Thanks for coming back to our blog to learn more about why smoking is so bad for you. If you’ve been following along, then you know that we’ve been covering many different aspects of the dangers of smoking.

In a previous post, we gave you an overview of this entire series. You can find it, and our future posts, linked at the bottom of the page. Later on this month, we’re going to cover how cigarette smoking can harm your health, and even kill you. We’ll also be covering how smoking can hurt you financially, socially, and more. Finally, we’ll cover several tips that will help you quit when you make the decision to do so.

In today’s post, we are going to be talking at length about how cigarette smoking can really hinder your sports performance and ability to train. If you’re looking to really push yourself, and are smoking, then hopefully this piece will help inspire you to tack action and quit. Are you searching for the best MMA training in Raleigh NC? Don’t wait, call Gracie Raleigh. You’ll love our free martial arts classes for beginners. Call us today to learn more.

How Smoking Affects Your Sports Performance and Training Negatively

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for you. It can affect every major system in your body. In a future post, we’ll be taking a much closer look at these consequences. Because of how dangerous smoking is to your health, cigarettes also play an important role in holding you back from performing at maximum levels in sports.

Regardless of the types of sports you like, smoking will hinder your ability to get the most out of your training. When it comes time to compete, you’ll also feel these effects. For one, your lack of 110% training effort will cause your performance to suffer. The ways smoking affects your health will also keep you from performing at your best. Below you’re going to find some detailed information that you should read if you smoke, or have friends that are smoking athletes.

Less Lung Capacity

Breathing is a big part of sports. Physical activity that creates the need for hard and deep breaths also helps you gain endurance and stamina. Smoking greatly inhibits all of this and more.

Smoking makes it hard for you to breathe by creating airway resistance, or the rate at which you inhale and exhale. Some studies have even shown that by smoking just one cigarette, your airway resistance can increase by as much as three times.

Furthermore, you’re bathing your lung cells in toxic chemicals and gases. This inflames your mucous membranes and also reduces lung capacity. Smoking also creates the build-up of tar in your lungs. All of this prevents oxygen from being delivered to the blood stream to feed the rest of your body.

Less Oxygen in Your Blood Stream

Getting oxygen into your blood stream all starts with breathing. So, if smoking is reducing these levels, it will have big effects on other parts of your body. When you’re exercising, playing sports, or engaging in any physical activity, your heart rate increases. This is because your muscles are working overtime and they need more oxygen enriched blood. The faster your heart rate, the more oxygen is needed to meet your muscles’ needs.

Carbon monoxide is produced by cigarette smoke. This suffocating chemical binds to your hemoglobin more effectively than oxygen. This prevents your muscles from getting the much needed oxygen that’s required when doing something physical. In turn, your heart muscles have to work extra hard to compensate.

Blood Vessels Get Narrow

Smoking also makes your blood vessels narrow. This is because of the build up of plaque and clots. Combined with having less oxygen in your bloodstream and narrowing of the vessels, blood gets pumped throughout your body at a much slower pace. It also puts more strain on your heart, making the entire process less efficient and more difficult. The extra strain on your heart could eventually lead to a heart attack, stroke, or even death.

This will negatively affect your ability to perform while playing sports, exercising, and more.

Resting Heart Rate Increases

Resting heart rate is important to athletes. It’s how many beats each minute your heart pumps blood when you’re in a state of inactiveness. Smoking cigarettes increases it, which is not good. When your heart has to work extra hard, all of the time, to meet your body’s needs, it’s a recipe for disaster.

When your resting heart rate is too high, you’re at a greater risk of suffering from a heart attack when more physical demands are made.

We know that you can choose to smoke if you want to. After all, you are an adult and can make these personal decisions. However, just know that we want you to be informed, and especially healthy. Let us educate you on the consequences of smoking. Please read the related posts below to learn more about the dangers of cigarettes.

• Why You Should Kick Your Smoking Habit
• Other Negative Effects of Smoking
• Smoking and Your Health
• Tips for Quitting Smoking

If you’re looking for a more challenging martial arts experience in 2017, keep reading to see how Gracie Raleigh can help you take your training to the next level!

Affordable MMA Training in Raleigh NC | Gracie Raleigh

If you are looking to train with the best, give us a call today. We’re a highly recommended gym for MMA training in Raleigh NC. Gracie Raleigh is dedicated to your health and fitness goals. Whether you’re looking to become a professional fighter, defend yourself from attackers, or just get into the best physical fitness of your life, Gracie is your best option.

We even have specific programs for women and children. There are also no contracts for children, so you don’t have worry about continuing to pay for classes if they change their mind about participating. Gracie also offers FREE martial classes. Call us today to learn more or to get started.