Expert says 20-minute exercise can help banish cold and flu symptoms
by Nicola Roy, Nicola Roy · BristolLiveAmid the peak cold and flu season, one personal trainer has revealed a simple exercise that could reduce your risk of falling ill this winter.
Speaking to Comfy Beds, Toby highlighted that a mere 20-minute daily walk can help fend off those pesky cold symptoms that can disrupt your sleep.
Toby emphasised the strain on the NHS during the winter and said: "The NHS struggles each winter with cold and flu viruses overrunning them, and by walking for 20 minutes a day you could not only help the NHS but keep yourself fit and healthy."
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He further explained the benefits of regular aerobic activity by saying: "Studies have shown that aerobic exercise five times a week can cut down on the number of days you are sick by up to 43 percent, and of those who did get sick, they were 41 percent less likely to develop severe symptoms.
"Aerobic exercise can include dancing, swimming, cycling or running, and while they all have their advantages, one of the simplest and easiest forms of exercise is walking."
For those struggling to carve out gym time, Toby suggests that incorporating 20 minutes of walking into a busy day is a manageable and effective way to stay healthy, reports Surrey Live.
Toby said: "Whether you go for a morning stroll before your day starts or if you have to break it up into 10-minute intervals throughout the day, getting in 20 minutes of walking will cut your chances of catching a cold. If you push the minutes you can walk for up to 30, you will also see other benefits of lowering your systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
"Other creative ways of incorporating walking into your life include getting creative with your commute, if you drive to work you could park 10 minutes away from your office. A 10-minute journey at the start of the day and the end of the day helps you to reach your required time."
Toby added: "Studies have shown that walking can not only help you to fall asleep faster, sleep longer and improve the overall quality of your sleep. If you aren't walking, adding daily walks could be an effective, simple way to improve your sleep quality and overall health."