Laughter Yoga Exercise: Alien, Tiger & Cow
This laughter yoga exercise is one of many within the Laughter Yoga section of the Online Yoga Lesson Planner.
Teaching Directions For Alien, Tiger & Cow Laughter Yoga Exercise
This playful exercise is a delightful way to break the ice, bring out laughter, and create a room full of joy. It’s not just fun; it’s a tool to activate feel-good hormones, warm up the body, and lighten the atmosphere. Here’s how you can lead your class through the hilarity of the Alien, Tiger & Cow laughter yoga exercise in an engaging and memorable way.
Step 1: Set the Scene
Invite your students to form a circle. Explain that this exercise is all about letting loose and having fun, so the more dramatic and exaggerated their actions, the better. Encourage everyone to fully commit to their chosen character to amplify the energy in the room.
Step 2: Introduce the Characters
Introduce the three characters with a big smile and plenty of enthusiasm:
Alien
Demonstrate how to make antennae by raising your hands above your head with fingers wiggling.
Lean into the circle like you’re greeting your extraterrestrial friends and make a high-pitched “Zeep, zeep, zeep” sound.
Add some awkward alien body language for extra laughs.
Tiger
Channel your inner predator. Raise your hands like claws, lean forward into the circle, and let out your most ferocious roar.
Feel free to exaggerate and make it as over-the-top as possible—it’s all in good fun!
Cow
For the cow, place your hands on your stomach as if exposing an udder.
Lean into the circle with a hearty “Mooooo!”
Invite your class to imagine themselves as the happiest, most relaxed cows on a sunny pasture.
Encourage everyone to practice each character together before moving on. This gives people a chance to loosen up and get comfortable with the silliness.
Step 3: The Countdown
Explain that on the count of three, everyone must silently choose which character they will be—Alien, Tiger, or Cow—and then fully commit to acting it out.
Countdown Example:
Start with, “One, two, three… go!”
On “go,” everyone leaps into their chosen character, creating an explosion of random zeeping, roaring, and mooing sounds.
Step 4: Repeat and Revel in the Chaos
After the first round, pause for a moment to let the group soak in the hilarity of what just happened. Then, repeat the countdown and encourage everyone to try again.
Here’s the twist: Keep going until the entire group, by some magical synchronicity, all chooses the same character at the same time. It rarely happens on the first few tries, which makes the exercise even more entertaining. Usually, the room erupts into uncontrollable laughter long before synchronicity is achieved.
Step 5: Debrief and Reflect
Once the group dissolves into fits of laughter or achieves the rare feat of unanimous character choice, take a moment to reflect. Ask the group how they feel—energized? Relaxed? Silly? Emphasise how laughter and playful connection can uplift our spirits and create a sense of community.
The Benefits of Alien, Tiger & Cow Laughter Yoga Exercise
This exercise isn’t just fun—it’s packed with benefits:
Warm-Up: It gently engages the body, loosening muscles and waking everyone up.
Breaks the Ice: Perfect for new groups or teams who might feel reserved at first.
Releases Tension: Laughter is a natural stress reliever and helps everyone relax.
Boosts Mood: The exercise triggers endorphin release, leaving participants feeling happier and more connected.
Encourages Creativity: Acting out silly characters taps into spontaneity and imagination.
Builds Community: The shared experience of laughter creates bonds and lightens the atmosphere.
Fosters Mindfulness: It brings everyone into the present moment, fully engaged in the activity.
Beginner Tips For Alien, Tiger & Cow Laughter Yoga Exercise
If your group is new to laughter yoga or seems hesitant, here are some tips to ease them in:
Model Enthusiasm: Your energy sets the tone. If you’re fully committed to being an Alien, Tiger, or Cow, your group will follow suit.
Simplify the Characters: Focus on big, clear gestures and loud sounds to make it easy for everyone to participate.
Warm-Up the Group: Start with simple breathing or light stretching to get everyone comfortable.
Normalise the Silliness: Remind participants that it’s okay to feel a little silly—that’s the point!
Advanced Variations For Alien, Tiger & Cow Laughter Yoga Exercise
Once your group gets the hang of it, spice things up with these advanced variations:
Add a Storyline: Pretend the Aliens are invading Earth, the Tigers are protecting the jungle, and the Cows are staging a peaceful protest.
Create Teams: Divide into small groups and see which team can synchronize their character choices first.
Speed it Up: Make the countdown faster to add an element of surprise and challenge.
Add Props: Use simple props like headbands with “antennae” for Aliens, tiger masks, or cowbells to heighten the fun.
When to Use The Alien, Tiger & Cow Laughter Yoga Exercise
At the Start of Class: It’s a perfect icebreaker to warm up the room.
During a Mid-Class Slump: If energy dips, use this activity to recharge the group.
As a Team-Building Tool: Ideal for workshops, retreats, or corporate events to foster connection and laughter.
Why The Alien, Tiger & Cow Laughter Yoga Exercise Works Well
The Alien, Tiger & Cow laughter yoga exercise taps into our natural human instinct to play. Playfulness is a universal language that transcends barriers and allows us to connect with others in an authentic, lighthearted way. By embodying these fun characters, participants can let go of self-consciousness and experience the joy of being fully present.
Closing Thoughts
This exercise is a crowd-pleaser for yoga teachers, team leaders, and anyone looking to infuse a little fun into their sessions. Whether it’s the zany Zeep of the Alien, the ferocious roar of the Tiger, or the grounding moo of the Cow, this activity brings people together in laughter and shared joy.
So go ahead—unleash your inner Alien, Tiger, or Cow and watch the magic happen!
