Researchers have discovered a trend among people who are physically fit—they catch fewer colds. A study published by the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that staying physically fit guards against colds and the flu.

Among participants in the study, it was clearly recognized “that those who exercised more than five times a week had 43% fewer upper respiratory infections than those who were more sedentary,” Time magazine reported. The article continued, “…previous work hints that exercise, especially moderate exercise, can increase circulation of the body’s sentry immune cells whose job is to patrol the body and nab any potential viral or bacterial invaders. The more these cells are circulating and on duty, the more likely they will be able to dispatch the first cold or flu agents before they can establish an infection.”

Everyone’s circumstances are different, thus it is reasonable to question how much these findings vary from person to person. In this case, “The results held steady,” reported AOL News, “even after controlling for factors like body mass index, age and overall stress levels.”

Though physically fit people can still get sick, those who do seem to experience milder colds. “What is more, researchers say the severity of symptoms fell by 41% among those who felt fittest and by 31% among the most physically active,” WebMD stated.

Just as the human body needs enough nutritious food, hydration and rest every day to remain healthy, exercising regularly—rather than occasionally—reaps the best results.

Many people think they do not need to exercise during the week and can “catch up” by doing vigorous workouts on the weekend. But the director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Appalachian State University dispelled this: “You can’t be a weekend warrior and expect these effects” (Time).