How Smoking Affects Athletes

We usually perceive athletes as strong, healthy, and energetic. We infer that they exercise a lot, eat a balanced diet, take vigilance in what they are taking inside their bodies, and get plenty of rest.

However, there are some athletes who ironically combine what is good and what is bad. For example, some take steroids and other harmful performance-enhancing drugs to boost their power and strength. Then there are those who combine smoking and exercise.

It almost seems implausible, but there are many athletes who cannot resist puffing a stick of cigarette before, during, or after they exercise. Smoking can have adverse effects on them.

First, their lung performance suffers. The tar being inhaled covers the cilia, hair-like structures in the lungs that take in oxygen and prevent foreign bodies from entering the organ. The lungs become less efficient in drawing oxygen, resulting in cardio-vascular ailments. Since muscles need oxygen for optimal operation, athletes suffer a decrease in stamina and performance.

Next, smoking causes blood vessels to constrict. Because of this, athletes suffer high blood pressure. Also, muscles become fatigued since the affected blood vessels limits blood flow. The heart itself has to work harder to pump blood through the clogged arteries. Athletes who smoke become exhausted sooner than those who do not smoke.

Finally, smoking makes athletes prone to injury. Because the muscles, heart, and brain do not receive enough oxygen, the athletes' mental and physical sharpness decreases. They make poor decisions, become dizzy or faint, or utilize a bad position in exercising. Smoking can also affect the strength of bones and restricts the body's ability to heal.

Athletes, therefore, should not smoke. For smoking athletes, they should take steps like engaging in hypnotherapy or using quit-smoking products to eliminate this harmful habit.