Exercise Can Assist You to Quit Smoking
Mark Twain said, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.” Does this sound familiar? Like any other addiction smoking is a hard habit to break and most smokers don’t realize how much exercise can help. Most women are afraid to quit smoking because of the weight gain that is usually associated with quitting, but exercise has proven to reduce weight gain. In a study done through the Archives of Internal Medicine, women who exercised vigorously while trying to quit smoking were twice as likely to remain smoke-free and they gained about half the weight of those who did not exercise. Working with a personal trainer and dietician can help you reach your ultimate weight goal by keeping you focused and motivated throughout the process.
Most people who exercise are not smokers because once you get in a healthy habit you stay focused on healthy activities and are less likely to do anything harmful to the body. Think of it as replacing a bad habit for a good one. “People who exercise (when trying to quit smoking) feel better both mentally and physically and report fewer mood swings as well as a feeling of empowerment,” according to Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society (ACS). This empowerment can give you the strength to stay smoke free.
Remember, according to the ACS, smokers are twice as likely to die from a heart attack and women who smoke while on birth control pills have a higher risk of a heart attack, stroke, and blood clotting in the legs. Everyone knows that smoking can cause lung cancer, but few people realize it is also a risk factor for many other types of cancer as well, including cancer of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, cervix, stomach, and in some cases leukemia.
The health benefits of a smoke free lifestyle far out way the small weight gain or emotional problems that may follow quitting. Here are a few out of many listed on the ACS website:
• Circulation improves
• Lung function increases
• Coughing and shortness of breath decreases
• Reduces your chances of coronary heart disease in half after a year and as that of a non-smoker in 15 years
• Stroke rate decreases to that of a non-smoker after 5 to 15 years
There are also some great immediate benefits to quitting as well, such as, your breath smells better, stained teeth get whiter, bad smelling clothes and hair go away, food tastes better, sense of smell returns to normal and everyday activities no longer leave you out of breath.
Make no excuses and start the steps to quit smoking. Realize your body, health, and family are more important than a nicotine fix. Be sure to consult with your physician to get medical clearance when starting an exercise program and get going.
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As a former smoker, I very much agree that exercise helps to stay smoke free. For one thing, it's like eating a salad and then ruining it with a ton of fatty dressing and chocolate cake to follow! When you exercise, you kind of feel silly if you light up afterwards. All that hard work gone to waste...
Also, I noticed that exercise (epecially cardio) took away cravings. My cravings were non stop and very strong. Exercise will not remove them permanently but the cravings will stop for at least an hour to two hours. And that is a blessing for anyone trying to quit.
Actually I am a smoker and I quit smoking thousand times, this is becoming a nightmare for me because I don't really enjoy smoking, I just smoke and can't quit. Have you heard this before? I am seriously considering drug detox because obviously I can't do this myself.
Hi Karen32, Good for you that you want to quit smoking. Have you identified the reasons you smoke? If not, you may want to check out this article.
You may also want to find out more about your your addiction to nicotine.
What methods have you tried to stop smoking? And what area of the country are you in? Thanks Karen.
Karen,
I would love to talk with you more about your quitting smoking. And, as Tina said, knowing what part of the country you live in can help us suggest resources as well. The Mayo Clinic has a Nicotine Dependency Center that has proven great results (http://www.mayoclinic.org/ndc), as well as others.
I am curious to know about your:
- Previous attempts to quit: what you tried, how long you were successful
- Love/hate relationship with smoking. Why do you smoke (what do you like about smoking?), and why do you want to quit (what do you dislike about smoking?)
- Available support and resources: friends and family who want to quit smoking (quit buddy) and/or who can help you quit. Financially, there are many low cost alternatives, and free resources, including national hotlines and counselors to help you in your journey to become a former smoker!
As an added motivator, the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout is just over a month away in November, and the time you take now to PREPARE for cutting down or quitting can help you choose this date as a quit date. There is a LOT of support surrounding this national event that you can take advantage of:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/subsite/greatamericans/Smokeout.asp
Changing the other habits. I used to walk home the same way every day smoking a cigarette. When I was quitting I found it difficult to walk the same route without a stick in my fingers, but it was much easier not to think about smoking when I changed my usual way. I also used to smoke after meal which I normally had in my room. I changed my lunch place and it also helped me to cease smoking.
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