Fans of British comedy will remember Monty Python’s “Ministry of Silly Walks,” the classic sketch in which John Cleese’s character strides along with exaggerated, flailing steps. Decades later, researchers put those silly walks to a scientific test, and found they may actually be a decent workout.
A playful study with a real point
The study appeared in the Christmas issue of The BMJ, a leading medical journal that publishes lighthearted but genuine research each December. The authors started from a serious problem: global rates of physical inactivity have barely changed in two decades, while heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide.
Their idea was simple. Instead of always trying to make movement more efficient, what if we made everyday movement less efficient, so it burns more energy? They jokingly called this the “practice of effort maximization in physical activity,” and turned to the Ministry of Silly Walks for inspiration.
How the study worked
Thirteen healthy adults between 22 and 71 years old walked a 30-meter indoor course for five minutes at a time, three different ways:
- Their normal walk
- The “Putey” walk, a wobbly, inefficient style from the sketch
- The “Teabag” walk, John Cleese’s famous high-kicking, lurching stride
Participants wore portable equipment that measured how much oxygen they used, which shows how much energy the body is burning.
What they found
- The Teabag walk burned about 2.5 times more energy than normal walking. That was enough to count as vigorous-intensity activity, the same category as jogging.
- A few minutes a day could add up. The researchers estimated that adults could reach the recommended 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week by walking Teabag-style for about 11 minutes a day.
- It made people laugh. Participants were noticeably smiling and laughing during the silly walks, which may make activity more enjoyable.
The researchers also noted that heavier people tended to use more energy during the inefficient walks.
Keep it in perspective
This was a tiny study, and nobody is suggesting you replace your regular exercise with comedy walking. The authors also noted that exaggerated movements aren’t suitable for everyone, including some people with disabilities, balance problems or joint issues. The real takeaway is broader: adding a bit of extra effort and fun to everyday movement can raise how much energy you burn.
Easy ways to add effort to your day
You don’t need to lurch down the street to get the benefit. Try these simpler ideas:
- Pick up the pace. Brisk walking, where you can talk but not sing, counts as moderate exercise.
- Take the stairs. Climbing stairs is one of the most efficient ways to raise your heart rate.
- Add hills or intervals. Alternate a minute of fast walking with a few minutes of normal pace.
- Carry your groceries. Carrying bags or a backpack adds resistance.
- Make it playful. Dancing, playing with kids or pets, or a silly walk down the hallway all count.
- Aim for the guidelines. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days.
If you have heart disease, joint problems or other health conditions, check with your doctor before starting more vigorous activity.
The bottom line
Monty Python’s Teabag walk turned out to be vigorous exercise, burning about 2.5 times more energy than normal walking. It’s a fun reminder that adding effort, and a bit of joy, to everyday movement can help you meet your activity goals.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
