Feel like you catch every virus, bug and cold that passes through your workplace or kid’s classroom? A new study shows you can cut the number of days you spend sniffling, coughing and bed-ridden in half — and it has nothing to do with how much Emergen-C, Echinacea or Airborne you take. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine says you can reduce your chances of getting sick by working out regularly.

The study tracked 1,000 adults up to the age of 85 and found that people who are physically fit have fewer colds and, when they do get sick, have milder symptoms. People who are more likely to get sick, on the other hand, are those with not-so-great habits like stressing too much, not getting enough sleep and eating a crappy diet (i.e. acting like you’re allergic to fruits and vegetables). As you age your risk of getting sick slowly increases, but unless you’re hiding the fountain of youth in your backyard, there isn’t much you can do about that.

What you can do is hit the gym instead. In addition to beating back colds, the other benefits of working out including relieving stress, improving your mood, increasing your metabolism, boosting your energy levels and many more amazing benefits.

 

Eve Wojtowicz, Enrollment Specialist