How Exercise Can Keep You Healthy This Fall
As the leaves begin to change color and crisp, autumn air settles in, it is time to embrace the beauty of fall. However, it is also the season when colds and flu start to make their unwelcome return. Good news? Exercise can be your best ally in keeping those seasonal illnesses at bay. So, grab your workout gear and let’s explore how exercise can boost your immune system and keep you healthy this fall.
Enhanced Immune Response
Frequent physical activity is thought to bolster your immune system's capacity to combat infections. This occurs because exercise triggers the production of additional immune cells and antibodies in your body, enhancing its ability to address potential threats such as viruses and bacteria. The article titled "Brain, Behavior, Immunity, & Health" investigates the connection between physical exercise and immunity, particularly through stress-relieving activities like yoga. While there is ongoing debate on this subject, numerous experts maintain that maintaining an active lifestyle contributes to improved health, primarily due to the numerous associated benefits of staying physically fit.
Stress Reduction
Fall can often bring added stress with back-to-school routines, work deadlines, and holiday preparations on the horizon. Exercise, by releasing endorphins—natural mood enhancers—can serve as a potent stress-reliever during this time. Reducing stress levels is known to be associated with an enhanced immune system.
Improved Circulation
Exercise gets your blood pumping and improves circulation. This means that immune cells are able to move more efficiently throughout your body, reaching potential threats quicker and more effectively. This is because exercise increases the number of white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for fighting off infection. Exercise also helps to improve the function of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing toxins and waste products from the body. As a result, exercise can help to boost the immune system and make the body less susceptible to illness.
Better Sleep
Consistent exercise can improve the quality of your sleep in a number of ways. Exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can interfere with sleep. Exercise can also help to regulate body temperature, which is important for falling asleep and staying asleep. Additionally, exercise can help to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting and sleep-promoting effects. A well-rested body is better equipped to fend off infections because it has a stronger immune system. When you sleep, your body produces cytokines, which are proteins that help to fight off infection. Additionally, sleep deprivation can impair your body's ability to fight off infection by reducing the number of white blood cells in your bloodstream. Good sleep supports other aspects of your health, like mood and cognitive function. When you sleep, your brain consolidates memories and processes emotions. Additionally, sleep deprivation can impair your cognitive function, making it difficult to concentrate and make decisions.
Weight Management
Fall comfort foods and holiday feasts, while they are delicious, are also often high in calories and fat, which can lead to weight gain. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight by burning calories and building muscle. It can also reduce the risk of obesity-related illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Seasonal Outdoor Activities
Fall is one of the best times of the year for outdoor activities. The weather is usually mild, and the leaves are changing colors, making for a beautiful backdrop for any activity. Hiking, cycling, and brisk walks are all great ways to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. In addition, these activities can help you to appreciate the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.
Consult with a Professional
Keep in mind that moderation is essential and overtraining or pushing your body too hard can temporarily weaken your immune system. If you are new to exercise or have underlying health conditions, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or fitness expert before starting a new fitness regimen.
This fall, let exercise be your secret weapon against seasonal illnesses. If you are interested in becoming more active but don’t know where to begin, start by taking a class at KAIZEN. We offer a variety of classes for all fitness levels, so you can find one that is right for you. Plus, our instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, so you can be sure you are getting a great workout.