EXERCISE AND SMOKING: STUDY FINDS WORKOUTS COULD HELP PEOPLE QUIT

Quitting smoking is one of the biggest health challenges many Australians face

A new study has found exercise could be a powerful ally for smokers trying to quit, helping reduce cravings, lower cigarette consumption and improve quit rates.

Despite the well-known health risks and the rising cost of cigarettes, breaking the habit can be incredibly difficult.

Now, researchers say something as simple as regular exercise could make the process a little easier.

A new study from the University of Adelaide has found people who exercised while trying to quit smoking were more likely to succeed than those who relied on standard approaches alone.

The researchers found participants taking part in exercise programs were 15 per cent more likely to remain smoke-free and 21 per cent more likely to report not smoking over a seven-day period.

Exercise and smoking cravings

The review, which analysed 59 randomised controlled trials involving more than 9,000 participants, also found exercise reduced cigarette consumption by an average of two cigarettes a day.

Perhaps most significantly, a single session of exercise was shown to reduce cigarette cravings for up to 30 minutes afterwards, helping smokers get through some of the most difficult moments during a quit attempt.

Lead researcher Dr Ben Singh said exercise offers a practical and affordable way to support people trying to quit.

"Quitting smoking is one of the best things a person can do for their health, but it's also one of the hardest," he said.

"Something as simple as regular exercise can make a meaningful difference to people trying to quit, helping them manage cravings, smoke less and improve their chances of quitting."

Exercise and smoking support

The researchers stress that exercise is not a replacement for proven quitting methods such as counselling or stop-smoking medications.

Instead, they believe it should be used alongside existing support to improve the likelihood of success.

Senior researcher Professor Carol Maher said exercise could help people overcome short-term cravings that often lead to relapse.

"Quitting smoking does not have to begin and end with willpower alone," she said.

"Our review found that even a single bout of exercise can reduce cravings for up to 30 minutes, which may help people get through some of the hardest moments of a quit attempt."

The team hopes future research will explore how exercise can be incorporated into smoking cessation programs and whether it may also help people trying to quit vaping.

With tobacco smoking remaining one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, researchers say adding regular physical activity to a quit plan could provide smokers with another valuable tool to help kick the habit for good.