Focusing on exercise will give you something to redirect your mind too

Focusing on exercise will give you something to redirect your mind too

Struggling To Lose Weight? Why Exercising Will Help You To Quit Smoking And Lose Those Extra Lbs.

It’s a common myth that smoking helps you lose weight. Well, in essence, it’s true that smoking acts as an appetite suppressant but what many people don’t realize is that it’s also the reason why they can’t shed excess body fat.

So, you might be thinking… ‘Doesn’t that mean I’ll struggle to lose weight either way? (I.e. It’ll be it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy that if I smoke, I’ll put on weight and if I give up smoking I’ll put on weight too.)’

STOP RIGHT THERE!!! It’s been proven that increased exercise not only helps you to burn body fat, but it will also help you to quit smoking. Perfect for people wanting to give up smoking and get fit, who’ve previously struggled.

If this sounds like you, here’s how exercise can help you to get fit and quit smoking.

1) Improves Breathing


Did you know cigarette cravings often last for just five minutes? The next time you feel like stepping out to smoke, go out for a short walk (or run if you’ve got the time!) instead. By the time you’ve finished, your craving will probably have passed, and by gradually building up your exercise levels slowly, you’ll start to improve your lung intake  – making exercise feel easier and easier. Set yourself small targets and you’ll be surprised how quickly you’re able to do more, and how much less you’ll want to light up. Who knows, you might even enjoy it!

2) Reduces Stress


Your boss has just gone mental at you in front of the whole office, what do you do? Have a fag?! But even though it feels like smoking helps reduce stress, research shows people's stress decreases only after they stop smoking. Really?! Yes, nicotine addiction actually increases stress levels during the ‘withdrawal’ period between cigarettes. Whereas, physical activity improves the body’s oxygen flow and really will help you feel more chilled out. It also releases endorphins (aka ‘happy hormones’) so after exercising not only will you feel amazing, you’ll also feel less need to smoke.

3) Increases Energy


After just two weeks of not smoking, your circulation will have improved significantly. This will make you feel more energized, exercise will feel easier and your skin will look clearer. For maximum impact, add some cardio exercise (e.g. running or swimming) to your routine to get your heart pumping and your blood circulating more efficiently.

4) Boosts Immunity


Did you know…? Smoking puts pressure on your vital organs (e.g. liver, lungs, heart and kidneys), making them stressed and susceptible to infection. Add the fact that smoking reduces the strength of your immune system and you’re a walking target for illness.

By quitting smoking, not only will it be easier for your body to fight off colds and flu but adding exercise to the equation will help your body to distribute oxygen and release toxins better, making you a healthy, energetic, germ-fighting powerhouse.

5) Reduces Tummy Fat


Smoking is a well-known cause of high levels of visceral fat - a dangerous kind that surrounds your intestines and liver and increases your risk of all sorts of diseases. The more you smoke, the more likely you are to store this kind of fat in your abdomen rather than on your hips and thighs. This can cause all sorts of health problems (e.g. problems conceiving and increased pressure on your vital organs.) Take your mind of smoking by upping your exercise. This will help you to burn the fat, give you less time to smoke and, as you watch that tummy fat disappear, motivate you to stay off the cigarettes.

MORE EXERCISE + NO SMOKING = A FIT AND FAB NEW YOU.  

SO GO ON, WITH NATIONAL NO SMOKING DAY TAKING PLACE ON WEDNESDAY 12TH MARCH, WHEN BETTER TIME TO START?!?!!

For more information, visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk

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