Many people diligently exercise, supplement protein and maintain a regular workout schedule to improve fitness. However, experts believe that smoking can significantly reduce the effectiveness of these efforts.
According to Dr. Hema Venkataraman, an endocrinology expert at KIMS Hospital (India), smoking affects metabolism, endurance and muscle development. Meanwhile, muscles that want to develop need to be provided with adequate oxygen, nutrients and appropriate recovery time.
Reducing the amount of oxygen to muscles
One of the most obvious effects of tobacco is to reduce the ability to transport oxygen in the body. Cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide, a substance that can bind to hemoglobin in the blood more strongly than oxygen. This reduces the amount of oxygen to organs and muscles.
In addition, smoking also reduces blood circulation. When muscles receive less oxygen and nutrients, exercisers easily feel tired, reduce endurance and find it difficult to maintain high intensity of exercise.
Affects muscle strength
A study published in the journal of the Korea Epidemiological Society showed that smokers have lower muscle strength than non-smokers. The study also noted that people who quit smoking often maintain better muscle strength over time.
According to experts, this shows that quitting smoking is not only good for health but also helps maintain physical strength and long-term mobility.
Slowing the recovery process
The process of muscle gain takes place mainly during the rest period after exercise. However, smoking can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, thereby affecting the ability to repair and restore muscle tissue.
When the body has to continuously handle damage caused by cigarette smoke, the recovery time after exercise can be longer and the muscle gain effect is also limited.
Can smokers still gain muscle?
Experts say that smokers can still make some progress in the training process. However, the effectiveness is often not optimal compared to non-smokers, especially in aspects such as endurance, resilience and performance.
After quitting smoking, health is likely to improve relatively quickly. Many studies record that blood circulation, cardiovascular function and mobility are all significantly improved over time when quitting smoking.
Therefore, for those who want to improve their fitness or build effective muscles, quitting smoking is one of the most important changes to achieve your training goals.
