Michele Russ shares her favorite ways to support your immune system through an active lifestyle

Move Your Body!

We all know that exercise is good for us, but did you know that regular physical activity contributes to a healthy immune system? Help your body fight off infections and viruses by moving your body and getting your heart rate up regularly. A general guideline to aim for is 30 minutes of movement, three times per week. Try not to get too bogged down by strict guidelines and do what works for you. Before you map out a fitness plan, think about what activities you enjoy—you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Can you take a 15-minute walk everyday, with an hour-long yoga,  strength or Barre class on the weekend? Maybe you are a creature of habit and will do the same activity four times per week, or perhaps you get bored with routine and you need variety to keep you going. Create a sustainable movement plan that will work for you long-term. 

Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be hitting the gym or pounding the pavement. There are so many activities that hit the mark—gardening, playing tag with your kids, and walking your dogs (I do this everyday!). If time is a constraint, try the 7 Minute Workout app. We can certainly squeeze in a 7-minute workout on the days that a more lengthy session isn’t in the cards. And Grace has some great short video classes available on YouTube: check it out here!

If you find yourself skipping your workouts, ask yourself why. Were your goals too challenging or vague? Are you more successful when you have a workout partner, or do you prefer to have your exercise time to yourself? Think about what has worked for you in the past and what barriers  prevent you from meeting your goals. Tweak your fitness plan from there. 

Our bodies are built to move and sitting too much is detrimental to our health in so many ways. If you want to promote a healthy immune system and increase your chances of staying well this season, an active lifestyle plays an essential role. Think about your favorite ways to stay active and get moving this week! Your body will thank you for it.

Be well!

Michele is available for private and semi private (2-4 people) wellness coaching and consultation