A note quitting...

I am a reformed cigarette smoker. Granted, I smoked in college; as most people have. But I enjoyed it very much. I really only quit because I knew I had to, not because I wanted to. If someone invented a pill tomorrow that made cigarettes healthy, or at least neutral, I'd smoke again. But for the time being, until that pill is invented, I won't smoke...and I won't go into the reasons why you shouldn't either. You all know why you shouldn't, if you do. What I will do is share my experience quitting with you.

So many times I tried to quit. First, I stopped buying cigarettes but that just turned me into a bum and a mooch. Then I started buying from friends for a quarter a cigarette, the financially responsible side of me took over on this one and I started buying my own packs again. Nothing seemed to really work, I just smoked. At parties, at friends houses, by myself, walking to class, walking home from class, after a good day, after a bad day.

One afternoon, as I watched TV I took a drink of water and pondered having a cigarette. I looked at myself, and although I weight-trained regularly, I realized I was no where near the physical fitness level I desired. So instead of that cigarettte, I did 50 jumping jacks, drank another glass of water, and then had my cigarette.

This became a habit in and of itself. Any time I wanted a cigarette, I'd grab a glass of water, and do some sort of physical activity. Jumping jacks. push-ups, squat thrusts, crunches, even running around the block.

Faster than I expected, the activities became easier to complete...and the craving for the cigarettes became weaker and weaker. The runs around the block were with ease, I could crank out 50 push-ups without breaking a sweat...and I never looked back. Sure I had an occasional cigarette here and there, but not for years; and I don't miss it.

As I've grown as a trainer, and wellness provider I've developed a deeper understanding of how everything interrelates. I now realize that I smoked the MOST when I was stressed, sad, or depressed. By forcing myself to hydrate and exercise when I was feeling these emotions I began to associate exercise and water with a lower stress level and happiness.

I failed to realize it at the time, but I substituted a bad for a good. Habits are good, addictions are good...as long as what you're addicted to is good. So here I sit today, in the best shape of my life, able to manage my stress, and deal with any sadness or depression...all thanks to a cigarette.

--BA
Fit2You Fitness, LLC
www.fit2youfitness.com
Philadelphia and Main-Line In Home Personal Training, Yoga, Pilates and Corporate Health and Wellness