The Rise of Fart Walks

The Rise of Fart Walks

A new trend for digestive health?

Lesson Summary: Walking Off the Wind

This lesson explores the viral online trend of "fart walks," popularized by Marilyn Smith, who advocates for walking after dinner to aid digestion and release gas. Students will watch a news segment where a doctor discusses the science behind this practice, confirming that gentle exercise after meals can indeed promote digestion, move food through the bowel, and help relieve bloating and flatulence. The segment also humorously touches upon the "proper technique" and foods that tend to produce more gas.

Through vocabulary activities, comprehension questions, and discussions, students will learn about digestive processes, common bodily functions, and societal attitudes towards them. A role-play will have them discuss new health trends, and a writing task will prompt reflection on the seriousness and silliness of such fads.

Watch the video (at the end of this page) for a general understanding of the content.

Vocabulary: Match these words from the video to their definitions.

Watch the video again listening for specific details.

True / False: Decide if these statements are true or false based on the video.

Multiple Choice: Read each question carefully and choose the correct answer.

Discussion Questions: Fart Walks & Health Trends

• Have you ever gone for a walk after dinner? Did it help your stomach?
• What do you think about the idea of a ‘fart walk’? Would you try it?
• Why do you think some foods make us gassy?
• What’s the weirdest health trend you’ve heard about?
• Is it okay to fart in public if it’s for health reasons?
• Which foods give you the most gas?
• Do you know any other fun names for walking, running, or exercising?
• Do you think people should talk more about digestion and body stuff?
• If you had to design a fun new health routine, what would you call it?
• Would you walk with a friend if you knew they might fart a lot?

Role-Play Activity: The New Health Craze

In this role-play, Student A is excited about a new and unusual health trend they found online (like “fart walks,” or something silly like “giggle jogs” or “humming hikes”). They want Student B to try it with them.

Student B thinks the idea sounds weird, silly, or embarrassing and isn’t sure about it.

Together, they should talk about:

• What the trend is and why Student A likes it
• Why Student B feels unsure or uncomfortable
• Possible disadvantages or risks
• If people feel embarrassed doing strange things in public
• Whether they can agree or if Student A will go alone

Focus on humor and clearly sharing different opinions. Try to find a compromise—or not!

Independent Writing Task: Fad or Fab?

After watching the video about “fart walks,” write a paragraph giving your opinion about health trends like this. Do you think they are truly helpful, just silly but harmless, or confusing and misleading? Choose one side and explain your opinion using reasons and examples. You might think about why these trends become popular, whether there is a simple truth behind them—like “walking is good for you”—and if you’ve seen other strange or funny health trends before. Be sure to clearly support your opinion in one paragraph.

Video