In Which A-Jock Quits Smoking

Aquajock

Aquajock

Cathlete
You guys have no idea how embarrassed I feel about the fact that, in spite of my exercise habits and part-time gig as a certified group fitness instructor, I am also a moderate smoker.

It's taken many, many years to come to terms with this radical contradiction and all the many plyometric rationalizations I've employed to avoid the effort of quitting. HOWEVER, blessedly, the "quiet little voice" that sounded off in my head / heart many times in the past to get me to address unhealthy (some potentially fatal) habits sounded off again on 11/13/03 and said, "Yep, it's time to prepare to quit smoking."

I scheduled an appointment to get a 'scrip for an NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) aid (or, as I call it, AJSB {A-Jock Security Blanket}) for 12/05/03, and in the meantime have implemented a cut-down-to-quit program that has reduced my consumption from approximately 5-6 cigarettes a day down to 2 cigarettes a day . . . all without getting the munchies or going psychotic. Indeed, it's felt extremely comfortable, and what a relief it is to finally begin to get that monkey off my well-muscled back. And I really notice a difference in my oxygen exchange: I-Max felt easy this past Sunday!

Anyway. To all my Cathe friends: it's always a delight to associate with people who are willing to put in the effort to make their lives better.

Pacem -

A-Jock
 
Way to go!! I am a former smoker myself I used to go through about three packs a day and I have quit smoking 15 years ago. Still get the cravings still but I get through them LOL. Hang in there!
 
Congratulations, I am very happy for you! This is quite a big step and I can totally understand where you are coming from. I am also a moderate smoker and have decided to call it quits. I know it will be well worth it and that smoking is such an unhealthy not to mention unattractive habit. I am hoping to be free of the nicotine by the time the new DVDs arrive, because I'm sure I could use the extra lung capacity.

Again, congratulations and good luck to you and Merry Christmas to your lungs! :)
 
:D Way to go A-Jock! This is a terrible kept secret that I have and never dared to speak about it! I have been slammed by people as it is saying "how can you be so into fitness and smoke, what a contradiction". Working out to help my body, smoking to hurt it! I am glad you were able to open up the subject. I have thought many times about quitting, but I am a SUPER nervous person and use this as my crutch to relax. Of course I also worry about weight gain afterwards! Keep us posted, someday I may need all your support once I get myself psyched to quit! I know it is quite shocking is'nt it?
 
I still smoke too. I was a Class-A partier in high school, which I am now 40, but I have stopped all bad habits except this one. I had 4 cigarettes on Sunday, and I vowed after those, I would stop. I have spent HUNDREDS this past year on mints, patches, you name it, I tried it. I do not smoke everyday, just when things get tough. Cigarette smoking is so nasty, oh, but there is nothing like a good, stiff cigarette to make you feel better. I am off them too. I will not spend one dime more on stop-smoking aids. It is up to me to quit. In the last 2 months, I have probably had one pack. Now, I am done. Good luck Aquajock, it is the hardest thing I have ever done. My advice to you is not to ever even touch them again. I am fine if I just don't go by them, and I am going to try to follow my own advice!!!!
Lori S.
 
Congratulations! I wish you well. I am sure you can do it! Just wait til you get the feeling of increased oxygen intake during the first week or so of "no cigarettes"! It is such a great feeling that you will probably never want to start again! I remember feeling like I had been "set free" when I finally quit!

Linda
 
Congratulations on your momentous decision. I wish you well on this next journey. Crikey! Total health could soon be yours!

I myself have given up caffeine in all forms, three days ago, since it is a factor in my increasing panic attacks/disorder. It is not easy to give up something you have ingrained in your life. What to substitute for the old pleasures? That is my dilema.

Way to go for both of us!

Cheers,

Clare
 
Me too! Three packs a day for 20 years. I quit 8 years ago! It feels great! It was harder than losing the 127 pounds, believe it or not, but definitely worth it. And trust me on this--the first four days are the hardest. I spent a good part of the time in bed, just so I wouldn't smoke. Every day is a little easier after that fourth day is over, but stay vigilant. It can sneak back up on you. I'm so proud of you, A-jock!
 
