What type of exercise has been shown to benefit the immune system?

Episodic moderate intensity exercise has been shown to benefit the immune system due to its ability to enhance the body's immune response without leading to overtraining or excessive fatigue. This type of exercise creates a stimulus that helps in the mobilization and circulation of immune cells, particularly during and shortly after physical activity.

Moderate exercise can increase the production of immunoglobulins and enhance the activity of natural killer cells, which play a crucial role in the immune response against infections. Moreover, this type of exercise is often associated with consistent, manageable levels of physical stress on the body, which can foster long-term health benefits without the risks of immune suppression that can occur with very high-intensity or exhaustive training.

In contrast, high-intensity interval training can be beneficial but may not provide the same sustained immunological benefits as moderate intensity due to the stress and potential for fatigue it can cause. Continuous low-intensity exercise is beneficial for general health but may not provide the same immune-boosting effects as the episodic spikes in intensity seen in moderate exercise. Exhaustive endurance training, while beneficial for performance, is often linked with an increased risk of illness as it may lead to temporary immune suppression. Therefore, episodic moderate intensity exercise stands out as the most