Inflammation is a natural process that occurs when the body experiences injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, inflammation can lead to all kinds of health complications. To strengthen your immune system and keep the effects of inflammation at bay, it’s crucial to maintain healthy habits. Regular exercise, in particular, is one of the most effective ways to combat inflammation, though not all forms of exercise are created equal. Long, high-intensity workouts have actually been shown to increase certain markers of inflammation, while low-impact routines tend to combat inflammation the most. Read on to learn more about some of our favorite anti-inflammatory exercises.
Walking
Walking is a simple, low-impact activity that’s accessible to almost everyone, and it just so happens to be fantastic for your health. Research has shown that just 20 minutes of power walking releases chemicals that regulate the body’s inflammatory response. Try walking in nature for even more anti-inflammatory as well as mental health benefits.
Yoga
By improving circulation and calming the nervous system, yoga offers a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being that continues to benefit our bodies even once we’ve left the mat. Its combination of gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation have been shown to decrease levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein, in the body.
Rebounding
When we were kids, there were few things we enjoyed more than jumping on the trampoline. Fortunately, it turns out, this activity is good for much more than just having a fun time. Rebounding, or jumping on a mini-trampoline, has become a popular activity over the last few years as a low-impact way to reduce inflammation. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which can help flush out toxins and water retention.
