Do you love to exercise?
If the thought of working out and getting yourself pumped up for your daily push-ups and squats gets you all excited, good for you!
But if the image of you sweating out doesn't sound so appealing, and you'd rather just sit on the couch and watch your fave Netflix show than run some laps or lift weights, then this article is for you.
Don't worry, we're not going to drag you to the gym today! Some other day, perhaps?
What we're going to do now though, is talk to you about all the good reasons why you need to exercise.
So in this article, we're shortlisting the 5 ways physical exercising can boost your immune system. (And hopefully, give you all the reason you need to get your workout routine started, even though we're in isolation and a lot of us don't have access to the gym!)
Are you ready? Let's dive in!
Regular exercise can help you boost your immunity. Here's how:
It improves your blood circulation When you work out, your body increases the volume of blood it pumps out. This, in turn, increases the level of oxygen in your body and makes all your organs work more efficiently. It also helps you lower your risks of suffering from heart diseases and can help you lower your blood pressure as well. Not sure what type of workouts can help you keep your heart healthy? Try cardio workouts such as jump rope, sit-ups, jogging, and jumping jacks!
It can help you regulate your blood sugar levels Did you know that exercise is actually one of the best ways for you to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range? Yes, you read that right! You see, each time you exercise, your body consumes the sugar you have in your bloodstream to give you the energy you need to keep going. So, the more you exercise, the lower your blood sugar levels will be, and the lower your risk of getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. And, if you already have diabetes, engaging in regular exercise can help you keep your condition under control.
It can help keep your White Blood Cell (WBC) count within normal range When it comes to strengthening your antibodies, it's interesting to note that those who follow a regular schedule of exercise are shown to have healthier white blood cell (WBC) levels than those who do not. This is important information, as increased levels of WBCs in the body often mean that a person is at high risk for coronary diseases and even death. We see proof of this benefit in a study conducted among overweight and post-menopausal women who were asked to engage in aerobic exercise for a specific period of time. After 6 months, the researchers found that these women had a relatively lower WBC count compared to the control group. This indicates stronger immunity compared to the other women in the study who did not engage in exercise.
It reduces inflammation Want to keep diseases at bay? Exercise is the key to making sure that happens! In fact, did you know that even 20 minutes of exercise can already do so much to help protect your body from diseases? It's an interesting fact that researchers have recently discovered during one of the studies conducted. It's also a fact that spells good news for those who suffer from chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. And for those who suffer from obesity, it also means that exercise holds the key for your body to get back in optimum condition.
It reduces the level of stress hormones in your body We all know this: Stress is still the number one killer of all time. People who are stressed are unable to function as efficiently as they should, and their body is not optimized to fight back against diseases. So if you want to lower your stress hormone levels, you need to do one thing: EXERCISE. You don't have to get stressed out about exercise really. After all, it's supposed to relieve you of your stress, not the other way around. And if you're totally new to the whole workout thing, don't push yourself too hard! You'll just have to get used to working out, that's all. So here's a tip if you're an exercise newbie: Don't be afraid to start with beginner workout routines, and then work your way from there. Just respect your body's limits, and listen to it. You will know when the time is right for you to increase the frequency and intensity of your exercises.
Remember: The more you exercise, the safer you are from infectious diseases
With the pandemic still raging, especially in some parts of the world where cases have gone up, it has become more crucial than ever that you do what you can to boost your immunity. And what better way to boost your body's natural defenses than by engaging in regular physical activity?
You might think that exercise is only for those who want to lose a few inches off their waist, but it actually does a whole lot more than that!
In fact, a 2021 research published in Sports Magazine found that the risk of contracting community-acquired diseases is 31% lower among individuals who engage in a high level of physical exercise. The same research further shows a 37% risk reduction in deaths associated with infectious diseases.
So the next time you think about doing exercise, keep in mind that you're doing it not just for the sake of keeping yourself in good shape, but also to keep yourself physically healthy.
Don't overdo it though! Too much of anything is never a good thing, so don't push your body too hard. Moderate exercise can do much to boost your immunity now, just make sure to keep yourself in check so you don't go extreme.
True, exercise can be exhausting, but it's something you'll definitely thank yourself for in the future! So go ahead and see to it that you add exercise to your daily list of To-Dos!