Is it really any surprise that more studies show that exercise has benefits on the immune system? Well, not according to researchers at Iowa State University where they published a study not he effects of exercise on the immune response from the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in journal, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.

For the study, researchers recruited people who were given COVID19 vaccinations or influenza shots, while drawing blood for a baseline antibody levels. They then randomly assigned them to either sit quietly or exercise for 90 minutes after their shots.

The exercise group were assigned to ride a stationary bike or fast-walk for 90 minutes challenged to keep their heart rates at 120-140 beats per minute. in addition some flu-shot participants were assigned to ride for only 45 minutes in order to see if shorter exercise team reaped the same benefits as 90 minutes.

Researchers then drew antibody levels at 2-weeks and 4-weeks post vaccine from everybody. They found that the 90-minute exercise group had higher antibody levels than those who did not exercise. The 45-minute exercise group did not have high antibody levels compared to their 90-minute counterparts.

While the study was limited in that it only assessed antibody response at 4-weeks and follow up on whether or not participants develop infections in the future, prior studies have already shown that vaccine are more effective in the who exercise.

In conclusion, exercise is good for you and don’t be one of those lazy fools who are constantly making excuses not to do it.

J Hallam et al. Exercise after influenza or COVID-19 vaccination increases serum antibody without an increase in side effects. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2022.02.005