Yes, it sounds ridiculous, but “fart walks”—a cheeky (pun intended) term for solo strolls where you let your body do its thing—are actually backed by real science.
These unfiltered, pressure-free walks aren’t just about aiding your digestion. They’ve become a low-key health hack that helps with everything from bloating to brain fog to unexpected bursts of creativity. No, really. Here’s why fart walks might be one of the most surprisingly brilliant habits you can start doing today, and why you should.
1. They help relieve trapped gas.
Let’s start with the obvious. Walking is one of the best ways to get your digestive system moving, and that includes releasing built-up gas. If you’re feeling bloated or crampy after a meal, a gentle walk can help speed things along. Movement encourages peristalsis, which is the wave-like motion in your gut that moves things through. It’s a simple, natural fix that doesn’t involve awkward stretching or reaching for antacids.
2. You’re giving your gut a workout.
Fart walks aren’t just about gas. They’re also giving your intestines a little exercise. When you move, especially right after eating, your digestive muscles are stimulated, which supports healthy motility. That’s important because sluggish digestion is linked to bloating, constipation, and discomfort. A 10-minute walk after lunch could make more difference than you think.
3. You reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.
Studies have shown that even short walks after eating can help lower blood sugar levels, especially in people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Movement helps your muscles soak up glucose more efficiently. You don’t have to power-walk, either—just a gentle pace is enough. And yes, it’s even more effective if you’re not holding in discomfort the entire time.
4. It’s the best kind of alone time.
There’s something freeing about walking solo without headphones, without conversation, and without trying to be polite about bodily functions. It gives your brain space to wander while your body does its thing. These quiet, no-pressure walks are oddly therapeutic. They become a little pocket of freedom where you don’t have to be anyone’s entertainment. You can just exist, bloated belly and all.
5. Movement eases pressure on your internal organs.
Sitting or lying down right after eating can increase pressure on your stomach and intestines, making any trapped air feel worse. Walking helps redistribute that pressure more evenly. You’ll often notice bloating and tightness ease off within minutes of walking—not because anything major changed, but because your body finally got the chance to adjust and release.
6. They’re actually good for your pelvic floor.
Walking with natural posture and relaxed abdominal muscles supports your pelvic floor, which is crucial for digestion, bladder health, and general core strength. And yes, letting out a bit of wind without clenching your whole body is part of that too. The more relaxed your core is during low-impact movement, the better it functions—and fart walks, as odd as it sounds, encourage exactly that kind of natural movement.
7. You improve gut-brain communication.
The vagus nerve is the communication superhighway between your brain and gut. Light physical activity like walking helps stimulate this nerve, which supports digestion, mood, and even stress regulation. So when you head out for a fart walk, you’re not just easing discomfort, you’re literally strengthening your body’s internal communication network. It’s like giving your gut a direct line to your brain and saying, “We’re good down here.”
8. They take the embarrassment out of gas.
Let’s be honest—most of us hold in gas way too often, especially in shared spaces. But when you walk solo, you don’t have to perform or apologise. You can just let your body function the way it needs to. That small act of letting go (literally) is actually great for your nervous system. You’re signalling to your body that it’s safe, relaxed, and not under threat, which helps everything calm down internally.
9. You get a mini mental reset.
Fart walks aren’t just for your belly—they clear your head too. Movement, fresh air, and a short break from screens give your brain a breather, which boosts creativity, memory, and focus. Even ten minutes around the block can break you out of a funk or reset your mood. The fact that your gut feels better afterwards is a bonus.
10. You burn calories in the easiest possible way.
Walking might not feel like much, but it adds up. Especially when you do it consistently, even in short bursts. Those little daily walks support metabolism and circulation without the pressure of “working out.” And when it’s wrapped in something as low-stakes and casual as a fart walk, it’s easier to keep doing it. You’re not trying to hit a goal; you’re just moving because your body wants to.
11. They’re surprisingly mood-boosting.
Movement releases endorphins, even if you’re not breaking a sweat. And when you pair that with a moment of privacy, comfort, and fresh air, you get a surprisingly powerful lift in your mood. Fart walks might start off as a joke, but people keep doing them because they work. You feel lighter, mentally and physically, after even the shortest stroll.
12. They take pressure off perfection.
You’re not wearing gym gear, tracking your steps, or aiming to impress anyone. You’re just out for a walk, letting your body decompress. There’s no pressure to make it productive or social. Sometimes, that’s what makes a habit stick. Fart walks are about listening to your body without overthinking it, which is probably the healthiest approach to movement we’ve got.
