smoking and exercise
rhe280
Posts: 71
just wondering if there are any smokers,like myself out there. I do plan to give up, but currently dont feel I can lose weight and give up smoking. The thing is i really want to start running but have heard all sorts of scary stories about combining them especially as i smoke 20+ a day:sad: . Does anyone do rigerous exercise like running and still smoke? Does it make it harder? Would love your thoughts:bigsmile:
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Replies
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i smoke when i drink cocktails or am stressed out.. and to be honest.. i dont think it effects my ability to exercise.. probably not what you were looking to hear.. but its the truth
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I have a cigarette when I drink (on the weekends only of course) and I notice that it does make a big difference in the days following of how well I can run (or breathe rather).
I think it would be nearly impossible to run smoking a pack plus a day.
Maybe start with walking while your quitting?0 -
I smoke and I run. It isn't impossible, but yes of course it does make it more difficult. I plan to quit someday but am not at that point yet.0
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One thing at a time, and when you feel ready, buck up for one hell of a fight.
Smoking is the single worse thing you can do to ruin your health as you are aware.
Just wean down for 2 weeks, then quit cold turkey.
And it'll be the hardest addiction to break, so be ready for some painful days and nights.
I am not trying to create drama, but use vacation time of you have it, stay home and address this like one would any addiction.
Detox yourself that first week of "cold turkey" at home and punch through the pain.
And here's the miserable part.
Your hunger will BURN for a month after that first week. Just BURN!
Good luck to you, and I wish I had some little thing to say that would be the key to making this easy.
There is NOTHING.
Gird yourself for a tough fight, and no matter what, stay motivated and just KEEP PUNCHING!0 -
I played Australian Rules football and rugby for years while maintaining a smoking habit. Heck yeah it makes it harder. Do yourself a favor and quit thinking that you can do both and still benefit your body in some way. You can't really. That being said, once you decide to fully commit yourself to being healthier, and making good decisions for your body, quitting will seem like the most logical thing on earth. Best of luck to you.0
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I've since quit smoking, but I used to run five miles and then sit down and smoke a few cigarettes immediately after. It wasn't an issue for me, but I smoked way less than you do. Ask your doc. I knew Welbutrin is a medicine they give out to help people quit.0
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One thing at a time, and when you feel ready, buck up for one hell of a fight.
Smoking is the single worse thing you can do to ruin your health as you are aware.
Just wean down for 2 weeks, then quit cold turkey.
And it'll be the hardest addiction to break, so be ready for some painful days and nights.
I am not trying to create drama, but use vacation time of you have it, stay home and address this like one would any addiction.
Detox yourself that first week of "cold turkey" at home and punch through the pain.
And here's the miserable part.
Your hunger will BURN for a month after that first week. Just BURN!
Good luck to you, and I wish I had some little thing to say that would be the key to making this easy.
There is NOTHING.
Gird yourself for a tough fight, and no matter what, stay motivated and just KEEP PUNCHING!
lol, now im terrified:sick:0 -
I quit smoking after many years. I would not have been able to run if I still did.
Take it a step at a time, but I believe you will sense more immediate benefits out of smoking cessation than you will from weight loss.
But you willultimately get huge benefits from both.0 -
Last year I was training for (and completed) my first half marathon. I was smoking (roughly a pack a day) at that time. I did it, though I know I could have done better. To be honest, I really wasn't ready to quit at that time. I'd get done with my run and light up a smoke (quite counter-productive).
Earlier this year I decided to try and push myself to the next level and went and tried a week of a Fighter Fitness class at a local MMA gym (while still smoking). It was at that point that the hindrance my smoking put on me became quite clear. After that first week, I quit and have never looked back. My cardio/lung capacity has improved quite a bit. Though I've still a ways to go on my journey, I think quitting was the first step for me. :happy: Good luck!0 -
Officially starting to lose weight is a big change for me, i could NOT give up smoking at the same time! There's nothing like a vicious workout followed by a relaxing smoke... mmmmmmm.... I plan to give up smoking when I start having babies. And I plan to start running as soon as I can find a way to not hate it... lol0
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Sadly, I DID smoke and do heavy cardio. Since that was just who I was, I didn't really notice a problem. But then I broke my collarbone and my surgeon said if I didn't quit smoking, I would never heal --- and that meant no more cardio ever. So, apparently that was the motivation I needed and I haven't even wanted a smoke since.
I understand your fear - but if you can just give yourself the gift of quitting, you will never regret it. If you gain a few pounds, you'll lose them. I won't say your workouts will get easier after you quit --- but only because you'll be working so much harder because you can breathe!
Sooner is better than later, but even later is better than never! Good luck to you!!!0 -
I was a 1/2ppd smoker for 10 years. Currently on day 4 of quitting smoking. I quit before and gained 10lbs. It fell right back off once my cravings subsided and I quit snacking. I haven't gained anything this time around (knock on wood). I snack on healthy things or do some quick exercises when I get a craving like sit-ups, jumping jacks, or push-ups. I find it takes my mind off of it. I notice a HUGE difference in my endurance and breathing now especially when I run. I can actually breathe!! It is a daily struggle, but good luck to you when you are ready!0
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I quit when I started running, I noticed a huge difference. The lung burning went away in a few weeks. Running actually helped me quit, because I couldn't do both. That was over three years ago. I smoked a pack a day (for way too long).
