Did you know movement boosts immunity?
It’s holiday season which means it is also cold and flu season!
Winter brings freezing weather, minimal sunlight and vitamin D, and a plethora of indoor family and friend events where viruses can spread. While the odds may seem stacked against us, there are tools we can use to fully enjoy the holiday season and stay HEALTHY.
Our top 4 recommended tools consist of prioritizing 1. Sleep 2. Diet 3. Hydration and 4. Movement. While all 4 tools are powerful, I find movement to be one of the most powerful ways to strengthen the immune system. This is because movement boosts the other three tools – movement improves sleep, maintains weight and blood sugar, and increases our signals for water intake. So don’t skip out on every family casserole or dessert – instead prioritize consistent movement. The movement doesn’t have to be intense, it just needs to occur!
See below for more details on how movement boosts immunity:
1. Better Immune Cell Circulation
When we move, our heart pumps faster and our blood flows more efficiently.
This helps immune cells travel through the body more quickly, so they can detect and fight viruses and bacteria sooner.
2. Lower Inflammation
Regular physical activity reduces chronic inflammation.
Lower inflammation means the immune system can respond more effectively when it encounters germs.
3. Reduced Stress Levels
Movement lowers stress hormones like cortisol.
Because high stress weakens the immune system, staying active helps keep our defenses strong and balanced.
6. Healthier Lungs
People who move regularly sleep better.
Good sleep is when the body repairs itself and produces new immune cells—so restful nights help the immune system stay ready to protect us.
5. Better Weight and Blood Sugar Control
Staying active helps maintain a healthy weight and improves blood sugar.
Both of these support a stronger immune system and reduce the risk of illness.
6. Healthier Lungs
Activities that gently raise breathing rate—like walking—help keep the lungs clear and strong.
This reduces the chance of respiratory infections, which are more common in winter.
Go to Balanceinmotionohio.com to sign up for a free evaluation to create a personalized movement plan for you! Balance in motion offers monthly subscriptions that have no cancellation fee. So if you’re not ready to commit to exercising all year around – you can just sign up for the winter months when your immunity needs that extra boost.
Prioritize your health this holiday season and increase your movement with Balance in Motion!
