The flu session is upon us. The flu shot, washing hands, eating well, getting enough rest are all great strategies. However… (you know what I am going to say next), exercise is one of the best ways to boost immune system function.
But, not always….
It is generally accepted that prolonged periods of intensive exercise training can depress immunity, while regular moderate intensity exercise is beneficial.
2015 Article in Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
According to the research, the best way to boost your immune system through exercise is to avoid longer duration or high intensity exercise and do regular moderate intensity and duration exercise. Exercise longer than an hour and/or high intensity exercises drains immune system function and increase the risk of illness. But a thirty minute bout of moderate intensity exercise, where your breathing feels comfortable to comfortably challenged, gives immediate immune system benefits.
So truly, more is not better – especially this time of year!
Keep Moving, Be Well,
Janet
Janet Huehls, MA, RCEP, CYT, CHWC
UMass Memorial Weight Center Exercise Program
Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Certified Health and Wellness Coach
These weekly blogs are general guidelines. These guidelines apply to patients who are cleared by a physician for the type of exercise described. Please contact your physician with any concerns or questions. Always report any symptoms associated with exercise, such as pain, irregular heartbeats, and dizziness or fainting, to your physician.
Please share these posts with anyone you know interested in losing weight with or without weight loss surgery. Click here to learn more about the UMass Memorial Weight Center
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