My only suggestion is don't wean when you do quit. Cold turkey. It takes 72 hours for the body to be past the worst of withdrawal. If you wean, you suffer, but start the process all over again with each cigarette.0 -
I quit last friday and have been doing pretty well so far. When I was smoking (pack a day habit) and exercising it really affected me. I do a bootcamp class 2 times a week and after every class I would cough so much that I thought I was going to throw up (I did a few times). I also did not run much at all when I was smoking, I walked often though. When you do decide to quit, just know that you are going to have an awful cough the first few days but that will go away. Now I am on the C25K program and running is much easier for me.
Edited to add: I have also lost 2 pounds since quitting smoking. You can still lose and quit at the same time.0 -
One thing at a time, and when you feel ready, buck up for one hell of a fight.
Smoking is the single worse thing you can do to ruin your health as you are aware.
Just wean down for 2 weeks, then quit cold turkey.
And it'll be the hardest addiction to break, so be ready for some painful days and nights.
I am not trying to create drama, but use vacation time of you have it, stay home and address this like one would any addiction.
Detox yourself that first week of "cold turkey" at home and punch through the pain.
And here's the miserable part.
Your hunger will BURN for a month after that first week. Just BURN!
Good luck to you, and I wish I had some little thing to say that would be the key to making this easy.
There is NOTHING.
Gird yourself for a tough fight, and no matter what, stay motivated and just KEEP PUNCHING!
FTW.
I quit in February, and it was freaking tough. For a little over a month I could NOT stop eating. I gained because of it.
Still, the best thing I have ever done. I can exercise waaaaay longer than I used to and the weight is falling off faster now.0 -
I quit 4 months ago and just started back up, like an *kitten*! Gugh! So mad at myself...it all started with a vodka. Grrrrr. I already feel the difference, it's awful, I hope I'm not too far gone, I feel like I can get back to the world of no ciggie butts. I had to go cold turkey. All the meds and patches, vapor inhalers were just keeping me tied to the idea of a cigarette. Good luck! U can do it! And remember, **** happens, set backs happen, u just gotta want it and keep pluging away!0
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One thing at a time, and when you feel ready, buck up for one hell of a fight.
Smoking is the single worse thing you can do to ruin your health as you are aware.
Just wean down for 2 weeks, then quit cold turkey.
And it'll be the hardest addiction to break, so be ready for some painful days and nights.
I am not trying to create drama, but use vacation time of you have it, stay home and address this like one would any addiction.
Detox yourself that first week of "cold turkey" at home and punch through the pain.
And here's the miserable part.
Your hunger will BURN for a month after that first week. Just BURN!
Good luck to you, and I wish I had some little thing to say that would be the key to making this easy.
There is NOTHING.
Gird yourself for a tough fight, and no matter what, stay motivated and just KEEP PUNCHING!
I completely agree with this. I took a week off work last year to deal with this. Allowed myself to gain a few pounds knowing that the weight would be my second phase of getting healthier. I did it cold turkey. I slept a lot. Apologized to my husband and kids before hand. I felt like I was crawling out of my skin at time. I still get the urge every now and then, but then I remember what I had to go through a year ago, and don't want to do that again. Good luck!0 -
i'm a very light smoker - 4 most days - 10 if i'm out with the girls. i have no problem working out.0
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You can jog as a smoker. I wouldn't recommend doing both at the same time ;-)
Once you are able to make healthier eating and exercising a habit, then try to quit by cutting back gradually then quit out-right. I am just about to that point myself. I have incorporated a good weight-lifting program, gettin ready to start the C25K program once my doctor says I can jog again.
Good luck in your goals!0 -
thanks guys, i know weightloss is an excuse to keep smoking....I think i was kindda hoping that if i got myself in shape it would be easier to give up.:blushing:0
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I started on MFP and quit smoking 5 months ago. I started C25K a couple of weeks after. . The weight loss has been slow as heck. But, for the first time in my life I run. Also when I was doing any type of cardio (30 day shred, kickboxing, ect) my heart would be beating out or my chest and my breathing wasn't heavy. I can't begin to describe what an amazing cardiovascular difference it made. I didn't notice any other major changes.
I quit by using the patch for 6 weeks and then stopped. It sucked. 5 months later I still need to tell myself that I will not go back. It is 1 million % worth it.0 -
I smoke around 15 cigarettes a day (give or take 2-3). As I become healthier and healthier and closer to my goal Im gradually cutting it down. I plan to quit completely, but not now. I have quit before for a long period of time and gained around 4 kg afterwards, I won't mind that happening when Im at 116 lbs, but now given that Ive only lost 6-7 kg after 4months it would devestate me.0
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When the time is right, you can beat this.One thing at a time, and when you feel ready, buck up for one hell of a fight.
