Physical activity may help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. This may reduce your chance of getting a cold, flu or other illness.
Exercise causes changes in antibodies and white blood cells (WBC). WBCs are the body’s immune system cells that fight disease. These antibodies and WBCs circulate more rapidly, so they may detect illnesses earlier than they might have before. However, no one knows whether these changes help prevent infections.
The brief rise in body temperature during and immediately after exercise may prevent bacteria from growing. This temperature rise may help the body fight infection better.
Exercise slows down the release of stress hormones. Some stress increases the chance of illness. Lowering the levels of stress hormones may protect against illness. (medlineplus.gov)
Acute exercise stimulates the interchange of innate immune system cells and components between lymphoid tissues and the blood compartment. Although the effects are transient, exercise fights against pathogens and cancer cells, and decreases systemic inflammation. (sciencedirect.com)
Because exercise increases blood and lymph flow as your muscles contract, it also increases the circulation of immune cells, making them roam the body at a higher rate and at higher numbers. Specifically, exercise helps recruit highly specialized immune cells — such as natural killer cells and T cells — to find pathogens, including viruses, and wipe them out. In a 2019 review, participants who took a 45-minute brisk walk experienced this uptick of immune cells floating around the body for up to three hours after the walk. (health.com)
“Working out and especially strength training boosts your immune system, as it is pumping blood throughout the body, relieving stress and releasing endorphins,” explained Astrid Swan, a Los Angeles-based trainer and creator of Barry’s Bootcamp, who was interviewed for Insider Magazine. “The body often gets sick under times of stress, but working out and lifting will help ease that stress.”
I’ve always preached that exercise is the best natural antidepressant.
If you’re concerned about your health and are interested in coming to a gym, make sure your gym implements all of the following:
• Health screening for every person who enters the facility, which is reviewed for every visit.
• Temperature check at every visit.
• Mask required upon entry and if unable to socially distance.
• Social distancing in effect, for example, unplugging every other cardio machine.
• Limit participants to 15 percent capacity.
• Individual sanitizing bottles for each person.
• Bleached and washed personal hand towels.
• Hand sanitizing stations in each area.
• Sanitizing bottles and cleaning stations in each area.
• Fulltime cleaning staff.
• Received an “A” grade from the health department, if applicable.
• Material safety data sheets (MSDS) and information available for all cleaning products used — RFC uses Cintas chemical distribution center.
Exercise is essential, and given the extreme heat we experience in Ramona, exercise indoors in a controlled, clean environment is even more essential. Don’t delay. Let’s get you started on your path to wellness!
— to ramonajournal.com
