Smokers At the Gym

rchupka87

Anyone else just de-friend someone? I know I sure as Fu@k did. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em. :smokin:

rchupka87

Anyone else just de-friend someone? I know I sure as Fu@k did. Smoke 'em if ya got 'em. :smokin:

Make that 2 people.

Bentley2718

I have never been a smoker, but I have watched other people try to quit, and I have read some of the empirical literature on nicotine addiction. Nicotine is exceptionally addictive, so I understand that people have a hard time quitting. Just because they have a difficult time implementing one health related behavior (i.e. not smoking) does NOT mean that they should not engage in other healthy behaviors (e.g. eating well, exercising). They aren't doing themselves any favors by smoking, but they'd be making the situation even worse by not doing other things to keep themselves healthy.

Moreover, I've noticed that in recent years, there are two groups of people it is increasingly okay to hate, fat people and smokers. I used to have a neighbor who would sit in her car with the engine running until someone who was standing on the sidewalk (in open air) put out a cigarette. Only once the cigarette was out would she get out of her car. I watched her do this on a regular basis, as someone in our building smoked outside, and my front window looked out on to the sidewalk. To make it even more ridiculous, every time, she left her car running. She was so concerned about what a miniscule amount of second hand smoke from someone who was standing in open air was going to do to her, that she was willing to leave her car running (placing considerably more pollutants into the air). I don't get people. If anyone out there is perfect, they can go ahead and judge other people. Everyone else should keep their judgmental attitudes, and their rudeness to themselves.

gerla_k

It's not necessarily judgmental for a non-smoker to be offended or think it's nasty for a smoker to smoke near where they are. It is far more likely to get lung cancer from second hand smoke, so I can understand where the nonsmokers are coming from there. It is very disgusting when you don't smoke just to smell it, having it right in your face is even worse. I had a brief period of time where I was completely cigarette free, and let me tell you... during that time, I got to the point where just the smell of a cigarette made me ill. Of course, stress and what-not eventually led me back to it and I'm still struggling to quit now.

I think a lot of smokers are very defensive of their addiction, because it wasn't that long ago that it was very socially accepted almost everywhere. People used to be able to smoke in restaurants with their kids right next to them. Now, that's seen as a horrible thing (because it is a horrible thing, really.) But anyways... I don't think it's fair to judge all smokers equally, it is a hard addiction to fight and successfully quit. But, there is such thing as common courtesy too, smokers should stay a good distance away from nonsmokers I think. It's someone else's health you are putting at risk when you come within range of them with your cigarette smoke.

Oh so you want us to smoke in the bushes ?? haha, or to stop each person who passes you by and ask if it's ok to smoke or whether they're smoker's or not? yeah OK :explode:

sjeagle30

It's not necessarily judgmental for a non-smoker to be offended or think it's nasty for a smoker to smoke near where they are. It is far more likely to get lung cancer from second hand smoke, so I can understand where the nonsmokers are coming from there. It is very disgusting when you don't smoke just to smell it, having it right in your face is even worse. I had a brief period of time where I was completely cigarette free, and let me tell you... during that time, I got to the point where just the smell of a cigarette made me ill. Of course, stress and what-not eventually led me back to it and I'm still struggling to quit now.

I think a lot of smokers are very defensive of their addiction, because it wasn't that long ago that it was very socially accepted almost everywhere. People used to be able to smoke in restaurants with their kids right next to them. Now, that's seen as a horrible thing (because it is a horrible thing, really.) But anyways... I don't think it's fair to judge all smokers equally, it is a hard addiction to fight and successfully quit. But, there is such thing as common courtesy too, smokers should stay a good distance away from nonsmokers I think. It's someone else's health you are putting at risk when you come within range of them with your cigarette smoke.

If you are exposed to second hand smoke often then sure, it increases the risk of lung cancer. If you walk past a smoker you are not going to get lung cancer. Look at how many of us growing up had our parents smoke in the car with the heater on and windows up both puffing away! we are all ok still. When the big guy says its time to go I dont care if you work out every day and only eat what is good for you and are placed inside a plastic bubble or if you smoke 4 packs a day and do nothing to get in shape...its gonna happen when it happens.

