Exercise and your Immune System
It’s official, this is truly the most daunting time of our lives.
COVID-19 has impacted us all, and has given us food for thought in terms of how we can go about keeping our bodies fit and healthy. A fit body means a strong immune system should we have to stave off any virus.
We wanted to remind all of you that now is the time to reflect on our exercise habits, in fact, now is the most important time to keep our bodies moving.
Why should I move more?
Evidence shows that exercise can support our immune system, the science in that research indicates that those people who lead a physically active lifestyle reduces the incidence of communicable (e.g., bacterial and viral infections) and non-communicable diseases (e.g., cancer), implying that immune competency is enhanced by regular exercise bouts.
We love recent research that showed marathon runners or similar people who undertook strenuous exercise such as marathon runners tended to report less annual sick days.
If you needed more evidence, in 2018, a study by University of Birmingham and King’s College London found that 125 non-smoking amateur cyclists aged 55 to 79 still had the immune systems of young people. Who would have thought that cycling can not only be an activity you love, it can also help you fight off illness!
What exercise should I do?
Exercise comes in all shapes and sizes, and there is definitely no ‘one size fits all’. It’s important to understand your current condition and capabilities. If you are now at home, it’s important to not just undertake a full blown workout.
Chris Hemsworth may have publicised his app for free, however, we urge you to consider whether this is the right form of exercise for you.
PACE Health Management’s Top Tips for Exercise During Self Isolation
Do your research - find movement that fills you with joy. Moving should be fun, exciting and something you look forward to. We don’t want you to feel like exercising is a form of punishment. Take the time to look into movement that will suit your age, condition and capabilities.
Find a professional - now is especially the time to seek out the support of an expert. An accredited exercise physiologist (like our team) is trained in providing you with one on one advice that will suit your needs. Experts like us also help keep you motivated and on track.
Listen to your body - if you start a new form of exercise and it just doesn’t feel right, it might be time to consider. Do you feel pain? Shortness of breath which is not normal? These can all be signs that your body is telling you to stop and reconsider.
Sign up a partner - do you know that research shows that moving with a partner will not only make you work harder, it’ll also keep you more on track? So, if you and your partner are in self-isolation, think of creative ways to keep each other on track.
Consider exercise for your mental health - exercise is a proven supporter of strong mental health. Move to keep your mind active and happy. Plan your day to include movement, during these uncertain and scary times - exercise will help all of us see it through successfully.
The world has changed and 2020 has thrown all of our lives upside down. It’s important we stay grounded and create routines that will help us work through this change.
PACE Health Management is here to support you, and if you need expert advice on what exercise will suit you and your needs, we offer excellent online options that will mean you don’t need to leave your house.