Immunity-boosting Tips

Staying virus-free is on all of our minds these days. There’s more you can do to protect yourself than wearing a mask.

Here are two key ways you can strengthen your immune system, according to ALY KHAIRUDDIN. Aly is the owner of FitNut Loft, a boutique fitness and Pilates studio that specialises in helping women over 40 get fitter and more confident in a supportive setting.

#1 Exercise regularly

“Exercising 30 to 60 minutes a day can increase the circulation of virus-killing cells,” says Aly. As a STOTT-Pilates certified instructor and certified personal trainer, she suggests walking every day for 30 minutes and doing a strength-based workout every other day. In fact, that’s how Aly herself regained strength and lost weight after going through breast cancer treatment. At FitNut Loft, she offers one-on-one fitness sessions and six different group classes that combine Pilates, weights and cardio.

#2 Prioritise good-quality sleep

“Of course, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is important, but they aren’t going to get digested well if you’re always in a ‘fight or flight’ mode due to stress and lack of sleep,” says Aly, who is also a certified nutrition coach. “So, it’s important to prioritise good-quality sleep. Practising slow deep breathing for three to five minutes a day can stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system, or your ‘rest and digest’ mode. Food can get digested well, with nutrients going exactly where they need to go in order for you to better fight off illnesses. Inhale into your belly slowly for four counts, hold for two counts, then exhale slowly for six counts.”

FitNut Loft

2 Pandan Valley, #01-201 8686 8299 | fitnutloft.com