Wow, Annette, good for you! LITERALLY! Don't be embarrased. We all have our bad habits! It sounds like you have come so far in such a short time span. If IMax seemed EASY this past week, imagine when you no longer smoke. (Although, I can never imagine IMax being EASY!) Good Luck, thanks for sharing with us and also for being you! You are an amazing gal!
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Hey A-Jock,

I mostly lurk here, and post more at other forums. Anyhow, just wanted to say Congrats on the decision to quit. Set your mind to it and you can kick the habit. I quit a little over 5 years ago. It's tough, but soooooooooooooooooooo worth it. The thing that helped me the most was to avoid hanging out with people that smoked (kind of worked out really well as my in-laws were smokers }( ) Just kidding LOL. You can do it!

Beth
 
Thanks to ALL of you for your good wishes! ClareMc, my hat's off to you and my bald head shines for you; I would be in a constipated coma if I had to give up caffeine! Ah, well . . . one day at a time, one vice per decade, yes?

I've learned that the "break" part of the "smoke break" habit is as difficult to change as the dependence on the nicotine chemical. With the one-track mind I have, I'm planning, during the workweek, of substituting some push-ups or dumbbell lifts with my door closed those times during the day when I might pop outside for a smoke. I have a set of 15-lb'ers in a desk drawer, so within the next 2-3 weeks or so they may be called into even more service than they are right now. If I spazz and knock out a tooth trying to smoke a dumbbell, I'll let you know.

Thanks again!

A-Jock
 
AJ, you are just too funny! You are going to have the buffest bis, tris and shoulders around!
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Good for you AJ,
I too am a former smoker. I do know how hard it is to quit. I agree it is easier to lose weight. In no time at all you will be posting that you are AJ- smoke free for 1 year, 2 years etc (sound familiar? :) )

You are now free. I feel that being a smoker is like being a slave to cigarettes. Not a good feeling. So now you have freed your body and mind from that bondage...

OH MY I got serious!
-joy
 
What's amazing to me is that, even though you were (notice use of past tense) a moderate smoker, you were still able to do such intense cardio workouts! Don't even post your new "post-smoker" mish-moshes. Some of us might be stupid enough to try one and then you'll have a guilty conscience to contend with for causing our deaths which might drive you back to smoking.}(
 
RE: The Post-Smoking Mish-Mosh

Soosan, ya had to put the idea in my head:

This works for DVD's:

I-Max 1 warm-up

I-Max 1 aerobic and power blasts; fast forward to each new chapter with no walk-around recovery interval;

I-Max 2 Blast Only premix, and I mean Blast ONLY - fast forward to each new chapter after the blast ends, no recovery

Boot Camp cardio only premix

How's them apples?

A-Jock
 
Yup. You ARE one scary woman. I think you could kick any Olympians's butt any day of the week (smoking or not).

I am so happy that you have decided to quit smoking. I have been trying for years to get my parents to stop smoking. My mom is a moderate smoker, but my dad smokes more than I would ever be willing to count. It truly breaks my heart, because I am sure that is the reason he will pass on before his time. My mom is just unhealthy as it is (though she tries) and she doesn't need any added stress to her body.

You are such an inspiration for us in so many ways!!

Sara
 
((((((((( A-JOCK )))))))) I am SO proud of you !!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D You go girl!! You CAN do this!!!!!!!!!!!! We are all here cheering for you !!!!!!!!!!!!

Carol
:)
 
A-Jock - best of luck - we all know you can conquer it! It must be something in the air because I have just quit smoking as well. I've been smoking a pack a day for about 25 years now, so have a few to cut out. I've had some practice runs over the last year, and this is it!

I so look forward to being free of it. While it has its relaxation properties, it literally chains you up at the same time. I had to plan my day around it for years, and look forward to the day when I don't think about it!

Hang in there - you can do it!
:)

p.s. speaking of caffeine and constipation, something I've found from my trial runs at quitting smoking....smoking is a big contributor for me for "being regular". So you might want to watch what you eat to "encourage" your body to keep regular. I'm off to bake some bran muffins. hehe
 
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