Exercise And Smoking

With all the gadgets and aids marketed today promising a quick fix to those looking to stop smoking

, the truth can sometimes be hard to discern. Patches, gum, inhalers and hypnosis have all been used with some success, but none are foolproof, and they certainly dont come cheap.

There is another alternative though. Studies have shown that regular exercise performed either as a stand-alone method or in combination with nicotine replacement, can significantly curb your craving to smoke, and assist you in coping with the nasty withdrawal symptoms that can interfere with your life.

In a 2005 study in Vienna, 216 people were placed on nicotine replacement therapy for their cigarette addiction, and half of those108were asked to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. At the conclusion of the study, 40% of those receiving nicotine replacement alone had remained smoke freea fairly good resultbut a whopping 80% of those who had included exercise had achieved the same feat. Thats double!

And with similar results being reported in studies around the world, many experts are now recognizing the powerful benefits of exercise for those who are trying to give up smoking.

Cessation from smoking is difficult, with many who attempt it complaining of physical withdrawal that is, at times, unbearable. Regular exercise can help significantly to ease the effects of these symptoms. One very good reason is that exercise will help take your mind off things.

Who wouldnt be miserable simply sitting back and allowing the cravings to consume them? A jog on the treadmill or a walk in the woods can help take your mind off the uneasiness you feel, and serve as a healthy distraction for dealing with your cravings.

As a smoker, the thought of weight gain as a side effect of quitting can be a frightening deterrent. The cravings for cigarettes can sometimes resemble hunger pangs and may cause some to overindulge. With regular exercise, however, this is an easy problem to address.

Take some time at the gym to burn off those extra calories. Even if you do put on a few extra pounds, the heart healthy benefits of a consistent exercise program will more than make up for it.

Exercise, used as treatment for withdrawal, a method for shedding unwanted pounds or just as part of an overall healthy routine, can help you quit smoking and recover safely from your addiction.

This book will outline the various health benefits for the ex-smoker and suggest exercise programs to both facilitate a smooth cessation from cigarettes and prevent weight gain.

by: Robert Henderson

POST COMMENT

What To Expect When The Smoking Stops A Mindfulness Approach To Smoking Cessation Smoking - Why Is It So Addictive? Mother Nature Can Help You To Stop Smoking Here Is Your Plan After Quitting Smoking There Are Lots Of Ways To Stop Smoking How Your Doctor Can Help You Quit Smoking Quitting Smoking And Understanding How Nicotine Affects The Body by:Libby Sustachek Smoking - Why People Start and Why They Should Stop by:Anne Wolski Why is it Hard to Quit Smoking by:Adam Waxler How To Quit Smoking - The Nicotine Patch by:Brandon C. Hall 4 Tips For Smoking Cessation by:Dana Goldberg Using Nicotine Gum To Quit Smoking by:Brandon C. Hall