Regular exercise plays a very big role in making sure that you are kept healthy and preventing illnesses. It strengthens your immune system and assists with fighting viral and bacterial infections.
Ever hear the theory which says that you need to sweat out a cold or flu virus? It’s false. In fact, strenuous exercise when you’re ill can be incredibly dangerous to your health. In addition, you could also collapse if you go back to an intense exercise programme too soon after having the flu or additional flu-like illnesses.
The reason for this is that viral infections, such as the flu, may cause temporary muscle weakness which extends to the muscle cells in your heart. A heart which is weakened by a viral infection may be further weakened by strenuous exercise. Putting strain on an infected heart muscle may lead to further inflammation, or even paralysis, of the muscle.
Can Exercise Prevent The Flu?
Well, the jury is still on recess about this one. However, what we do know is that the best way to remain healthy and well is to make sure that you safeguard your immune system. When you perform any type of exercise, your white blood cells – which are the ones that fight infections – travel through your body quicker and do their jobs better.
Fitness experts say you should get – at a minimum – 30 minutes of moderate cardio each day. Examples are like walking, swimming, biking, or running.
There are a whole hosts of other benefits to being more active, such as less stress and better sleep. Stress is extraordinarily bad for your body and mind but the good news is that you can ease it with regular exercise. Get between seven and eight hours of sleep a night, too, because that also helps keep your body’s defences in good shape.
When To Go Back To Exercising
Ask your doctor when’s the best time for up to return to full-on exercise. Your decision should be based on factors such as any underlying chronic illness; if you’re infectious to others; as well as your ability to perform safely without there being any chance of relapse.
In addition, going back to a pre-illness training programme too soon may result in further illness, so you need to be patient. And while it can be trying not to exercise, particularly if you’re training for specific events, rather rest and recover entirely before putting on your training shoes again.
Your initial workout once you’ve recovered should be extremely light. Start with low-impact active recovery exercises – such as walking, yoga, swimming or cycling at a low intensity. You can then progress slowly to return to your normal routine.
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