Can You Exercise & Smoke?

If you belong to a gym, you might be surprised to see staff members and trainers puffing cigarettes. While this is not a common occurrence, many individuals in the diet and exercise industries develop habits that negatively impact their health. Smoking is a bad thing no matter how you cut it. It not only increases your risk of heart disease, respiratory disease and cancer, it also causes poor physical performance and minimizes endurance.

Effect of Cigarettes on Workouts :

Smoking before, during or after a workout is a bit like having a huge meal immediately before doing 90 minutes of high-intensity cardio; the energy required to digest the meal will make your workout harder, reduce your stamina and probably make you feel sick. Smoking puts a strain on the heart and lungs by increasing the heart rate, which makes it less efficient at pumping blood to your muscles. Lung capacity is also diminished. According to Amanda Sandford, research manager at the U.K.-based Action and Smoking on Health, "The substances in the cigarette reduces your capacity to take in oxygen." This applies equally to both aerobic and weight-bearing exercises, although you will probably feel the effects more quickly during an aerobic session