The common cold is a viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide each year. It spreads easily through contact with contaminated surfaces or people who are infected, and it can have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing.
While there is no surefire way to prevent the common cold, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of catching it.
How Exercise Boosts Your Immune System
Exercise is an essential part of any healthy lifestyle. Not only does it help you maintain a healthy weight, but it can also boost your immune system.
Research has shown that regular exercise can increase the production of antibodies and white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections. Exercise also helps to reduce stress, which can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections like the common cold.
The Six Movements That Can Help You Fight the Common Cold
There are six movements that you can incorporate into your exercise routine to help fight the common cold:.
1. Squats
Squats are a great way to strengthen your legs, glutes, and core. They also help to improve your balance and coordination.
To perform a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Make sure to keep your back straight and your knees behind your toes.
2. Lunges
Lunges are another effective exercise for strengthening your legs and glutes. They also help to improve your balance and stability. To perform a lunge, step forward with one foot and bend your knees until both legs are at a 90-degree angle.
Make sure to keep your back straight and your knees behind your toes.
3. Push-Ups
Push-ups are a classic exercise that targets your chest, shoulders, and triceps. They also help to strengthen your core and improve your posture. To perform a push-up, start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart.
Lower your body until your chest touches the ground, then push back up to the starting position.
4. Rows
Rows are a great way to strengthen your upper back and improve your posture. To perform a row, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight in each hand.
Bend your knees slightly, hinge forward at the waist, and lift the weights towards your chest. Make sure to keep your back straight and your elbows close to your body.
5. Deadlifts
Deadlifts are a compound exercise that targets several muscle groups, including your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. They also help to improve your posture and strengthen your core.
To perform a deadlift, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weight in front of your thighs. Hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight, and lift the weight until you are standing upright.
6. Planks
Planks are a simple but effective exercise that targets your core muscles. They also help to improve your posture and stability.
To perform a plank, start in a push-up position, but instead of lowering your body, hold yourself up on your forearms and toes. Keep your back straight and your hips level.
Conclusion
The common cold can be a frustrating and unpleasant experience, but by incorporating these six movements into your exercise routine, you can strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of catching it.
Remember to also practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching your face, to further reduce your risk of getting sick. Stay healthy!.