Why Exercise Helps Battle COVID-19

As we enter month four of COVID-19 quarantine, our pre-COVID daily routine may feel distant as our new routines take shape. With gyms closed and people staying inside more often, this unfortunately means that your day-to-day activity probably involves less exercise than it used it.

But in our current situation, this is the exact opposite of what should be happening! Exercise will not only help fight off the maddening effects of social isolation, but it’s immune boosting benefits may aid in COVID-19 prevention.

As we’ve probably all experienced by now, social isolation increases our stress and can cause symptoms of depression. This is mentally a challenging state to handle. Physical activity can help with this mental distress by keeping the mind active, increasing blood flow to the brain and fighting boredom.

Not only can physical activity help cope with the psychological distress of isolation, but it can also boost immune function in a number of ways. Social isolation can lead to increased stress, depression, anxiety, and even heart disease. Each of which can impair immune functions in various ways. By taking the step to fight off depression and stress, you are already boosting your immune system.

On top of that, physical activity increases blood flow and both the production and longevity of white blood cells. This combination of increased antigen fighting cells and transport enhances immunosurveillance, meaning your body is more likely to identify viruses or other foreign invaders quickly, potentially even before they cause damage.

Additionally, physical inactivity can cause increased inflammation, which in the case of infections (such as COVID-19) can compound symptoms and impair immune responses. Physical activity, on the other hand, can help put the body in an anti-inflammatory state. Overall this can help with immune function, and in the specific case of COVID-19 can also help mitigate the effects of the “cytokine storm.”

If that wasn’t enough, physical activity can also help with common comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19 infections. For instance, a recent study found that obesity contributed to around 30% of hospitalized COVID-19 cases. While exercise is not the only factor that will fight off obesity, it is a starting point in reducing fat mass. Furthermore, physical activity can help with other conditions associated with COVID-19 like diabetes, metabolic syndrome and hypertension.

We know that making exercise a regular part of your schedule can be difficult, especially with our current circumstances. We’re here to help. Our health coach, Erika Zink, can help you address the barriers in your life that keep you from achieving your health and wellness goals. In fact, Erika has had significant success with helping patients add exercise back into their routine. With our options for 3- and 6-month plans, we can help you make sustainable changes that will promote health for years to come.