Now More Than Ever, Make Time for Fitness

Defend yourself against the season’s rushed pace with its associated sniffles, sneezes, and coughs. Even Santa knows that exercise is the best preventative medicine. When your world relies on you to make the season bright, take action. Research indicates that moderate exercise on most days of the week results in half the sick time. Additionally, when exercisers do succumb to the inevitable virus, they frequently suffer milder symptoms with a quicker recovery. No vitamin, supplement, or probiotic has this impressive track record.

According to studies, moderate exercise on a frequent basis enhances immune responses, which extends to a three-hour flooding of natural cells that help find and kill viruses. Perhaps before you head to that next soiree, you should stop at the Center for a little immune-boosting. For long-term protection, regular exercise counters inflammation, the cause of many chronic diseases. Consider your workout an investment in your body’s future.

Got Sniffles?

Despite our best attempts at a healthy lifestyle, sometimes our defenses surrender to a cold or flu. It’s usually safe to continue with your exercise program if symptoms are cold-like and don’t include a fever. However, fevers, stomach viruses, and infections require time off. Pace yourself throughout and follow your body’s indicators. One can usually tell the difference between the body’s need for rest and the mind’s need for motivation, in other words, real fatigue versus excuses.

During a minor cold or when returning from “sick leave,” don’t overexert yourself. Consider a low-impact Group Fitness class, a walk on the treadmill, or an easy cycle ride. With trips to the Center remaining on your agenda, you’ll keep the momentum going, regardless of how light you take it. It will be easier to return to your regular exercise routine once you’re well. And, if you’re an exerciser, that should be sooner rather than later.

In addition to improving your physical health, exercise is also a great stress reliever. A good workout leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Yoga and Pilates are two disciplines that excel in peacefully balancing the body-mind connection. While muscles are stretched and toned, negative energy is expelled. The mind is cleared. Kickboxing and weightlifting are a great outlet for tension, converting frustration (sold-out must-have gifts, anyone?) and anger (a turkey dinner gone bad?) to something productive.