Smoking is the single worse thing you can do to ruin your health as you are aware.
Just wean down for 2 weeks, then quit cold turkey.
And it'll be the hardest addiction to break, so be ready for some painful days and nights.
I am not trying to create drama, but use vacation time of you have it, stay home and address this like one would any addiction.
Detox yourself that first week of "cold turkey" at home and punch through the pain.
And here's the miserable part.
Your hunger will BURN for a month after that first week. Just BURN!
Good luck to you, and I wish I had some little thing to say that would be the key to making this easy.
There is NOTHING.
Gird yourself for a tough fight, and no matter what, stay motivated and just KEEP PUNCHING!
lol, now im terrified:sick:0 -
I smoke and run~It definiately has taken it's toll on my time/distance and ability to really take it to the next level, I have tried to convince myself otherwise but I'm only lying to myself.
I was at the Dr. today, on the medical form they always ask if you smoke then usually my Dr. asks if I want help quitting~This was the 1st time I didn't cut him off and swiftly say "No" usually quite annoyed, after talking to him I got the Patch, I'm starting it tomorrow and will hopefully be smoke free soon.
Good Luck!!0 -
I've been a smoker for about 4 years and was a pack a day smoker. I tried taking up running...Didn't happen for me, I would run for maybe 3 minutes and feel like I was dying because I couldn't breathe
Very ****ty, vulnerable feeling. But honestly, I don't know if it was more the smoking or my extra weight. Since last week, I've been weaning off. I still smoke 2 or so a day as of right now, but I'm going to try to kick the habit completely next week. For all the other nic fits, I converted to the e-cigarette and I already notice a huge difference when I exercise. I know the feeling of not feeling like you're ready to quit, but once you are you WILL notice a difference, that's for sure. Good luck with your running 0 -
I gave up smoking Aug 2010, be prepared for weight gain, I went from 12stone (168lbs) smoking to 14stone 8lbs (204 lbs), mainly due to comfort eating.
Now 196 lbs and slowly loosing the weight, and now i can exercise good luck with giving up smoking.
By the way I'm 65 and started smoking when I was 11, it isn't easy but but I do feel better for it, so my wife tells me.0 -
One thing at a time, and when you feel ready, buck up for one hell of a fight.
Smoking is the single worse thing you can do to ruin your health as you are aware.
Just wean down for 2 weeks, then quit cold turkey.
And it'll be the hardest addiction to break, so be ready for some painful days and nights.
I am not trying to create drama, but use vacation time of you have it, stay home and address this like one would any addiction.
Detox yourself that first week of "cold turkey" at home and punch through the pain.
And here's the miserable part.
Your hunger will BURN for a month after that first week. Just BURN!
Good luck to you, and I wish I had some little thing to say that would be the key to making this easy.
There is NOTHING.
Gird yourself for a tough fight, and no matter what, stay motivated and just KEEP PUNCHING!
I quit (again) a little over a month ago. Both times I stopped it was pretty much like this. I planned to quit in my holiday time so I could sit in my room away from everyone.
It's not easy but it is soooo worth it!
This time round I wonder why I went back... I won't be doing it again!0 -
some great motivational stories here....I guess its pointless to lose weight and exercise and then kill myself with cigs. Perhaps its time i stopped making excuses and just give up.0
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thanks guys, i know weightloss is an excuse to keep smoking....I think i was kindda hoping that if i got myself in shape it would be easier to give up.:blushing:
It will never seem like the right time to quit. You just need to do it one day, whether you wean yourself off of cigarettes, whether you do it with medication, or whether you quit cold turkey. I think that MOST people that are full smokers will tell you that they smoking makes it more difficult to exercise, your lungs are not as elastic and have tar in them, so they will not be as forgiving when exercising. The ones saying that they are light smokers on weekends may not have trouble, but they are not smoking 20+ a day. I used to smoke, for 7 years, and I was a teenager and had a huge difference in endurance. I could feel it. Now that I have been smoke free for 3 years I notice a huge difference with my lungs/exercise.
It is difficult to quit smoking, it is difficult to do anything that is worth it. You need to try many different ways to cope and see what works for you. You can do it:)0 -
Thats quite a bit! I have never been a pack a day smoker, and only smoke on occasion now when I drink, and I can always tell how it effects my breathing when I excercise after having smoked. I agree about taking it one step at a time! But it isn't helpful to be working on a healthier you if you are going to keep smoking. While you are smoking I found a bit of information that may be helpful and is at the very least interesting!
Cantaloupe and other carotenoid-rich fruits help protect smokers and those who must breathe cigarette smoke. A common carcinogen in cigarette smoke, benzo(a)pyrene, induces Vitamin A deficiency. Animals fed a Vitamin A deficient diet developed emphysema, but this was countered with Vitamin A. Richard Baybutt, associate professor of nutrition at Kansas State, believes Vitamin A's protective effects help explain why some smokers do not develop emphysema and others do.0
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