Does Cold-Weather Exercise Help or Hurt Your Immune System?

When winter arrives, skipping outdoor workouts is a tempting choice. A long-standing fitness myth claims that exercising in the cold lowers your defenses and makes you sick. But does chilly weather actually compromise your immunity, or does it prime your body to fight off winter bugs?Medical research shows the answer depends on your workout's intensity, duration, and how well you protect your body.The Verdict: A Double-Edged SwordBriefly put, moderate exercise in cold weather boosts your baseline immune system. On the flip side, long, grueling workouts in freezing temperatures can temporarily lower your defenses. This creates a brief window of vulnerability to upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or flu.How Chilly Workouts Boost ImmunityListen to the podcast episode or read the blog articles!