When we’re happy and healthy, we rarely think about and worry about our winter immune system: it’s only when we’re sick or unhealthy that we realize how vital our health is—especially during cold weather.
A well-working immune system helps you fight off disease, illness, and any foreign invaders that can impact your quality of life and happiness.
We have noted five different workouts that anyone of any fitness level can enjoy to boost a healthy winter immune system so you can feel great all year long.
Resistance Training
Strength training is a great way to armor your immune system against any health battles, and you only need to do it a few times weekly to feel the results.
Anyone can do resistance training anywhere: at the gym, outside in the park, at home—it’s all up to you! You can use special tools and weights or use your own body to help you grow stronger and fitter.
As you grow muscle, your body stores protein which produces white blood cells and antibodies, which are essential building blocks to keep infection and disease at bay.
Yoga
As we grow older, we may notice an increased stiffness in our joints and flexibility. It becomes harder to bend over, walk upstairs, or even sleep comfortably. Yoga stretches out our muscle groups, activates areas we ignore with our sedentary lifestyles, reduces anxiety, encourages us to pay attention to our breathing, moves our lymphatic system, and even clears our minds. Hence, we create space that allows us to live in the moment.
All that sounds incredibly positive and powerful!
When you practice yoga or just stretch your body, you help your body circulate oxygen to your organs and push toxins out.
Walking
No matter how active you are (or aren’t), nearly anyone can take a walk. Even just a 30-minute walk daily can do wonders in supporting your immune system. Plus, being outdoors in nature can lower any instances of stress, depression, and anxiety.
If you don’t already walk daily, it’s not hard to start. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, prepare some music or podcasts, and just start. You don’t even have to go the full 30 minutes at first! Go as far as you’re comfortable. You will eventually be able to work your way up to a pleasant long stroll.
Cardio
Now that we have the mental and physical benefits of yoga and walking covered, we need also to address our heart health. Aerobic exercise is any workout that keeps our blood pumping and circulating our body to strengthen our heart.
You have probably noticed that a vigorous workout raises your core body temperature, which actually helps fight off any infection. Plus, cardio helps you lose weight, which is generally better for your overall health since this lowers inflammation.
Everything works harder when you work out: including your lungs to circulate oxygen and flush out toxins from your lungs.
Cardio workouts include:
- Biking
- Swimming
- Running
- Dancing
- Jogging
Recreational Sports
A great way to boost your winter immune system is to merely stay active: and have fun doing it! Things like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more allow us to work together as a team, enjoy community, and keep our bodies fit and healthy.
Our health is all we have, over everything else. It is hard to feel good when you’re laying in bed, feeling sick. The best thing you can do for yourself and your future is to live a lifestyle that allows you to maintain health. For more tips on winter health, click here!
