Fitness as a building block for your resistance

08 June 2020
Everyone wants to feel healthy and fit and less susceptible to, for example, the flu or a cold. If you are less susceptible, it means that you have good resistance. But what exactly is "resistance"? Resistance is another description for your immune system; your body's defense system against diseases (infection). That shield protects you from the influence of invaders, that are trying to undermine your body in the form of pathogens. It almost sounds like a science fiction story, but we come into daily contact with harmful bacteria and viruses. Fortunately, it doesn't always make us sick, but you can help your body by building up more resistance.
Training
Fitness as a building block for your resistance - photo 1.1

How do you build resistance? 

The best way is to ensure that you regularly work on an optimal physical condition.  A fit, healthy body is far more able to resist harmful invaders.  And if you should get sick sometime, your fitness will help you to recover faster than average.
If you want to build up your resistance, make sure you exercise regularly and get the right nutrition. Maintain a healthy and varied eating and drinking pattern, in which you get enough vitamins and minerals. Consider, for example, including fruit and vegetables in your diet, on a daily basis. But don't forget to drink enough water; water ensures that waste products are flushed from your body.  So give your body the chance to get rid of that ballast by drinking well: 1.5-2 liters of water. If you exercise, you will have to drink even more.  And yes, sports and exercise are also very important for your resistance!

Sport as a resistance booster

A lifestyle, where you optimally support your body through proper nutrition and regular exercise, gives your resistance a great boost. By maintaining this lifestyle, you not only make your body stronger, but you also create the best conditions for good health. Please note: do not exaggerate with sports, because if you continuously demand the utmost from your body, your body can become exhausted. As a result, you lower your resistance. So be aware of fatigue that seems persistent.  Then take a step back. For some, a personal trainer can be a great solution, because he or she will provide just the right training incentives and will also monitor your load capacity.

If you want to seriously maintain your resistance, it’s wise to train at least twice a week. Make sure you have the necessary relaxation and rest, to promote recovery and reduce stress.  The latter is essential, because fatigue and stress are major factors that undermine your immune system.

In short, enjoy a varied and healthy diet, drink enough water and ensure a good balance between rest and adequate sports. Sport on! 

This blog is written by one of our Personal Trainers, Angelina Hammond.