Beezil

It's not necessarily judgmental for a non-smoker to be offended or think it's nasty for a smoker to smoke near where they are. It is far more likely to get lung cancer from second hand smoke, so I can understand where the nonsmokers are coming from there. It is very disgusting when you don't smoke just to smell it, having it right in your face is even worse. I had a brief period of time where I was completely cigarette free, and let me tell you... during that time, I got to the point where just the smell of a cigarette made me ill. Of course, stress and what-not eventually led me back to it and I'm still struggling to quit now.

I think a lot of smokers are very defensive of their addiction, because it wasn't that long ago that it was very socially accepted almost everywhere. People used to be able to smoke in restaurants with their kids right next to them. Now, that's seen as a horrible thing (because it is a horrible thing, really.) But anyways... I don't think it's fair to judge all smokers equally, it is a hard addiction to fight and successfully quit. But, there is such thing as common courtesy too, smokers should stay a good distance away from nonsmokers I think. It's someone else's health you are putting at risk when you come within range of them with your cigarette smoke.

Oh so you want us to smoke in the bushes ?? haha, or to stop each person who passes you buy to ask if it's ok to smoke or whether they're smoker's or not? yeah OK :explode:

It's really not that hard to smoke a far enough distance away from a public building so as not to bother anyone who might be going in or coming out of it...

Beezil

It's not necessarily judgmental for a non-smoker to be offended or think it's nasty for a smoker to smoke near where they are. It is far more likely to get lung cancer from second hand smoke, so I can understand where the nonsmokers are coming from there. It is very disgusting when you don't smoke just to smell it, having it right in your face is even worse. I had a brief period of time where I was completely cigarette free, and let me tell you... during that time, I got to the point where just the smell of a cigarette made me ill. Of course, stress and what-not eventually led me back to it and I'm still struggling to quit now.

I think a lot of smokers are very defensive of their addiction, because it wasn't that long ago that it was very socially accepted almost everywhere. People used to be able to smoke in restaurants with their kids right next to them. Now, that's seen as a horrible thing (because it is a horrible thing, really.) But anyways... I don't think it's fair to judge all smokers equally, it is a hard addiction to fight and successfully quit. But, there is such thing as common courtesy too, smokers should stay a good distance away from nonsmokers I think. It's someone else's health you are putting at risk when you come within range of them with your cigarette smoke.

If you are exposed to second hand smoke often then sure, it increases the risk of lung cancer. If you walk past a smoker you are not going to get lung cancer. Look at how many of us growing up had our parents smoke in the car with the heater on and windows up both puffing away! we are all ok still. When the big guy says its time to go I dont care if you work out every day and only eat what is good for you and are placed inside a plastic bubble or if you smoke 4 packs a day and do nothing to get in shape...its gonna happen when it happens.

It's not your right to decide what goes into someone else's body though. That is their right, and it's completely reasonable for people not to want to inhale that crap. It's poison. Why should anyone have to increase their risk of lung cancer at all, even by a minute amount, just for your convenience?

jenbit

You know if this were IRL and someone tried to make fun of me for lighting up a cig after working out I might just put it on on their face's.

Havent you gears the surgeon generals new warning " harrassing smoker about smoking is more detremental to your health than them smoking.... Dont like it walk away or go around me.

Liking_me_now

I don't know about humorous but it always seems weird to me that people smoke at the gym. I don't like the smell at all though. As much as I think it is a terrible idea, who am I to judge?

sjeagle30

It's not necessarily judgmental for a non-smoker to be offended or think it's nasty for a smoker to smoke near where they are. It is far more likely to get lung cancer from second hand smoke, so I can understand where the nonsmokers are coming from there. It is very disgusting when you don't smoke just to smell it, having it right in your face is even worse. I had a brief period of time where I was completely cigarette free, and let me tell you... during that time, I got to the point where just the smell of a cigarette made me ill. Of course, stress and what-not eventually led me back to it and I'm still struggling to quit now.

