You Can Stop Smoking

9
5
Drop a Bad Habit but Pick Up
a Good One—Exercise
Fortify your decision to quit smoking by
taking up a regular exercise program. Many
studies show there is a clear link between exercise
and the cessation of smoking. In one
study, researchers tracked the progress of 281
women enrolled in a smoking cessation program.
All the women attended the same behavioral
smoking cessation sessions. However,
half who were chosen randomly also engaged
in three vigorous exercise workouts per week,
while the other women attended health lectures.
The results were impressive. At the end of the
12th week, twice as many exercisers were smoke
free as non-exercisers. Additionally, the women
in the exercise group had gained less weight.
Researchers in smoking cessation believe exercise
significantly aids efforts to stop smoking by:
• Building confidence and boosting
motivation;
• Reducing nicotine cravings, especially
in the early weeks;
• Cutting down stress while promoting
relaxation;