Part 4…Improved Immune Function Via Pumping Iron
Today’s topic…improved immune function via pumping iron. Listen up ladies…
No science lesson today as I haven’t been able to find much on the science behind how or why strength training improves immune function. From what I can tell, it has to do with the body’s production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) which supports immune function. HGH is produced naturally in the body, but declines as we age due to many factors. Exercise can help stimulate the production of HGH. That is a rather simplistic explanation, I know and I’m sure there is much more to it, but that is beyond the scope of my brain at the moment.
Anyways…research has shown that moderate exercise including strength training does indeed improve immune function regardless of whether it’s due to production of HGH or something else. Now, moderate, what does that mean? It means just don’t overdo it. Overtraining and not allowing your muscles enough recovery time can have the opposite effect….decreased immune function…resulting in your body being more susceptible to colds and such. Listen to your body…if it’s screaming at you to rest (like mine was today) then by all means, rest…don’t do what I did and try to pound out a 40-minute cardio session just so you don’t have to tomorrow…it will end up doing more harm than good.
In addition to "moderate" training, to get the benefits of increased immune function, experts seem to agree that it’s not a "hit or miss" thing…you have to be consistent over a period of at least 8 weeks before the immune system adapts. Beyond that, continue to train consistently.
Lastly, diet, the right kind of diet, you know…lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits and veggies…play a key role in boosting your body’s immune function too…so keep the diet clean AND pump iron to get the most benefits 
August 3, 2007 at 3:41 pm
I just read about HGH myself. I know the immune system breaks down while working out. Also doing cardio after a workout is stressed, due to the drop in glycogen levels. HGH is higher than if you do cardio before.