I think a lot of smokers are very defensive of their addiction, because it wasn't that long ago that it was very socially accepted almost everywhere. People used to be able to smoke in restaurants with their kids right next to them. Now, that's seen as a horrible thing (because it is a horrible thing, really.) But anyways... I don't think it's fair to judge all smokers equally, it is a hard addiction to fight and successfully quit. But, there is such thing as common courtesy too, smokers should stay a good distance away from nonsmokers I think. It's someone else's health you are putting at risk when you come within range of them with your cigarette smoke.

If you are exposed to second hand smoke often then sure, it increases the risk of lung cancer. If you walk past a smoker you are not going to get lung cancer. Look at how many of us growing up had our parents smoke in the car with the heater on and windows up both puffing away! we are all ok still. When the big guy says its time to go I dont care if you work out every day and only eat what is good for you and are placed inside a plastic bubble or if you smoke 4 packs a day and do nothing to get in shape...its gonna happen when it happens.

It's not your right to decide what goes into someone else's body though. That is their right, and it's completely reasonable for people not to want to inhale that crap. It's poison. Why should anyone have to increase their risk of lung cancer at all, even by a minute amount, just for your convenience?

Why should I go out of my way not to "offend" anyone that walks by. I already cant and dont smoke inside of any building. If you are coming towards me outside and I am smoking and you dont want to inhale it then turn around and go the other way or find an alternate route. Public is public. I dont stand in front of a store and smoke but if I am walking down the road and smoke and someone walks by...oh well. Not gonna drop dead right there!!!

ninerbuff

Lol, a fit smoker is still better than someone not doing anything at all.


A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

almc170

I quit smoking, for about the 5th time, last July. I still crave cigarettes regularly. The only thing that stops me from lighting up is the risk of relapsing into full-blown addiction. I cannot change that, no matter how long I refrain from smoking or how healthy my lifestyle becomes. To judge someone for lighting up after a workout would incredibly hypocritical of me, because I’ve been that person.

CalJur

oxymoron

sjeagle30

Am I also safe to assume that all of you that think it is so counterproductive never ever put a drop of alchohol in your bodies or one bad food choice? Get over youselves.

ChristiH4000

It's not necessarily judgmental for a non-smoker to be offended or think it's nasty for a smoker to smoke near where they are. It is far more likely to get lung cancer from second hand smoke, so I can understand where the nonsmokers are coming from there. It is very disgusting when you don't smoke just to smell it, having it right in your face is even worse. I had a brief period of time where I was completely cigarette free, and let me tell you... during that time, I got to the point where just the smell of a cigarette made me ill. Of course, stress and what-not eventually led me back to it and I'm still struggling to quit now.

I think a lot of smokers are very defensive of their addiction, because it wasn't that long ago that it was very socially accepted almost everywhere. People used to be able to smoke in restaurants with their kids right next to them. Now, that's seen as a horrible thing (because it is a horrible thing, really.) But anyways... I don't think it's fair to judge all smokers equally, it is a hard addiction to fight and successfully quit. But, there is such thing as common courtesy too, smokers should stay a good distance away from nonsmokers I think. It's someone else's health you are putting at risk when you come within range of them with your cigarette smoke.

If you are exposed to second hand smoke often then sure, it increases the risk of lung cancer. If you walk past a smoker you are not going to get lung cancer. Look at how many of us growing up had our parents smoke in the car with the heater on and windows up both puffing away! we are all ok still. When the big guy says its time to go I dont care if you work out every day and only eat what is good for you and are placed inside a plastic bubble or if you smoke 4 packs a day and do nothing to get in shape...its gonna happen when it happens.

It's not your right to decide what goes into someone else's body though. That is their right, and it's completely reasonable for people not to want to inhale that crap. It's poison. Why should anyone have to increase their risk of lung cancer at all, even by a minute amount, just for your convenience?

You're vilifying smokers because they are an easy target and the source of the pollutants to "your" air is easily identified. Why don't you go rail against the corporations that own our politicians and make laws or avoid them so they can pollute our earth causing 1,000x more damage to air quality than that lonely smoker affecting that one breath?

