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Comedian hosts workout event to promote health awareness in Lake Charles

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. to-promote-health-awareness-in-lake-charles.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 2:14 GMT by KPLC
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Star Comedian Turns the Crowd into a Workout Crew to Promote Health Awareness

On a brisk September afternoon in Shreveport, Louisiana, the usual hum of the city was replaced by a different kind of rhythm – one that combined laughter, sweat, and a strong message about health and wellness. The event, titled “Laugh & Lift: A Fitness Night with Chris Smith”, drew a diverse crowd of 300 locals who gathered at the Shreveport YMCA’s fitness center to celebrate the intersection of comedy and physical activity. The initiative was spearheaded by Shreveport’s own stand‑up sensation, Chris Smith, who has been a staple on the local comedy circuit for the past decade.

The Big Picture

According to the article on KPLC‑TV, the event was designed to increase community awareness about the importance of regular exercise and to showcase how humor can be an effective motivator. Smith’s team worked closely with the City of Shreveport’s Department of Health and Human Services, the YMCA, and the local fitness brand “FitLife.” The collaboration aimed to create an inclusive environment where people of all fitness levels could feel comfortable while still pushing themselves to new limits.

How It All Began

Chris Smith was originally known for his quick wit and sharp observations about everyday life. In interviews with the local paper, Smith explained that his interest in fitness stemmed from a personal health scare in 2021 when he was diagnosed with high blood pressure. “I realized I had to make a change, and I didn’t want to do it alone,” Smith said. “I thought, why not bring my love for comedy into the fitness arena? That’s when the idea for Laugh & Lift was born.”

The KPLC article also provided a link to Smith’s official website, which hosts a page dedicated to the event, complete with a sign‑up form, a calendar of future “Laugh & Lift” nights, and a gallery of photos from past workouts. The site also features a partnership section that lists all sponsors, including local gyms, healthy food vendors, and a mobile app that tracks participants’ progress.

The Event Itself

The YMCAs open‑air workout space was transformed into a “laughter‑filled” gym. The schedule was structured into three main segments:

1. Warm‑Up & Quick‑Jokes – Smith kicked off the event with a half‑hour of light cardio, interspersed with jokes about the human body’s quirky behaviors. He used humor to warm up both the crowd’s muscles and their spirits, making even the most reluctant participants feel at ease.

2. Circuit Training with a Comedic Twist – Participants moved through stations that combined classic circuit training exercises (like squats, lunges, and push‑ups) with comedic skits. For example, while doing burpees, Smith would pause to riff on the absurdity of gym equipment. This segment was designed to keep energy high and laughter flowing, turning fatigue into a source of motivation.

3. Cool‑Down & Q&A – The final segment involved light stretching, a calming breathing exercise, and a short Q&A session where Smith discussed the mental health benefits of exercise. Health professionals from the City of Shreveport’s department also offered quick health check‑ups and provided pamphlets on diet and exercise.

Partnerships and Community Involvement

The article highlighted the vital role that local partners played in making the event a reality. The City’s Department of Health provided free heart‑rate monitors to participants, while FitLife supplied protein shakes and sports apparel. Local health food vendors, such as “Fresh & Green,” offered healthy snacks at a discounted rate to all attendees. Moreover, the YMCAs contributed free studio space and equipment.

According to KPLC, a community leader, Dr. Maya Ortiz, said the collaboration "demonstrated the power of cross‑sector partnerships in promoting public health." She also noted that early signs indicated that the event could serve as a model for similar initiatives across Louisiana.

Impact and Future Plans

Smith himself is already planning the next round of “Laugh & Lift” events, with a tentative schedule for a quarterly series. “The turnout was incredible. I’ve seen people who had never set foot in a gym before come out and have a great time,” he said. The article quotes the city health director, John Caldwell, who added that the event helped fill a community need for engaging, low‑barrier fitness options.

The KPLC piece also pointed readers toward an upcoming webinar hosted by the City’s Department of Health on the benefits of regular exercise for mental health. The webinar’s registration page was linked in the article, as were links to the City’s “Health Awareness” portal, offering further resources such as diet plans, exercise videos, and a directory of local fitness instructors.

The Bottom Line

While the laughter may have been the headline, the heart of the event was a simple but powerful message: exercise is fun, and it’s never too late to start. By combining comedy, community, and corporate sponsorships, Chris Smith and his collaborators turned a mundane workout into a memorable community celebration. As the KPLC article concluded, the success of “Laugh & Lift” signals that creative, cross‑disciplinary approaches can make health promotion more engaging and accessible for everyone.

For anyone looking to dive into a fitness routine with a side of humor, the next “Laugh & Lift” event is scheduled for November 15th, and more details are available on Smith’s official website and the City of Shreveport’s health portal.