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As well as
dieing
younger, smokers experience a
reduced fitness.
- Smoking decreases the
amount of oxygen on the body and reduces physical endurance. This is
caused by carbon monoxide breathed in every puff on a cigarette.
- Smoking increases
the resting heart rate and blood pressure and this reduces physical
endurance.
Some of the effects experienced
by smokers on physical fitness are:
- They had less
muscle strength and flexibility
- Experienced
disturbed sleep patterns
- Suffer shortness of
breath 3 times more often than non smokers
- Increased risk of
osteoporosis, hip fractures, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis
and exercise related injuries.
Smokers take
longer to heal
from injuries than non smokers, this includes surgical interventions.
Smokers tend to be
less physically active than non-smokers. Some people smoke as a weight
control measure. But the links between smoking and less physical
activity interferes with effective weight control. Men who smoke expend
fewer calories per day than non smokers. Also the fat of smokers tends
to be distributed in a less healthy pattern around the body.
The
good news is that
many of the effects of smoking can be reversed if and when you
quit
smoking. |
People who
exercise are less likely to smoke, school children who play one or more
sports
are at least one third less likely to start smoking. Taking part in
physical activity and sports
helps and motivates smokers to quit.
Exercise has been shown to reduce:-
cravings to smoke
- mood swings
- tense feelings
- sleep disturbance
- weight gain
Exercise can be part of the way you live, for
example, walking, climbing stairs, housework, gardening, or it may be
something you make special time for, like going for a swim or to the
gym.
See our Support Centre List for Leisure Centre venues
offering a FREE ONE DAY PASS for swim/gym/class
or call 0845 27 07 222
to find out more |