There is a downside to exercise...

We’re all supposed to exercise on a regular basis – but too much exercise can actually make you sick...

You don’t have to be a workout fanatic to overdo it. If you’re exercising to the point of exhaustion, even occasionally, that’s too much. Prolonged periods of stress on the body will encourage release of the stress hormone cortisol. Stress and exhaustion suppresses the immune system and leaves the body vulnerable to upper respiratory infection. A recent study found marathon runners to be 6 times more likely to become ill after a race.

We’re not off the hook – we still need to exercise. Experts say daily moderate exercise is the way to go for most of us. If you start to feel like you’re really pushing or need a break – it’s time to stop. Give the immune system a chance to catch up and adjust instead of stressing it out and shutting it down.