Got back into MA, just quit smoking.

caelitus · 06-29-2009, 11:43 AM

I signed up for BJJ and Muay Thai classes 3 weeks ago and I'm having major conditioning problems. It's most apparent in the Jiu Jitsu classes and I tend to gas faster than the other white belts.

Can anyone offer any tips for an ex smoker?

EndoGlo · 06-29-2009, 01:16 PM

What helped me was doing quick sprints. I used to run quite a bit and I would get gassed after about a mile. During that mile; my breathing would be uncontrollable. After playing full court basketball for some time, I've noticed significant increases in duration, control of breathing and endurance. No my breaths are nothing more than a light increase from regular breathing. I run until I'm done with my run or my legs give out.

Give it time. Nothing is over night. If you come in expecting this to just happen for you, you will only lose your moral. I'd give it a week or two until you start to notice an increase in endurance.

caelitus · 06-29-2009, 01:33 PM

Thanks for the response.

Sprints sound good. I know of a good track close to my house, so I'll go ahead and utilize that. Also, I'll work on my breathing. My lungs are probably effed up (16 years of smoking) so I have a long way to go.

You're right about pacing myself too. I am really eager to get good fast and sometimes I don't allow myself enough rest.

Man I regret my lame smoking habit.

EndoGlo · 06-29-2009, 02:11 PM

I still have not quit yet. I can run all day, but that doesn't give me a reason to quit smoking. My nephew crushed me yesterday. It was his 5th b-day and he told me he wants me to quit for his birthday. So I have to. I've been cutting back, but with me it's all or nothing. Good luck to you. Hopefully you stay off of that shit. It's too exspensive these days.

Just remeber, there is no such thing as instant results. So don't get blown if it takes some time. There are a couple websites that show the progression of lung fuction, overall health, decrease in lung tissue damage and reduction of cancer; over time.

It's not a fast process, but it's not like you started yesterday. 13 years of smoking = 13 years of recovery and then plus some. Some of that stuff was +30 years. So.... keep it up. Again, good luck.

pliftkl · 06-29-2009, 02:26 PM

Rather than going straight to sprints, I'd focus on some initial longer cardio workouts just to start training the heart to be more efficient. Keep these as easy workouts - don't let your heart rate get up much above 140, and work up to being able to keep some level of effort going for an hour. That will help give you a much better base from which you can start adding sprints or other high intensity work.

I quit smoking and started running at the same time (many years ago). I ran 5 times a week, and added distance slowly, never worrying about speed. My lungs felt a LOT better within just a couple weeks, and by the end of a month, my cardio for other activities was WAY better.

EndoGlo · 06-29-2009, 02:35 PM

^^^ It's amazing how much better you feel and more capable you are after dropping that shit even for 3 weeks. Granted the 1st week is typically hell. lol

pliftkl · 06-29-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EndoGlo

I've been cutting back, but with me it's all or nothing. Good luck to you.

The nicotine patch helped me a lot. It doesn't completely kill the cravings, but it made me a lot more tolerable to be around. Smokers have 2 addictions to deal with - the nicotine addiction, and the habits around smoking (e.g. lighting up every time you get in your car, or every time you leave a building, or after every meal). The idea behind the patch is to use the nicotine in the patch to tide you over on the first addiction long enough that you break the habits of smoking, then remove the chemical after the behavior is changed.

caelitus · 06-29-2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EndoGlo

^^^ It's amazing how much better you feel and more capable you are after dropping that shit even for 3 weeks. Granted the 1st week is typically hell. lol

It's been hell but at the same time it's been easy (if that makes sense). After I enrolled in my BJJ and Muay Thai classes I pretty much lost the desire to smoke, however I do get these little "nic fits" here and there but I just ignore them. What really gets me though is my grouchy attitude. I even get on my own nerves

EndoGlo · 06-29-2009, 03:47 PM

"Nic fits".... you don't want to see mine. Incredible hulk shit... I turn green and tear off the t-shirt like; ah-rah rah! lol

No, I seriously do need them as an anger management control. But I feel as though I automatically get mad when I don't have them, because I know I use them as an anger management tool. It's not the nicotine per say.

It's the five minutes to think before reacting negatively, it's the calming period, and it's over all relaxing. The only downside to cigarettes is the money spent and it kills you. lol (ok I lied)