If you've made the resolution to snuff out smoking this year, then one of your best allies in the fight can be exercise. It's great if you're already committed to a workout plan - after you quit, you'll see even better results because smoking and exercise have opposite effects on the body. While smoking hampers the inner workings of the heart and lungs by increasing blood pressure, phlegm buildup and heart attack risk, exercise reduces these risks. Within just one day of quitting, the benefits are apparent: blood pressure normalizes, heart attack risk declines and carbon monoxide levels in the blood decrease.
Mindful exercises like martial arts, yoga and tai chi help new ex-smokers concentrate on breathing and stress reduction -- important when you're trying to break a physical and psychological dependence. When you quit, you may feel grumpy, irritable and mentally fuzzy. Before you put down the pack, make plans for how you'll deal with the stresses of quitting. Guided imagery can help. Visualize how you might handle various stressors without picking up a cigarette. Use these mental rehearsals to prepare for success. Many quitters worry about weight gain as well. Increasing exercise can help alleviate those worries by burning extra calories.