We’re all familiar with the fact that exercise is essential to good health but exercise can actually strengthen your immune system. Although it may sound cliche the key really is moderation. Moderate exercise is beneficial to the body’s overall well being because it boosts the function of the immune system.

Studies show that people who engage in moderate exercise on a regular basis suffer from less colds and upper respiratory infections. People who are more sedentary in their lifestyles are also more prone to colds. Studies on the effects of exercise on the immune system remain ongoing but the general concensus indicates a definite benefit.

Working out too hard can have the opposite effect. Studies also show that strenuous exercise may weaken the immune system. As stated previously, the key to optimum immune efficiency is exercise in moderation. In order to promote a healthier lifestyle and decrease chances of cold or infection it would be wise to engage in moderate exercise three to five times per week.

Of course, there are many forms of exercise that may suit your particular preferences and lifestyle. You may prefer to join a gym, use exercise equipment in the comfort of your own home or workout to an exercise DVD. Whatever your workout choice is doesn’t matter as much as consistency and dedication to a healthier lifesyle. Many people get bored easily and find it difficult to stick to a routine. If that sounds like you it can be helpful to participate in a variety of activities that provide you with the exercise you need but are fun to do and keep you from getting bored.

You can try biking, hiking, swimming, skating and even dancing. Get the family together for a baseball game. Play basketball, tennis or soccer. There are sports related activities for every season. Do something different each week. You might want to try yoga or quigong. The fluidic movements of such alternative forms of exercise are beneficial to the whole body/mind/spirit system. They help to bring about a relaxed and meditative state of mind as well as to balance the body. Doing yoga or quigong can clear the body of toxins and enhance function of the immune system. They also help to conserve energy rather than expend it.

No matter what form of exercise regimen you choose to participate in it is important to check with your physician first. You should have a thorough check-up and discuss the type of exercise you are considering with your doctor. Always be certain to get your doctor’s permission before starting an exercise routine or making any lifestyle changes that could affect your health.

Exercises to fit into your Skinny Jeans Skinny jeans are the latest must-have fashion at the moment but many women worry that they will not fit into theirs as they are not as lean as they could be. By following an exercise regime you can fit into your skinny jeans and be able to strut your stuff like you were on the catwalk!  The best exercise to perform to give you thinner legs and lose your saddlebags is the Penguin Shuffle and this is how to do it: 

• Hold the ends of a resistance band in each hand and stand on the centre of the band with your feet hip-width apart. There should only be a few inches of band between your feet.
• Then curl your hands up towards your shoulders.
• Keeping your arms curled, take one step in the to the right with your right foot until the band is taut.
• Then take one step in the same direction with your left foot.
• Continue side stepping 6 to 8 times to right and then reverse the direction and do the same.

By following this exercise you will see results within a week and be able to fit into your skinny jeans in not time! 

One exercise that gets rid of the dreaded “muffin top” over hang is the Plank and here’s how to do it! 

• Lie face down and the floor and raise yourself up, balancing on your forearms and toes, clasping your hands together, align your spine and pull your abs in so that your lower back does not sag.
• Hold this position for 10 to 60 seconds (you will get better with practise and be able to hold it for longer each time) focusing on keeping your torso straight.
• Perform 1 to 2 sets each day for maximum results.
• Admire your fantastic flat abs!

Another way of making sure you fit in to your skinny jeans is to stand up properly, this may seem a little like common sense but you would be surprised as to how many people don’t stand up correctly. Here’s how to do just that: 

• Stand with your back against a wall, keeping your feet at a comfortable distance from the wall, heels together and toes apart.
• Pull in your abs and gently press your entire back, as well as your neck and shoulders into the wall. Letting your arms hang down at the sides.
• Drop your chin to your chest and then peel your neck off the wall, followed by your shoulders, upper back, middle back and the lower back.
• Keep your tailbone and butt against the wall and hang forward for a moment and the slowly reverse the movement, pressing your entire spine back onto the wall.

By following this exercise you will improve you posture and by standing up straight you can instantly shed 10lbs – so will look and feel amazing. Use these exercises every day and in no time at all you will be looking amazing in your skinny jeans.