‘Tis the season we tend to see more sore throats, runny noses, body aches and fevers roaming around our homes and communities. Blame it on the colder weather hampering our defenses, an increased number of people inside sharing warm air spaces or the fact our seasonally-increased sugar consumption results in weakened immune function, but viruses are common and when it comes to exercise, it’s helpful to have a plan.
Should I exercise? Is there a type of exercise that will actually help me during sickness? When should I just focus on rest?
Our general rule of thumb is that “the only place Fitness comes before Health is in the dictionary” and it does your body (or your fellow gym-goers) no good to be trying to get better at fitness (you won’t) when you’re fighting sickness.
Our friends at Precision Nutrition developed this handy Infographic to better explain how exercise can help prevent illness and when you should return to exercise if you do get sick. Save pic for future reference!
PS – Eating 1/2 your plate each meal of fruits and vegetables is a great way to keep your immune system supported. (Vitamin supplements aren’t proven effective at this). If you find it difficult to get a variety or that kind of volume of organic produce every single day, consider taking Juice Plus+ ground up fruit and vegetable capsules.
Of the over 35 gold-standard research studies, 4 are on the immune system and show a more balanced immune system in as little as 28 days.