Howbouto

The only thing I've ever seen that cracks me up about fellow gym goers is how they fight for the closest parking spot near the door.

I park as far away as possible. Get a warm up and a cool down going just getting to and from my truck.

This bothers me more than a smoker working out. Smoking is an addiction and most will tell you to start exercising before you quit. But I knew someone who changed gyms because you had to park too far away (in a parking garage and down a hallway). Really? Aren't you going there to workout so what's the big deal about a walk!

BrettPGH

It's not your right to decide what goes into someone else's body though. That is their right, and it's completely reasonable for people not to want to inhale that crap. It's poison. Why should anyone have to increase their risk of lung cancer at all, even by a minute amount, just for your convenience?

I'm sorry but you don't understand what the word "poison" means.

I'm gonna assume you drive a car, yes? Well it belches out around 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air every year. Why should anyone have to increase their risk of cancer, even by a minute amount, just for your convenience?

*people never think when they play this game*

jjelizalde

I kept telling myself I would not respond to this, but I just can't. YOU are such a judgmental *kitten*.

I am one of those "Nasty" people you see smoking OUTSIDE of the Gym. I do it in my car, or stand down wind of the entrance, so as to not offend or disgust anyone. Heaven forbid a mouthful of smoke might blow past you in the wind and damage your untainted lungs.

And since you just can't understand my mentality - let me clue you in. I started smoking at a very young age. My friends were smokers. My dad is a smoker. My sibilings are smokers. Is it any real shock that I fell victim to this vice? As an adult that is focused on living a healthy life, I am aware of the disatvanges of smoking, and the health risks involved. WHICH is why I made an appointment to see my doctor about getting on something to help me quit. Patches? Gum? Pills? A hypnotherapist? I didn't know. MY DOCTOR told me point blank NOT to quit smoking right now. She knows that I am changing my lifestyle. I am eating better, I am working out daily. My Doctor advised me she didn't recommend doing both at the same time. She said if you fail at one, you'd probably give up on both. She suggested I wait until my new lifestyle was an absolute habit before I tried giving up smoking, and in fact, told me that she would NOT under any circumstance, prescribe any cessation aids to me until I got into a healthy weight range, Which for me, is about 60 pounds from now.

So before you go casting your self-rightous dirty looks at someone you know absolutely NOTHING about, except the fact that they are polluting YOUR clean air - why don't you keep your damn mouth shut, take a good look in the mirror, and focus on your own vices.

Oh, that's right. You don't have any. You're perfect. Here, have a flower. :flowerforyou:

You cracked me up )) one more flower from another smoker :flowerforyou: :grumble:

I quit smoking 3 weeks ago and I'm using the patch. I thought this is the PERFECT time to quit! I'm changing my life here! I've quit smoking, I'm exercising and I'm watching my calories - what better time to quit? I guarantee you I will not gain weight from quitting because I'm exercising and watching my calories. I say give it a try.

quixoteQ

One thing I love about these threads is how we get a wave of support for the original post--eight, maybe ten comments saying, "Oh yeah! This is the truest thing I've ever heard!"-- and then we get the undertow, a flood of anti-OP posts striking down the Creator with righteous anger; and the original support received by the OP completely vanishes, hoping that nobody on the righteous anger side will notice their political leanings.

Also, I love how people de-friend another person for a simple. slightly silly, partially arrogant post. I mean, so it goes in the world of virtual friends. How great is that? Like, flash of lightning, and boom, no more friend. Awesome. Love it.

People trying to change their lives for the better are by far the biggest pr!cks on life, huh?

I smoked for 15 years. Man, I loved it. Been off clean for five, now. Still miss it, especially after working out, especially after a lame breakfast of egg whites and spinach. About twice a month I'll have a dream where I'm walking the dog, or tying my shoes, or sitting on my *kitten*, and suddenly I'll look down and there in my hand is a half-smoked cigarette I can't remember smoking; and of course I'm like, holy *kitten*, I didn't mean for that to happen!

People who have never smoked: you have no idea. Ease up.

