Whether you’re staring out the window onto a snowy landscape or a flowering garden, your immune system could always use a little support. After all, viruses and bacteria don’t take a break just because the weather becomes more agreeable.
Yet, most of us go for specially formulated immunity teas, tinctures, or gummies to give ourselves that extra support. And that’s great.
But what most people don’t know is that Pilates can boost immunity too.
In What Ways Can Pilates Boost Immunity?
Here’s some food for thought. When Joseph Pilates developed his unique set of exercises and movements that would later become known by his surname, he was being detained at an internment camp during WWI.
The camps during this time were especially hard hit by the flu pandemic. Yet, Pilates claimed that fellow internees who partook in his exercises managed to avoid the flu and came out of the camps in better shape than when they went in.
Of course, it’s rather difficult to fact-check this. But one thing is for sure. Staying active does improve your health and gives your immune system the extra support it needs to fight off the flu and other viruses circulating at any given time. And there are several ways Pilates, in particular, can help to boost your immunity. It does the following:
1. Increases Immune Fighting Cells
Without going too scientific on you, the human body needs to maintain a certain level of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as monocytes and lymphocytes to keep your immune system running in tip-top shape. IgA is an antibody (protein) produced by the immune system that goes on the defense against infections, protecting the respiratory and digestive tracts from pathogens.
Meanwhile, monocytes are immune cells that act as first responders when the system starts to go into overload to fight off an illness. This is known as innate immunity. Lymphocytes, by contrast, are a type of white blood cell that jump into action to help fight an infection that’s already affecting your body. This is known as adaptive immunity.
Whatever the case, an impressive body of research shows that practicing Pilates three times per week for a minimum of 8-12 weeks actually increases these levels, so you’ll be less likely to experience illness, infections, allergies, digestive problems, and even autoimmune issues.
2. Boosts Circulation
You may not have considered this, but along with releasing stress, the deep and controlled breathing you do in Pilates helps to improve blood flow. Why is this important when it comes to immunity?
Well, when the body is taken down by illness, the circulatory system needs to transport the aforementioned white blood cells to fight the infection. With improved blood flow, this is more effective. What’s more, good circulation also assists the lymphatic system in removing toxins from the body. Speaking of the lymphatic system…
3. Stimulates Lymphatic Drainage
Your lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels and nodes that, among other duties, serves to rid the body of waste to keep your immune system functioning.
So while those deep and mindful breaths in Pilates get your blood flowing, the controlled and precise muscle movements stimulate the lymphatic system to get the lymph fluid moving through your body. This movement is essential in ridding the body of built-up toxins.
This is a big reason that people who have lymphedema (i.e. swelling caused by lymph fluid blockage) often find relief by doing certain prescribed Pilates movements.
Stay Healthier with Pilates!
Pilates can boost immunity, no matter what the season.
So whether it’s the middle of summer, deep into the winter, or somewhere in between, give your immune system the extra support it deserves.
Contact us today to see how Pilates can help you stay healthy all year long!