It’s widely acknowledged that quitting smoking brings about numerous health benefits. However, recent research confirms an additional advantage — enhanced sports performance. According to a 2024 JISSN study, long-term nicotine cessation is associated with improved body weight, muscle mass, aerobic capacity, grip strength, movement speed, and bone density. This means that an individual must go smokeless for at least two to three months before reaping the physical abilities associated with nicotine withdrawal. Otherwise, short-term withdrawal may have negative effects on cognitive performance, including reaction time, attention, and increased anxiety.
This demonstrates how going smokeless can play a significant role in improving physical fitness, but only when done correctly. Below, we take a closer look at this compelling connection and discuss how to most efficiently go smokeless while improving your physical fitness at the same time.
Unraveling the complex effects of going smokeless
The adverse impact of tobacco smoke on physical capacity is a well-established fact. Smoking introduces a variety of harmful chemicals into the body, from carbon monoxide that displaces oxygen in the blood to tar that forms a sticky layer inside the lungs. All of these have the capacity to lead to reduced lung function, cardiovascular strain, and an overall decline in fitness levels. Recognizing this, the decision to go smokeless emerges as a health-conscious choice and a powerful strategy to enhance physical fitness.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the transformative effects of going smokeless may not manifest immediately. Most individuals experience a temporary decrease in physical ability in the initial stages of nicotine withdrawal, spanning the first 12 to 24 hours, which can be incredibly discouraging for many. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to recognize this phase as a transitional period.
The same pattern is observed within the indirect yet impactful effects of going smokeless. For instance, one’s metabolism may experience fluctuations post-smoking, as we’ve explained in Quitting Smoking Can Improve Your Metabolism. This can take about two weeks to normalize after quitting. That is why most people gain weight after stopping smoking. However, this can easily be mitigated with strategic planning and healthy food choices, allowing individuals to lose a portion of the weight gained and more. Here, the usage of alternatives like nicotine replacement therapy will play a crucial role in avoiding abrupt cessation and the side effects that come with it.
Understanding the options and strategies available
Abrupt cessation may lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and thereby increase the chances of smoking relapse. This can complicate the journey to going smokeless.
Fortunately, there is a wealth of alternatives that can be used to gradually wean oneself from nicotine. Nicotine gum offers a straightforward method, wherein one simply chews and parks the product between the cheek and gums for 30 minutes. To make the journey towards smoking cessation easier, Nicorette redesigned its website in 2022 with a new digital ecosystem for smokers who are looking to quit. This included nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) solutions, such as Nicorette gum, and resources to help them through different stages of the quit journey. Nicorette gum is also portable and fairly accessible for most consumers, making it a particularly convenient option for people on the go.
For a better mouthfeel, the novel yet trendy pouches emerge as an appealing option. These are placed discreetly under the bottom lip for nicotine to release, ensuring a better mouthfeel during usage. For those who may feel that some pouch brands are on the dryer side, LUCY nicotine pouches boast a unique moisture-enhancing blend that helps prime its contents. This ensures that the effects are felt more rapidly, as substantially more nicotine is released in a shorter time frame. Additionally, this means users no longer need to opt for products with excessively high nicotine levels due to the pouches’ powerful kick. This can help guarantee a quick fix for withdrawal symptoms, as well as a satisfying solution to encourage going smokeless.
Lastly, remember that the gradual incorporation of exercise is key to initiating a smokeless journey, especially as the body repairs itself from tobacco-induced damage. As concluded in a 2022 study in IJERPH, aerobic exercise can come in various intensities and significantly facilitate smoking cessation. Begin with low-intensity exercises like brisk walking or cycling, focusing on building a consistent exercise routine. You can also choose exercises that align with your personal preferences, such as dancing, hiking, or yoga.
With a holistic approach, individuals can navigate the challenges of smoking cessation and embark on a journey toward improved well-being and physical fitness. For more health advice, check out our other blog posts on Carrie Visintainer.
