You don’t have to go far these days to hear about someone who’s sniffling, coughing, or fighting through the flu or COVID virus. Germs are everywhere, and though you may think you’re doing everything you can to keep them at bay, there may be one more thing you can add to your line of defense. And that’s the simple act of taking a walk.
We know, you probably think we’re crazy here, but walking can help protect you during cold and flu season by boosting your immune system and improving your ability to fend off viruses and bacteria.
How? The science behind it, as stated in this study, is that moderate exercise, like walking, will help increase cardiac output, blood flow, and the release of stress hormones. This increase fires up the immune cells coursing into your bloodstream helping fight off any damage or infection that might be lurking.
And, no, you don’t have to kick it into high gear getting your sweat on all day every day. Just 30 minutes a day, five days a week will help you reach the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans’ recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week for adults. In fact, this study showed people who walk at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, have 43 percent fewer sick days than those who did not. And for those who did get sick, the severity of the illness and symptoms were reduced.
And at a time when we’re all trying to maintain social distance to help from spreading those pesky germs, walking is the perfect form of exercise. Not only can you walk outside in the fresh air, widening the space from others, but you can also get your walk in on a treadmill or even house walk without leaving home.
As part of the recommended activity time, two days should incorporate some strengthening exercises. You can add some resistance to your walks with Jetti Poles, which will give you the opportunity to build muscle strength and help your body grow stronger.
So, keep yourself as healthy as possible and build up your immunity by taking a walk. Not only will you be giving your body the tools it needs to keep the sniffles away, but you’ll also find yourself sleeping better, less stressed, and happier. And that, my friend, is worth a half hour a day.
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