Effects of smoking on exercise and physical fitness

 

It has long been established that cigarette smoking puts one at risk of many health problems. Practiced by more than one billion people in the world, tobacco smoking is a popular attachment in the society. Some smokers who desire to be fit and healthy incorporate exercise in their daily routine. How can smoking affect physical fitness? 

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Nicotine and carbon monoxide are two elements that thicken the blood and cause the arteries to narrow. Blood flow is decreased when arteries become narrow, which then would prevent the blood from flowing to the heart, organs, and muscles. This sensation makes exercising harder than usual, says Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, as blood flow aids in boosting the oxygen supply to the muscles.

A person’s resting heart rate dictates the number of beats per minute their heart generates when they are inactive. A smoker’s heart has to work extra in order to produce beats enough to keep the body going. During exercise, their heart rate could hit dangerous levels as the activity could be too strenuous for the heart. Smokers have less endurance, improper physical performance, and increased risk of complications and injuries. 

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According to Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, it would be best to quit smoking as early as possible or to not get into the habit at all. An individual’s physical fitness is greatly affected by smoking in many ways including lessened muscular strength and flexibility; reduced benefit from physical training; and increased chances of experiencing shortness of breath. Cigarette smoking also prevents proper healing and recovery of the body which is essential in physical fitness.

Dr. Lisa M. Cannon specializes in critical care, sleep medicine, and pulmonary medicine. She is a board-certified physician with a private practice in New Jersey. To read more from Dr. Lisa M. Cannon, head over to this page.