Why Training is Great for Our Immune System!

When we train, our bodies rip our tissues (musculature, tendons, ligaments, etc.) apart (in a good way) because of the specific demand that we place upon them through training (resistance/weight training, cardiovascular training, speed agility conditioning work, flexibility and core training). When these tissues are broken down, it is the job of our immune systems to go back in there and rebuild and repair those tissues to adapt to the specific demands that we place upon them: ie., to be stronger, faster, more flexible, jump higher, etc.

We strengthen and refine our immune systems just as we strengthen and refine the rest of our bodies and minds! However, we need to listen to our bodies. Sometimes when you may feel like you are getting sick (which hopefully never happens, but if it does....), do not train or do not train hard. If you do, you are asking a lot of your immune system and it will not be able to completely fight off what it may be trying to if you are placing excess demand upon it because of training hard at the same time. Be smart, listen to your body, and continue to train when you are 100% healthy for a stronger, more durable immune system!