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?

1.
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?
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.
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.
Effects of smoking on exercise and physical fitness
Image source: tobaccofreelife.org
Image source: onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com

2. 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.
Posted by Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon at 12:12 PM
Labels: exercise, Physical fitness, smoking, tobacco