Cigarette smoking forces the heart to beat faster. The smoker’s heart may beat up to 20 times more per minute, when a cigarette is inhaled. Smokers should know that the most common cause of smoking-related death is extra stress on the heart by smoking. A smoking habit of 20 cigarettes a day puts the same amount of stress on the heart as 90 pounds of extra weight would.

When smoker stops smoking, heart rate slows down somewhat, causing metabolism to drop slightly. Even with retarded metabolism, which is the signal to a slight weight gain, smoker can take steps to build metabolic rate back up in ways that benefit health rather than destroy it, as smoking does. If weight gain due to quitting smoking is something you fear or is a reality you are struggling with, use exercise to boost metabolism and minimize weight gain.

Exercise burns calories and boosts metabolism for up to 24 hours after working out. Nicotine use triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Exercise also releases this same brain chemical, but in a healthy way that allows us to enjoy the pleasant effects of dopamine without risking our health to do it. Exercise breaks down fat and releases it into the bloodstream.

Increase your level of daily activity, this will help you keep your weight stable as you recover from nicotine addiction and provide you with other important benefits as well, but be sure to check in with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen, especially if you wasn’t active before.

Take five.
The next time you feel tense or have the urge to smoke, head out for a brisk 5-minute walk up the street and back. It works wonders for snapping you out of a bad mood and gets your heart pumping too.
Park at the back of the lot.
Do not patrol the parking lot looking for the space that is closest to the entrance of the building. Head for the back of the lot and take advantage of the opportunity to add a few more steps to your day.
Use the stairs.
Even if you climb the stairs every other time you need to move from one level to another, you are benefiting your health and helping your waistline.
Get your hands dirty.
Otherwise known as gardening, digging in the dirt is good for the spirit. And yes, it burns calories too.
Breathe deep and embrace your yard work.
Everything from mowing the lawn to raking leaves counts as exercise, and potentially a significant amount at that.
Use housework as a tool.
While this may not be the way you’d prefer to get your exercise, housework is a part of daily life for just about all of us. Make the most of yours by doing your household chores at a strong, steady pace. You will burn more calories than you might imagine.
Also, try to schedule time for sports a few times a week as you move through the smoking cessation process. Walking and swimming are two low-impact activities that are good for just about everyone. And remember, be sure to get your doctor’s approval before committing to a new exercise routine.
Swimming
Swimming is a very low impact way to exercise your body and refresh yourself at the same time. If you don’t have a local club that offers public swims, check with area hotels. They often allow non-guests to use their pool/exercise facilities for a small fee.
Dancing
Whether it is in your living room to a piece of favorite music, or a night out at the club with friends, dancing is a fun way to be active. You don’t have to be a good dancer to enjoy this form of exercise and burn many calories while you’re at it.
Walking
A good pair of walking shoes is the only equipment you need to get started with this form of exercise. Walk the neighborhood on sunny days, or, if the weather is bad, walk the circumference of the mall. Or use a treadmill to get your daily steps in indoors.
Bicycling
Bicycling is a wonderful way to work your body while enjoying the benefits of being outdoors. Pack a water bottle and a light snack, and head out on your bike to explore your surroundings.
Strength Training
Especially important for those of us who are getting older, strength training builds muscle mass and slows bone loss while boosting metabolic rate.
Yoga
Yoga improves balance while strengthening the body. It also benefits mood by helping us let go of stress that we often unconsciously carry along with us day to day. If you have never tried yoga, follow the link below to learn more about it.

Every little bit of movement counts when it comes to fighting quitting smoking weight gain, not to mention general health benefits. Be creative and committed to adding regular exercise into your life, and think of physical activity as an important tool in your quitting smoking toolbox. Use it to boost metabolism, mood, and ultimately, your motivation to successful nicotine addiction quitting and healthy, vivid life. Find more quitting smoking tips at Quit Smoking Pro.