How 10 instructors keep their immune systems strong
You know the drill when it comes to keeping your immune system strong, especially in times like these — work out regularly, recover well, reduce stress, and eat right. Simple in theory, a little trickier in execution.
Here, 10 instructors share their own go-to routines for making sure their germ-fighting system is operating at full strength.
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1. Blake Shutterly from BASE
“Not a day goes by that I don't have some sort of immunity juice. Some days it's a green juice with spinach, celery, cucumber, apple, lemon, ginger, and turmeric. Other days it's just a shot of ginger, orange juice, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. I've also been trying to include more fermented food into my diet on a regular basis for my gut health — Kombucha, sauerkraut, and plain yogurt just to name a few.”
2. Elissa Marshall from Breathe & Be
“Our bodies know how to fight off disease and heal itself, but sometimes when we get wrapped up in our emotions and thoughts we short circuit our own defenses. When I’m feeling off, I take anywhere from five to 20 minutes to sit quietly and observe the presence of my breath. It's a conscious way of resting my body and mind so I can reboot my innate immune defenses.”
3. Christi Marraccini from GO
“Whenever I feel like I am coming down with something, I immediately try to increase my sleep by setting a very strict curfew for myself. I also try and eat a little bit cleaner by getting all the vitamins and nutrients I need from real food rather than having to rely on supplements or medicine. And I always stay active. Whether it’s 20 minutes of yoga or 20 minutes of HIIT, moving helps me feel better.”
4. Ceasar F. Barajas from The Journey
“We live in a chaotic and frenetic world already, but taking a moment to acknowledge the body and where it is now is a great way to be mindful of our strengths. I use the blue dot system. These little blue dot stickers are on various items in my possession, for example, my wallet. Every time I see the blue dot I take one huge conscious deep controlled breath in and out. Since I see them multiple times a day, it helps me to remain calm and in control.”
5. Andrea Dusel-Foil from ADF
“I believe anxiety can really take a toll on our immune system, and that’s something that’s hard to control. Whenever I’m feeling anxious I take the approach of finding something I can touch (which helps with tactile grounding) and something I can see (to find a steady focus) and follow a tempo for my breath. Usually, it’s four counts in, hold for four, and exhale for four.”
6. Taylor Alex Hayden from RIIDE
“I always drink a glass of pure Aloe vera juice in the morning before consuming water or food for my immune system. Without getting too scientific, pure Aloe vera helps stimulate the most strong and powerful cells in our immune system to help ward off unhealthy intruders. However, the taste is quite bitter when you begin so I recommend pouring half Aloe, half water, with a little lemon and mint for your Aloe journey. As you continue, try to pour less water each time!”
7. Ally Berlin from BODY
“I absolutely need quality sleep. It’s very easy for me to overrun myself when working in a city and taking on as many projects as possible. Putting my phone on “do not disturb” has done wonders for me. Since I started to stay off my phone at night I’m able to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. I feel so much better when I wake up in the morning. Also, being that I have quite a few medical conditions, I make a shake for myself every day containing all the supplements I need.”
8. Jay Mark from Be Humble Movement
“Every day, at least three times, I take the time to work out to build up my immune system. It starts with a bike ride, jump rope, or a run first thing in the morning. Then, I reset my system with branch chain amino acids and my elderberry along with something like coconut water. I also take in a lot of water throughout the day and avoid alcohol.”
9. Britney Byfield from MOVE
“Staying consistent with my exercise is top priority for me. I know that makes me strong and keeps me resilient. If I feel something come on, I might take a few B-vitamins just in case I’m a little deficient from my meals, but other than that, staying very consistent with the healthy lifestyle is the answer.”
10. Elena Moffa from E3
“Any time I feel overwhelmed, it’s important for me to stand outside for a moment, take two to three deep breathes of fresh air, and remind myself to be alive in the moment. I also truly believe that movement is medicine, so whether it be a yoga pose or stretch, a walk or run, or a high-intensity strength or power exercise, simply moving in any form conditions the mind, detoxes the soul, and makes the body resilient. And when all else fails, hot lemon water solves anything. Literally anything. It's a detoxifying remedy my mother swears by and I use for any ailment — from a bellyache to a morning wake up.”
