What if sport was MY solution to stop smoking?

Taking up sport is a winning solution to achieve my goal: to stop smoking for good! With a fitness routine that integrates physical activity, sleep and diet, I am getting back into good habits with a healthy lifestyle while fighting temptations more easily. I started a virtuous circle leading to the success of my approach: I finally told myself to stop smoking!

I quit smoking and do sport: a winning combo

All methods are good to get rid of my addiction to tobacco. I choose the most pleasant and effective one, which is totally consistent with my desire to take care of my health: sport! Practising a physical activity can really help me during the period of smoking cessation for several reasons:

• I can’t think of a better way to turn over a new leaf and get into good habits than to set a new goal. Integrating sport into my daily life during this change of pace keeps me on track!
• I will immediately see the effects of quitting smoking by noticing the improvement in my physical condition: better breathing, greater endurance, etc. The first few days may be a bit difficult, but I will soon be rewarded for my efforts!
• Doing sport helps me to overcome nicotine withdrawal. Sport has an anti-stress effect because, during exercise, I release hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins, which regulate my emotional state and help me feel good. I also sleep better and secrete less cortisol (the stress hormone): this helps me to succeed during the most delicate period of withdrawal!
• By exercising, I limit the weight gain often seen after quitting smoking. I stay busy to reduce snacking, and I balance nutrition and effort in a completely healthy and virtuous way. Nothing can stop me or make me change my mind!

What sport should I choose to help me stop smoking?

In order to resume sport gently and benefit from all its advantages during smoking cessation, I opt for low-intensity activities spread over fairly long sessions. If I was not at all sporty before, I could simply start by walking in natural surroundings, if possible, to benefit from a soothing environment. Running, swimming or cycling are also excellent practices to help me stop smoking. I prefer to plan several 30-minute sessions a week rather than one strenuous one, to keep me motivated.

Skipping, HIIT, or short, intense sports sessions can also help me to unwind and get rid of the urge to smoke in no time if I’m in good physical condition. I always listen to my feelings.

My personalised programme to stop smoking by doing sports

Thanks to the iFIT coaching solutions, I never run out of ideas to avoid smoking. I can follow a coherent fitness programme that includes sleep, sport and nutrition, but also use mental conditioning and breathing. Here are some of my favourite sessions to help me succeed in my challenge to quit smoking for good:

• A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit might just be the trigger that makes me take the plunge into quitting smoking! With Judson Brewer, I learn more about the link between breaking an addiction and mindfulness. What if, in order to break my smoking addiction (or any other bad habit), mindfulness was the first requirement?
• The audio series to take with me everywhere? Mindful Stretching 5 Workouts. I can start a stress-free stretching session with Nicole Meline anywhere.
• When the urge to smoke gets too strong, I’ll let off steam by running for 1 minute with Tommy Rivers Puzey’s 1-Minute Sprints series.
• The Power Up Your Jog series by Danielle Fray combines floor exercises and treadmill strides. It helps me keep my weight in check and sculpt my body for my brand new smoke-free life!

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