Smoking and running? Help!

kristinajakavonyte · February 2017

So I've been smoking for about a year.. my question is: do I need to first quit smoking or I can do exercise (running, cardio etc.) while still smoking? I know it's stupid since we are all here to change habbits or maintain them as for healthy living. But I am interested.. what is your experience with tabacco and healthy living?

kristinajakavonyte · February 2017

Oh! And the reason why I do not quit now, is because I don't want to gain weight... and I know cigarettes help even to lose some.. so..

TavistockToad · February 2017

I have seen plenty of people finish a race and light up, so do as you wish...

TavistockToad · February 2017

kristinajakavonyte wrote: »

Oh! And the reason why I do not quit now, is because I don't want to gain weight... and I know cigarettes help even to lose some.. so..

Yeah when you get cancer it'll definitely help you lose :laugh:

pondee629 · February 2017

"So I've been smoking for about a year.. " From a long time smoker, now an ex-smoker: you are going to want to quit sometime, it will be much easier NOW.
" do I need to first quit smoking or I can do exercise (running, cardio etc.) while still smoking?" Nope. you can puff away and do your workout for a while. Sooner or later it will catch up to you and you'll want to quit. See point one above.

LazyButHealthy · February 2017

kristinajakavonyte wrote: »

Oh! And the reason why I do not quit now, is because I don't want to gain weight... and I know cigarettes help even to lose some.. so..

This is codswallop. It's entirely up to you.

I quit last year cold turkey after smoking for 15 years, and I very slowly lost a stone.
Quitting an addiction is willpower and commitment to change. Some people replace it with a growing food addiction. You could replace it by increased physical activity.

If you believe not smoking will lead to weight gain, then it will. Because you accept it will.

ew_david · February 2017

I used to smoke. Then I started working out regularly and the two did not mix well for me. I can barely breathe as a nonsmoker while running...when I smoked it was 10x worse. I felt like hammered shhiit all the time so I quit.

LazyButHealthy · February 2017

NARCISSISTIC_PUP wrote: »

I smoke and am healthy

Oxymoron.

megomerrett · February 2017

You can do both. I know pro dancers who smoke and they were and are far fitter than me.
Personally I couldn't - weak chest after a chest infection, queried adult onset asthma and allergies that make me wheeze. Fun. Not.

Do not worry about stopping smoking making you put on weight - that happens when people replace cigarettes with food and snacks. Which you won't be doing because you're logging.

Think about all that money you'll save!

Gimsteinn · February 2017

Wow.. ok just.. stop right there..

1. you can start running even if you smoke
2. You don't gain weight cause you stopped smoking you gain weight cause you replace smoking with eating
3. Cardio and running is gonna suck so much more when you smoke and everything's gonna be more difficult
4. Stop using the "I don't wanna gain weight" excuse, you're not gonna gain weight by quitting, you're gonna gain health by quitting.

Savyna · February 2017

I used to smoke regularly, especially during the summers. I started noticing that taking the stairs really got me winded and breathing became much harder to do. As I increased my exercise the need to smoke lessened and I eventually quit. There are times when the urge to smoke is strong (times of stress, relaxing with friends, drinking) but I look back on how much life has improved just by getting rid of that habit and having that one cigarette doesn't seem worth it.

You don't have to quit to start exercising but depending on how heavy a smoker you are, you'll notice its effects on you when trying to make it through a workout session. Good luck!

runningcowboymike · February 2017

I've been a competitive runner for 30 years and what has always amazed me is a age group competitor who smoked and did quite well.

WeepingAngel81 · February 2017

Anyone can exercise and still smoke. The real question is, if you are working towards your overall health, why wouldn't you quit? There is plenty of scientific proof out there showing how unhealthy smoking is for you. I am an ex smoker turned runner, and I find my workouts to be stronger, my endurance is much higher than it was when I smoked, and I am more motivated to exercise. I didn't gain any weight when I quit smoking. Every time I had a craving, I would take a walk or do a 10 minute ab workout, anything exercise related to replace that craving. This is something you need to want on your own though. Quit, or don't. It's up to you and what your vision for your overall health goals are.

Spliner1969 · February 2017

Do yourself a favor and quit now. I smoked for 22+ years before quitting. You tell yourself that you can quit any time you want, and it's not necessary right now, but eventually it just becomes part of you. You won't be able to take in fresh air without wanting a cigarette. It's a horrible habit, and it's horribly unhealthy for you. You may be healthy now, but you won't be later. Even though I quit eight years ago, and my lungs are relatively recovered, my lung capacity will never be what I want it to be. I may still get cancer even though my chances are now reduced. I know you hear this every day from everyone around you but the reason that's happening is that it's the truth. Just quit. Find a way. Now (during a diet) is actually the perfect time. When you have a craving, go exercise. Turn that habit into something useful and healthy. I won't kid you that it's easy to quit, but what I can tell you is that you can do it.

LazyButHealthy · February 2017

NARCISSISTIC_PUP wrote: »

LazyButHealthy wrote: »

NARCISSISTIC_PUP wrote: »

I smoke and am healthy

Oxymoron.

Not a heavy smoker. Healthy balanced diet. Regular exercise. Don't drink, don't take any meds. Regular health checks through work, checking numerous health markers including bloods, and FEV1/FVC

My health is just fine

Oh, I believe it. My partner is a heavy smoker with a far greater lung capacity than me, and is in average, fine health.

But that doesn't equate healthy. Just means it hasn't caught up with you yet.

jessef593 · February 2017

kristinajakavonyte wrote: »

Oh! And the reason why I do not quit now, is because I don't want to gain weight... and I know cigarettes help even to lose some.. so..

Cigarettes don't stimulate weight loss or weight gain. It's the increase in eating from replacing a habit and oral fixation. If you continue to count your calories accurately, keep up with your exercise, and quit smoking, you will not see weight gain.

bigtiger60 · February 2017

I've been off cigs now for 7 months having been a smoker for 20 years or so - I moved to vaping - and in that time I've still managed to lose weight. Stopping smoking doesn't put weight on, you look for something to do with your hands as you're not smoking any more so instead of lighting up you raid the fridge.
You can run and be a smoker, you're body will be able to cope better if you don't smoke though.
And I know vaping isn't good for you but its less harmful and cheaper than smoking

Meganthedogmom · February 2017

Smoking helps you lose weight? Weird, I was 250lbs when I was a smoker and lost 90 after I quit...

To answer your question OP, you can run and be a smoker. But in my experience, your lungs will burn like a fiery hell is ignited in them. It's not pleasant. That's one of the reasons I quit.

amusedmonkey · February 2017

To answer your question, yes, it is possible to smoke and run if that's what you want to do. Quitting would be ideal and may help with the running a bit, but if you aren't running competitively for a title and are not ready to quit yet there is no reason you can't do both.

Smoking and running? Help!

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