What are best things to know about working with cigarette smokers?
Hi Kelly,
his training capacity should really be determined by the assessment. I would just let that be my guide.
I have another recommendation which is remotely related. Make sure you put towels under everything he sits or lies on. The smell of the cigarette smoke will stay on things and is very unpleasant to the person who comes next (unless you train him at his house).
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Kelly. Another important consideration or thing to keep in mind is that the person’s aerobic capacity MAY be compromised more than you might expect from another person of similar age/stature.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
Hi Kelly,
One option to have when training this client is to take him for walks outdoors. Actually walking or exercising outdoors might help with his breathing and it could be less stressful for him as well. Use your initial assessment to determine his level of fitness and the type of program he will need to follow. In time he will realize that smoking will become an issue/obstacle for him, especially if he wants to improve his endurance and aerobic capacity. It could be the perfect reason for him to quit smoking :-)!
Best,
Harris
I have two smokers as clients. It seems so contradictory yet at the same time, they both excel with exercise.
One of my clients has a horrible cough, I tend to ignore it, albeit will obviously slow things down when I need to.
Yes I have spoken to both clients about quitting but to no avail.
Maybe your client will understand the significance of health and decide to quit!
Hi Kelly,
Of course you would start with that client by assessing them and understanding that their cardio endurance may be impaired by the smoking. In addition, their strength, flexibility, and recovery time after a workout could also be affected by smoking as smoking creates inflammation in the body.
Hopefully the benefits of exercise will help convince your client to quit or at least think about it.
Good luck,
Christine