4 underrated exercises to boost your immune system

We all know that exercise is good for you, but did you know that it’s proven to strengthen your immune system? Studies have shown that exercise – even the low-impact kind – can increase the number of white blood cells in your system, which, in turn, boosts your immune function. Regular exercise helps you sleep better, reduces stress, and it can even reduce inflammation.

Fortunately, you don’t need to do hours of intense workouts to achieve this. Working out at a moderate level for 60 minutes or less every day has the best effect on your immune system. Here are some low-intensity forms of exercise to consider as the cold and flu season approaches.

Walking
Don’t underestimate the power of a brisk walk. Try to carve out time to take a 30-minute walk every day. If you want more of a challenge, alternate between running for 3 minutes, gradually increasing your time every week, and walking for 30 seconds – this is how runners train for long-distance marathons. Do note, though, that high-intensity cardio can flood your system with stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, which depress the immune system function and can leave you susceptible to illness for three days post-workout. Don’t stretch yourself beyond your limits – consistency is better than intensity.