People who smoke: it sucks, it's bad for you, and just because other people eat too many Doritos doesn't make smoking any healthier. You know it. Yelling at other people because of their ignorance on the subject doesn't make it any healthier.

Now, back to the show. Carry on!

gerla_k

:mad:

It's not necessarily judgmental for a non-smoker to be offended or think it's nasty for a smoker to smoke near where they are. It is far more likely to get lung cancer from second hand smoke, so I can understand where the nonsmokers are coming from there. It is very disgusting when you don't smoke just to smell it, having it right in your face is even worse. I had a brief period of time where I was completely cigarette free, and let me tell you... during that time, I got to the point where just the smell of a cigarette made me ill. Of course, stress and what-not eventually led me back to it and I'm still struggling to quit now.

I think a lot of smokers are very defensive of their addiction, because it wasn't that long ago that it was very socially accepted almost everywhere. People used to be able to smoke in restaurants with their kids right next to them. Now, that's seen as a horrible thing (because it is a horrible thing, really.) But anyways... I don't think it's fair to judge all smokers equally, it is a hard addiction to fight and successfully quit. But, there is such thing as common courtesy too, smokers should stay a good distance away from nonsmokers I think. It's someone else's health you are putting at risk when you come within range of them with your cigarette smoke.

If you are exposed to second hand smoke often then sure, it increases the risk of lung cancer. If you walk past a smoker you are not going to get lung cancer. Look at how many of us growing up had our parents smoke in the car with the heater on and windows up both puffing away! we are all ok still. When the big guy says its time to go I dont care if you work out every day and only eat what is good for you and are placed inside a plastic bubble or if you smoke 4 packs a day and do nothing to get in shape...its gonna happen when it happens.

It's not your right to decide what goes into someone else's body though. That is their right, and it's completely reasonable for people not to want to inhale that crap. It's poison. Why should anyone have to increase their risk of lung cancer at all, even by a minute amount, just for your convenience?

I have every right to stop and have a cigarette when and where I like it as long as it's outside. Who are you to tell me that i have to smoke in the middle of the street just because YOU are passing by. :mad:

sammys1girly

I don't like to judge people but I do find it annoying. At the dojo I work out in, is next to a bar. So there I am running multiple forms back to back working up a sweat on a hot day and all I can breathe in is cigarette smoke. Its their right and I cannot say anything but it does suck.

Agreed! Nothing like leaving the gym and having someone blowing smoke in your face, by the door. I should have the right to not have to breathe that in!

Beezil

It's not necessarily judgmental for a non-smoker to be offended or think it's nasty for a smoker to smoke near where they are. It is far more likely to get lung cancer from second hand smoke, so I can understand where the nonsmokers are coming from there. It is very disgusting when you don't smoke just to smell it, having it right in your face is even worse. I had a brief period of time where I was completely cigarette free, and let me tell you... during that time, I got to the point where just the smell of a cigarette made me ill. Of course, stress and what-not eventually led me back to it and I'm still struggling to quit now.

I think a lot of smokers are very defensive of their addiction, because it wasn't that long ago that it was very socially accepted almost everywhere. People used to be able to smoke in restaurants with their kids right next to them. Now, that's seen as a horrible thing (because it is a horrible thing, really.) But anyways... I don't think it's fair to judge all smokers equally, it is a hard addiction to fight and successfully quit. But, there is such thing as common courtesy too, smokers should stay a good distance away from nonsmokers I think. It's someone else's health you are putting at risk when you come within range of them with your cigarette smoke.

If you are exposed to second hand smoke often then sure, it increases the risk of lung cancer. If you walk past a smoker you are not going to get lung cancer. Look at how many of us growing up had our parents smoke in the car with the heater on and windows up both puffing away! we are all ok still. When the big guy says its time to go I dont care if you work out every day and only eat what is good for you and are placed inside a plastic bubble or if you smoke 4 packs a day and do nothing to get in shape...its gonna happen when it happens.

It's not your right to decide what goes into someone else's body though. That is their right, and it's completely reasonable for people not to want to inhale that crap. It's poison. Why should anyone have to increase their risk of lung cancer at all, even by a minute amount, just for your convenience?

