Ex-Smoker

crewdog71 · 09-30-2006, 09:24 PM

My buddy quit smoking two weeks ago after 10 years at a pack/day. He's 32, 6'1" ,220 but has always lifted weights. He's asking me how long it'll take to get his endurance up to good conditioning. Right now he's running 1 mile in around 15 minz. Will he evr have GREAT cardio ?

skeet · 09-30-2006, 09:31 PM

Yes, he will. I worked out, did martial arts, but also smoked for the last 10-ish years. About three months ago I dropped the smokes for good. I let myself heal for a month, and then started running. First week, I was able to do a mile. This morning I did my first 10k, only 8 weeks after starting, and I'm still getting better.

(I also do sprints and bag rounds and sparring and rolling etc etc etc, but my 10k story is the most motivational)

Tell him to stick to it. His body will heal itself, he just needs to help it along and listen to what it is telling him.

glebster_inc · 10-01-2006, 10:29 AM

it all depends on the person.

Clint07 · 10-01-2006, 12:06 PM

He can get his cardio back it will just take time. Tell him to push himself as far as he can (If it's walking, jogging, running, whatever just go as much as he can). The first priority is stay away form the smokes, pushing himself in his cardio will help keep him motivated not to go back to smoking.

shagy · 10-01-2006, 01:55 PM

just push your self to the point right before you're gunna puke

crewdog71 · 10-01-2006, 06:44 PM

He tried some jump rope with me today. Trying to get him past the frustration part will probally be the biggest challenge. Thanks guys !!!!

Crusty D · 10-01-2006, 07:09 PM

im 23, been smoking 9-10 yrs, I just quit smoking 10 days ago

the improvement in cardio is almost immediate, i couldnt believe it. Its one of the things i think of when i want to have a dart

CoachAJ · 10-01-2006, 11:05 PM

I think it all depends on what you do while your a smoker.
If your in an office, it is going to take longer.
If your outside working and constantly moving you'll be doing a little better.
I work outside, smoke 1&1/2 packs a day and can still do a 7:00 min. mile.
In the practice room with the high schoolers I can still keep up, but I have to go get fresh air outside of the room every 15-20 mins. or so when we live wrestle.
It justs depends on how active you are when you quit. Don't give up though.

joshv5.0 · 10-02-2006, 11:13 PM

god i'm still just struggling to quit. my wife and boss smoke and i am always around one of them

Clint07 · 10-02-2006, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshv5.0

god i'm still just struggling to quit. my wife and boss smoke and i am always around one of them

2 Things:
* Buy some Abreva mints (I think that's how the name is spelled) from CVS at the tobacco counter; they are mints made out of compressed tobacco. They work the same way as the nicorette mints but are damn cheaper.

* Smoking is as much a habit as it is an addiction. Try to avoid those things and places that cause you to smoke (I realize that's easier said than done). For example if I'm outside at college, I want to smoke but if I'm inside the craving isn't as bad.