What are best things to know about working with cigarette smokers?
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
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,
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
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