What is the best way to get in shape after quitting smoking?

Question

Stopped smoking after 20 years and now want to get in shape. Can only run for about 1/2 mile before getting totally winded. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

try cycling. i smoked for 15 years and started to cycle to get into shape..i don't like running.

Answer 2

I stopped over 9 months ago, I used patches for the first 12 weeks and got them through the government stop smoking scheme for the price of a prescription charge. I also joined a gym the day I quit - the cost is about a quarter of what I spent on cigarettes. I really recommend taking up exercise at the same time as you quit, not only are you less likely to put on weight but it is a great feeling when you notice on a daily basis how much better you feel without the smokes. Go for it, it is the best thing I ever did and I'd been smoking for 23 years so if I can do it anyone can! Good luck x

Answer 3

Congratulations on quitting smoking!!

Alternate moderate and brisk walking for different intervals of time. Gradually extend the time/distance when you feel you can handle a little more. Every once in a while run instead of walk. Once you gain the needed stamina, you will be able to do run more than a 1/2 mile.

Answer 4

just keep building up your stamina by running a little further every day. Keep it up, it burns a lot more calories than other aerobic exercises. I used to only be able tu run a mile or so, now I can knock down 9-10 miles and know I could keep going further if I wanted to. But it takes time and commitment.

Answer 5

Keep running that half-mile until you aren't winded anymore, then run a full mile and so on and so forth. Also, try to eat healthier and work out every day. You'll get there if you are truly motivated. Good luck and kudos for kicking the habit!

Answer 6

Start Biking!

Answer 7

start walking, then increase the amount the time, then try to jog for longer and longer each time, the more you do it the better you will get, cardio is so important for getting back your lung capacity, also try swimming its fun and a good workout

Answer 8

Do some deep breathing exercises. Breathe in through your nose, completely down to your gut, pushing your gut out. Hold it, then completely expel all your breath through your mouth. Hold your stomach, gut, abs in & roll them into your spine while breathing out. This pushes oxygen into & throughout your system & helps exercise & expand your lungs.

Do short spurts of running, interspersed with power walking. Run one block, walk one block, etc. Build up your stamina that way.

Congratulations on your commitment to a healthy life!

Answer 9

dance!