I will be direct: smoking and vaping are bad for you. I would not recommend either to anyone. But I am also not going to pretend they are going away. I have seen how common they are in Europe and in Bali, and plenty of people in Sydney use them too. In my experience, the people I train who smoke or vape do not enjoy it and want to stop. The problem is not a lack of knowing. It is that quitting is hard.
Why it is so hard
Nicotine is addictive, and smoking or vaping is also a habit tied to stress, breaks, coffee, a drink and your friends. You are not just stopping a substance. You are changing parts of your day. That is why “just stop” does not work for most people, and why trying and slipping up is common, not a failure.
Get proper support first
I train people. I do not treat addiction, and I will not give you quitting advice that belongs with a professional. For that, call Quitline on 13 7848 (more at quit.org.au) and talk to your doctor about what might suit you. Both are set up for exactly this.
Where training can help
Training is not a quitting program. But it can sit alongside one. It gives you somewhere to put your energy, a routine that replaces some of the old ones, and something to look forward to that is about getting stronger, not about giving something up. A walk or a session when a craving hits is also something to do with your hands and your head.
How I would keep it simple
- Start small. A walk most days is enough. Is walking enough exercise? covers how far a simple routine can take you.
- Do not add pressure. Quitting is the hard part. Do not also try to overhaul your diet and train five days a week in the same fortnight.
- Tell your coach. If you train with me and you are trying to quit, tell me. I can adjust the session, keep it manageable on the hard days and help you stay turning up.
- A slip is not the end. If you start again, you start again. The routine is still there.
Ready to talk?
If you are trying to quit and want training to be part of it, get in touch and we will start with a conversation.
If you or someone you know needs help quitting, call Quitline on 13 7848.
Related reading: Is Walking Enough Exercise?
Source: Quit, quit.org.au, Quitline 13 7848.