You're vilifying smokers because they are an easy target and the source of the pollutants to "your" air is easily identified. Why don't you go rail against the corporations that own our politicians and make laws or avoid them so they can pollute our earth causing 1,000x more damage to air quality than that lonely smoker affecting that one breath?

I guess you missed the part where I said I smoke... I'm not vilifying anyone, just saying that I don't see what is so hard about smokers avoiding common areas where others walk in and out of buildings frequently. It's common courtesy. I'm not railing against anyone, so chill out please.

I'm sorry but you don't understand what the word "poison" means.

I'm gonna assume you drive a car, yes? Well it belches out around 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air every year. Why should anyone have to increase their risk of cancer, even by a minute amount, just for your convenience?

*people never think when they play this game*

I don't drive a car, actually. I walk and ride my bike.

Sabresgal63

I say good for anyone exercising. EVEN smokers. I didn't start exercising until after I quit smoking but people like you are not helping by saying such things. Be supportive. Perhaps they are at the gym trying to get healthier to motivate themselves to quit smoking. Quitting is hard and not something I would expect a non-smoker to understand but I don't judge smokers, I try to understand and help if I can.

I agree with you 100%. I am an ex-smoker and its one of the hardest things to quit......I've been on this site for over 2 years now and lately its just producing more negative statements than positive......just so sad that people are that "Perfect".

auroranflash

Damn it, I don't smoke while I'm at work anymore since the 1st of the year - just have a few in the evening. But, I came back to look over some of this thread, and now I definitely want a cigarette, a shot of whiskey, and a McDonald's cheeseburger meal.

*rolls up in the hippie bus for all her MFP friends to hop in* *Snoop Dogg is also in the back*

WHO'S WITH ME :glasses:

LauraSmyth28

So because I'm a smoker I may as well go the whole hog and become a couch potato too? I don't understand your reasoning.

I always have a cigarette after a workout. Not at the gym, but in my back garden (no smoking inside as I have children).

Getting so out of breath that I feel dizzy and sick while doing intense cardio is making me want to quit more, but I'm still not in the righ place to do so yet. But I can't see what's ironic about me exercising? Surely that's a GOOD thing?

:smokin:

SPBROOKS68

Yep - Work out, go outside to have a cigarette and then repeat its like they are doing reps - I don't get it but I guess it is working for them.

mamamc03

I will never understand, but then again, there is nothing better for me than a diet coke after a workout -- so who am I to judge??

YES!!! I sooo agree!!

gerla_k

This site is supposed to be for people who are here to help each other in their fitness journey (losing weight, muscling up) not to make fun of each other and judge even when you think that you're better than the other person. That's all . No more posts from me- get really mad!

ajasmann

I like to park close to the door because I feel like my car is safer there. That way my car can be seen from the front windows, and will be less likely to be broken into. :~)

carloc

We all pass judgement on other's everyday in our lives.
We all make premature decisions about other people everyday in our lives.

We all have our own behaviours and life styles which have defined who we are over many years, whether this is a good or bad life style does not matter. It is what it is.

The important thing to remmeber is that almost everyone on this site, regardless of their life style is chosing to make a difference for themselves firstly and for their own personal improvement.

We decide very quickly about other people who do not fall into our ideal of what is good.

Years of performing habits which are not healthy are extremley difficult to break and change whether it is using food, using cigarettes, drinking or drugs etc. I think everyone here knows the amount of will power to make these changes is extrodinary, everyone here has already made this choice and started a journey that will improve their lives for their betterment.

Losing weight is just the first part, not long after we start working out and training, applying small goals for ourselves, these turn into bigger goals. More weight lose, running a 5k, 10k, riding for your bike for 10 miles, 40 miles.

I am a smoker. I smoke 1 pack a day. It takes time to break habits, smoking is a habit that can be broken, and it is another goal in my future to change for myself.

Let's remember where most of us where at physically and emotionally before we all started on this journey that we now can share with others, without judgement, without contempt. But with compasion and with encouragement and with the joy of succeding in making the small changes become the larger goal.