The link between physical activity and the immune system
The following fact has almost become a proverb – workouts are invaluable for your health. Not only do they help you unwind and get rid of all the negativity and stress that piles up over the workweek, but they also help you build muscle and stamina so that you can successfully do your daily tasks. But is there a link between physical activity and the immune system? Although it has become common knowledge that exercise overall helps with just about anything, we will look at how physical activity and the immune system are actually connected.
This subject is becoming increasingly important as more and more people struggle to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. With daily cases on the rise and dubious findings of how it is transmitted, it is essential to raise awareness about how people can boost their immune system. So, now more than ever, working on your health and well-being through regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle might help you cope with the epidemic, both physically and emotionally.
General myths about the link between physical exercise and the immune system
The truth is that, as per usual, the connection between exercising and boosting your immune system is not as simple as it may seem. Over the years, the very concept of boosting your immune system has become a kind of catchphrase, a panacea that cures anything. So, it is no wonder people expect to take a pill or drink a smoothie that promises the desired ‘immune system boost’ on its packaging and thus achieve an improvement in how their immune system works.
The same goes for exercise as well – lifting weights once in a while does not guarantee an immediate improvement to your health, no matter how challenging the training session may be. As with all progress, boosting your immune system is an all-around commitment that involves changing your bad habits and consistently embracing beneficial ones.
But do not worry – at first, this may sound daunting or tedious, but the benefits you will experience once you fully commit to boosting your immunity through regular exercise will be more than worth the trouble.
In what way does exercise help boost my immune system?
It is evident that physical activity works wonders for your body, mind, and immune system. But what is it that actually happens in the body that is so beneficial for our health?
When you exercise, your heart rate goes up for a certain period of time. So, when you do your morning jog, ride a bike, play basketball with your friends or co-workers, or do a pilates session – your body experiences a certain amount of physiological stress. As a result, white blood cells, also known as immune cells, are generated by your body at higher rates than when you are not exercising.
Consequently, detrimental substances and pathogens that may be in your body are detected and eliminated by the increased rush of white blood cells in your bloodstream. Essentially, this release of white blood cells is the link between physical activity and the immune system, as they stay in your organism after you finish with your workout.
In what way should I exercise to boost my immune system?
As we have already noted, exercise is hugely beneficial for your immune system, but achieving the best possible results comes with combining eat healthy with exercise.
Although any amount of exercise is better than no activity, in some cases, people overestimate their fitness level. Furthermore, every organism is unique, and the type of diet and exercise that works for your favorite YouTube fitness instructor simply may not work for you. Not listening to the needs and limits of your body can lead to:
- Injury
- Overeating
- Undernourishment due to extreme dieting
For this reason, it is crucial to know what suits your organism. You might want to consider consulting your doctor, especially if you had experienced injuries in the past or if you suffer from a particular type of condition. Another way to make sure you eat according to your body’s needs and exercise at your own tempo is by working with professionals and Dubai Personal Trainers. A congenial and experienced trainer will gladly ease you into your new exercising regime or offer advice on doing that on your own.
How can a personal trainer help me boost my immune system through exercise?
Personal trainers are educated to create custom eating and exercising plans specifically designed to boost your immune system. Another benefit of hiring an experienced personal trainer is that you cannot always rely on your doctor to tell you which foods you should introduce to your diet, or which exercises you need to avoid for your current fitness level.
Contrary to popular belief, hiring an experienced personal trainer does not necessarily have to mean that you need to splurge a lot of money every month. First of all, there are highly educated professionals that do not charge too much but can nevertheless help and support your endeavors. Secondly, people always associate personal trainers with a long-term financial commitment, but in reality, you only really need a trainer to guide you through your exercising journey for a few weeks or months.
However, if you already feel you can take care of your own exercising routine, you might want to consider renting a flat where you can exercise in your own time and intensity. The general rule about exercising is that you should be comfortable with how and where you do it, so be sure to choose a gym or apartment where you can exercise according to your preferences.
Whatever choice you make, it is always useful to be aware of the link between physical activity and the immune system. This awareness will surely help you ward off the COVID-19 virus in addition to keeping your health and fitness levels in check.
Photos used
https://www.pexels.com/photo/exercising-keeps-oneself-healthy-3768918/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-person-using-treadmill-3757957/
