Exercise for Detoxification

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Adapted from The Purification Plan: Clear Your Body of the Toxins That Contribute to Weight Gain, Fatigue, and Chronic Illness, from the editors of Rodale Health Books (Rodale, 2005).

There are as many different types of exercise as there are ways you can imagine to move your body. Though all types of exercise will help you detoxify, some are clearly more beneficial than others.

Walk This WayGenerally speaking, aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, cycling and swimming are the most detoxifying. Of the wide array of aerobic activities you can choose from, walking is hands-down the most popular. It’s also something almost everyone can do to get a daily dose of detoxification.

Jump for JoyBouncing on a trampoline, such as a minitramp or rebounder, is one of the least-appreciated exercises for cleansing and strengthening every cell of your body. It’s also one of the best workouts for activating the lymphatic system.

Let Your Body FlowFor centuries, yoga has been prescribed as moving medicine for the immune system. Yoga helps lower stress hormones that compromise immunity while stimulating the lymphatic system to purge toxins and bring fresh, nutrient oxygenated blood to each organ to ensure optimum function.

Pick Up the PaceThere’s a longstanding myth among exercisers that you need to exercise at a lower intensity for a longer duration to maximize fat burning and release toxins. Not true. To really rev your metabolism, burn more calories and keep your fat-burning switch turned on for a longer time after you’re done exercising, try picking up the pace.

Make Some MuscleStrength training boosts natural muscle-making chemicals such as human growth hormone and preserves the muscle we have, while also replacing the muscle tissue we’ve lost. Lifting weights also helps you shed fat by simply burning calories. What’s more, your calorie-burning metabolism can stay elevated for up to 48 hours after you’ve finished lifting.

Take It OutsideWhenever possible, infuse your exercise routine with some fresh air by exercising outdoors. When exercising outside it’s important that you do not add to your toxic burden by walking or jogging along crowded roads or highways where you’re breathing exhaust. You can avoid nullifying your detoxifying exercise with environmental pollutants by exercising at the right time and place.