Benefits of exercise for the immune system

The immune system responds to exercise, with the extent and duration reflecting the degree of physiological stress imposed by the workload. Data support a clear inverse relationship between moderate exercise training and illness risk (the more exercise, the lower the risk of getting sick). Researchers have suggested hormonal and cytokine factors that regulate immune function to be altered by endurance training. As might be expected from a long-held belief among health enthusiasts that physical activity improves health, regular physical activity has also been associated with decreased mortality from all causes and coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and reduced cancer incidence.

Exercise is important for your health. It’s literally a key to your immune system functioning at its best. The immune system responds to exercise, with the extent and duration reflecting the degree of physiological stress imposed by the workload. Data support a clear inverse relationship between moderate exercise training and illness risk (the more exercise, the lower the risk of getting sick).

The immune system responds to exercise, with the extent and duration reflecting the degree of physiological stress imposed by the workload. This makes exercise an essential tool for improving health throughout life: aging-related changes in immunity are preventable with adequate exercise training.

People with a sedentary lifestyle catch more colds, yet suitable aerobic exercise can help you restore your immune system to its optimum state and prevent illness.

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that protect the body against injury and disease. Scientists can divide the immune response into two complementary components: innate immunity, which is fast and directed at very specific targets, and gained immunity, which rises from long-term exposure to germs. Both types are important.

Your immune system is essential–it protects you from bacteria, viruses and other microscopic creatures. Even if you think little about your body’s defenses protecting you from germs and invading pathogens during the winter months, your immune system is on high alert throughout the year! And unfortunately, it can be easily taxed because of everyday stress and anxiety.