One thing that I have noticed since I've made exercise a habit in my life, is that I don't get as many colds as I used to. I came across an article which explains why this may be the case. Exercising regularly (5 or more times per week) can boost our immune systems. The reason being that exercising stimulates the movement of immune cells throughout the body about three hours after a workout.
The more we exercise, the more our immune cells will be ready for invading pathogens. Since regular exercise can boost the immune system, does that mean we should exercise when we do catch a cold? I would say no. When you're already sick, you will do best to get over a cold by letting your body rest.
If you do exercise on a regular basis and still catch a cold, chances are it won't be as severe.
...researchers found the length of time cold symptoms lasted was shorter by 43 percent to 46 percent in people who worked out five or more times a week, compared with people who worked out once a week or never. [Source: msnbc.com]
What About the Gym?
I would suggest to do your best to avoid the germs at the gym. When I belonged to a gym, I caught many colds and I'm betting it was due to touching the various gym equipment. Handles on weights and fitness machines will hold the most germs. Hopefully your gym provides antibacterial wipes or spray to wipe down the equipment with.
Read my gym germs article below for more tips:
Avoiding Gym Germs – There's Some Nasty Stuff at the Gym!
You don't need to do extreme workouts to help avoid the common cold. A 30-minute brisk walk on a regular basis can help.
 |
Ah-Choo!: The Uncommon Life of Your Common Cold
List Price:  |
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
great post. I am sick less often than most!
Same here, Kal.
Just one of the many thousands of reason to stay fit and work out!!!
Also, good point about the sanitation in gyms, I have always been conscious about the potential germs on the equipment.
Yes, germs in the gym are plentiful. Definitely helps to wipe down the machines and wash your hands before and after.
Hi Eartha,
Great blog. I used to smoke, yes used to. I was always getting colds as a smoker. Then after quitting I was still getting them although not as often.
I was chatting to a friend of mine who is a personal trainer, he said about germs at the gym, this had never crossed my mind. So now I use a sanitizer whenever I train, the colds have gone. Probably more to do with my fitness levels increasing, but still i use my handy little spray.
Mike
Hi Mike, I don’t blame you. If I still belonged to a gym, I’d be sanitizing everything before I used it!
Working out is great. Not only do we look good, but we feel good too. I think we can safely say we’re super humans.
-David
The body can definitely get an immune boost by working out but extreme workout regimens can potentially do the opposite. Additionally, there are always individuals that are susceptible to the germs passed on dumbbells, barbells, etc. Working out in the outdoors is awesome and I’d venture to guess possibly healthier than collecting bacteria from the guy that didn’t wash his hands after “deucing it up” before working out. Stay safe. Lol…
You can find germs in anywhere, the important things are keeping your immune system healthy by eating right and good food. Stay away from vices and make sure to have enough sleep and exercise.