The human body is resilient. Even if you've done years of damage to your body through cigarette smoking, you still have a good chance of regaining a high level of fitness once you quit.
In order to recover that level of fitness, regular exercise cannot be beat, and its benefits cannot be denied. You'll be surprised at how your increased lung capacity makes you gain strength at a faster rate. Going for a walk can be a great way to conquer cravings during the first few weeks of quitting. It gets your mind on other things and is a great diversion away from stress.
No matter when you start, regular exercise helps prevent symptoms of disease and it improves sleep, mood, energy levels, and flexibility. You may already have a fitness routine in place as you're quitting smoking. Keep it up! Exercise is a great motivator and can help you through the challenging moments of withdrawal or weakness.
If you're embarking on a new exercise regimen, it is important to set realistic fitness goals. You can talk to your doctor to find an exercise program that is right for you. Start small, and don't overdo it. There are loads of ways to add exercise to your everyday routines, such as parking on the far side of the parking lot at work or the mall. Discover the eating habits that can support your activity level. You may need to fuel up on low-fat, high-carbohydrate foods, or infuse your diet with more protein.
Whether you're new to exercise or you're an old pro, your smoke-free exercise plan should be balanced and incorporate aerobic activities to rehabilitate your lung function and get your heart pumping. Your overall fitness is what you're working for.