About 30 men and 20 women take part regularly in the group laughing exercise that is conducted for men in the morning from 6-7 am in the Panchayat ground and for women from 4-5 pm in the SN Trust ground.

Laughter is a good stimulant. It enhances blood circulation and increases the oxygen level in blood. Continuous laughter gives exercise to the heart and lungs. And the rest after the laughter exercise sooths the heart and lungs. This prescription for laughter has been given by Dr.Madan Khataria of Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai.

The exercise begins with a warm up clap and a loud laughter repeated 5 times. This is followed by Namaste Laughter and the Yawning Laughter. The last one is capable of driving away drowsiness. Following this is a garland of laughters whose names are as funny as it is to exercise them.

Sky Laugh reduces the pot belly, while Grinding Laugh slims the waistline. In this era of costly healthcare, as the members laugh away their blues without spending any money, they may even be laughing all the way to the bank.