The impact of exercise on a smoker's lungs is subject to certain factors, such as how often a smoker exercises and how long he has been smoking. Some research suggests that exercising can improve the long-term health of smokers’ lungs, regardless of existing damage. In contrast, a combination of exercise and smoking may contribute to additional health-related issues, such as cardiac arrest. Smokers who want to boost their overall health, however, would do well to adopt a steady exercise habit as physical activity may ultimately help them quit.
Exercise and Smokers' Lungs
- Specific examples of scientific research determine that exercise can have a positive effect on smokers' lungs. The "Journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention" published a longitudinal study in 2006 that tracked 36,000 habitual smokers over the course of two decades. The study divided participants into subgroups: smokers who exercised and smokers who did not. The outcome determined that smokers who maintained a moderate level of physical activity were 28 percent less likely to contract lung cancer than those who did not regularly exercise. This instance of scientific research serves to demonstrate that exercise can have a positive correlating effect on smokers’ lungs.
No Substitute for Quitting
- There is no substitute for quitting even if exercise can reduce the chance of smokers' developing lung cancer. The prime benefit of exercise in relation to smokers' health is reduced cravings. The body naturally releases endorphins during physical activity, which decreases smokers' dependence on nicotine. Exercise will help ease the process of withdrawal from nicotine dependence, but will not eliminate the health damage that smoking can invoke on a long-term basis. Furthermore, smokers who exercise at a high level are more likely to succumb to cardiac episodes than smokers who do not exercise, according to the American Associated for Cancer Research. Even though exercise can improve smokers’ lungs, it can also create additional health issues.
- Moderate Physical Activity
Smokers who are serious about improving the health of their lungs should commit to at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least twice each week, according to Everyday Health. The long-term effect of smoking is increased potential for contracting a deadly disease, like lung cancer. In addition, smoking damages cells in the lungs in the short-term, which decreases exercise performance. Smoking impairs an individual’s ability to make use of oxygen during physical activity, which increases stress on the heart. Smokers who participate in high-endurance physical activities will experience a spike in resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure, raising the chance of enduring a cardiac episode.
Suggestions for Exercise
- Physical activity is best utilized for smokers when an urge for nicotine arises. The most effective exercise suggestions for smokers do not involve high endurance activity, like weight lifting, however. Taking a walk or riding a bike at moderate pace, for example, serves as efficient cardiovascular exercise. This type of activity will increase overall heart rate and release sufficient endorphins to help minimize cravings, according to Everyday Health. Other activities, such as dancing, hiking and swimming are also beneficial. It’s critical for smokers to avoid high endurance activity because of the added stress the heart is forced to withstand, although proper exercise can help smokers’ lungs.
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