A Walk a Day…

Walking only 150 minutes per week at a moderate intensity strengthens the immune system and prevents illness. Overtraining, however, can make you more susceptible to colds and flu. Should you exercise if you get sick? If you are ill, don’t exercise if you have a fever or lower-respiratory congestion. Don’t overdo it. Walk instead of running or cycling. Go to bed if you have a fever, swollen glands, or severe muscle and joint aches. When recovering from a serious illness, take at least one day off for each day you were sick. (American College of Sports Medicine, news release, Oct. 6, 2009)