The road to quitting smoking is often littered with useful aids, supplements, and replacement products as we are told in the media. However, many smokers opt to go ‘cold turkey’ only to discover that this is a difficult path to a healthier life. Many methods and techniques are at the disposal of smokers to assist them in their endeavor and among this, exercises for quitting smoking can be equally beneficial. Smoking is incompatible with a healthy active life and if you opt not to use a replacement aid or supplement, adopting a few simple exercises can greatly assist you on your path to kicking the habit.
Exercise improves mind and body functioning and well-being and this can be of assistance to beat the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine. Most smokers who decide to quit are often unsuccessful as they are overwhelmed by the craving for nicotine and experience boredom once they quit their daily habit. Exercise can address both these factors by reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms as well as keeping the mind and body occupied with constructive activity.
A smoker is at risk of cardiovascular disease due to the effects of tar and other harmful chemicals from smoking. Therefore it is essential that a smoker initially undertakes milder physical activity once they start an exercise program.
1. Walking – a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes a day will assist a smoker to combat the withdrawal symptoms and boredom without putting excess strain on the body. It is preferable that walking is done in conjunction with a partner on a scenic route to prevent boredom and monotony setting in.
2. Yoga – yoga revitalizes the mind and body as it provides mild physical exercise with a relaxed mental state. Yoga should be started with the assistance of a suitable instructor who can assist with proper movements and prevent strain or injury to any body part.
3. Golf – all sport is a form of exercise with each having specific pros and cons. Golf has the benefit of limited physical exercise compared to other sports while providing a fun and distracting activity over a long period of time.
4. Swimming – swimming provides an all-around physical activity exercising every part of the body. As an exercise, swimming can be altered to the physical ability of the smoker and due to its need for rhythmic breathing, it improves lung function. The effect of water and exercise can often leave one feeling revitalized
both physically and mentally which is ideal for combating the withdrawal symptoms of smoking.
5. Gym – gym provides a range of strength training and cardiovascular exercises in a social setting. This environment provides a range of exercises to prevent boredom from a specific activity while allowing the smoker the opportunity to interact with other active individuals in an exercise conclusive environment.
6. Jogging – jogging is a fun and physically demanding exercise that is ideal for a smoker who has is prepared to undertake a more strenuous exercise regimen. Scenic settings and participation with a jogging group can keep a smoker focused on the activity and assist with improving mental and physical well-being.
7. Performance and endurance sports – undertaking a performance or endurance sport like sprinting, weight training or marathon running is ideal for a smoker of a qualified health status. These sports allow you the ideal exercise regimen when training and if a smoker opts to take the sport professionally or participate in events and competitions, they have a goal to work towards both mentally and physically.
8. Group sports – participating in a group sport, like soccer, football and basketball can be beneficial to a smoker who is trying to quit as these sports provide the necessary exercise in a controlled training environment while still allowing social interaction amongst your teammates.
9. Family activities – exercising by partaking in family activities allows you both a range of fun activities and exercises with the social support of loved ones to assist you in quit smoking.
Any smoker who has attempted to quit smoking will agree that the withdrawal symptoms and boredom experienced by smokers is often the reason for relapse. Adopting a healthy lifestyle with exercise and activity is a useful tool in your battle with smoking. Always consult with your medical practitioner before starting any exercise program.
Featured Image: Parents