With all that’s going on right now, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. Many of us are finding ourselves anxious & overstressed. For many, having that hour session at the gym is the daily release they have to de-stress & unwind. But with the closure of your favourite gyms & studios, a normal exercise routine may no longer be an option.
However, being in isolation with no physical access to gyms or studios does not mean that you should stop exercising.
Did you know that keeping up regular, daily exercise plays an important role in helping to maintain a healthy immune system?
How does working out improve the immune system?
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Working out causes your body’s antibodies & white blood cells, the cells in the immune system that fight disease, to circulate more rapidly.
This means that should there be any bugs in your system, your immune system may be able to identify & zero in on it more quickly.
If you do not continue to work out or remain active, the cells will not be able to detect or fight the illnesses as quickly.
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Working out has been proven to reduce the release of the stress hormone, cortisol, which weakens the immune system.
When we’re stressed, the stress hormone can suppress the immune system’s ability & effectiveness to fight off antigens. That is why we are more susceptible to infections.
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Studies have shown that by working out regularly, you may experience fewer depressive & anxiety symptoms.
When you work out, you release feel-good endorphins, which helps to keep the depression away.
Working out also helps to take your mind off worries. This too can counter any negative thoughts or effects that isolation may have on your immunity.
By working out & releasing some steam, you are not only improving your physical health, but mental health too.
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Physical activities like working out help flush out bacteria from our lungs & airways. This could reduce the chances of you catching a cold, or other illnesses.
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The brief rise in body temperature both during & after a workout prevents bacteria from growing in your body. This increase in temperature may even give your body a chance to fight off any infection, better.
Find your sweet spot
Quoting the Spice girl, “Too much of something is bad enough”.
Much like other things, the key to exercise is finding moderation.
By working out too much, you will in turn put too much stress on your body, which depresses your immune system.
If you work out hard and push your body to the max seven days a week, naturally your body will get tired, start lagging and not be able to go further.
Ensuring your body is allowed it’s time to recover is important for progress and also general health. We recommend a 30 – 60 minute session, 3 to 4 times a week.
Remember, your body is a temple. You do your body good, and your body will do you good.
