Even among recreational exercisers, being active is associated with other healthy behaviors such as eating a nutritious diet and avoiding smoking and substance abuse. But while numerous studies show a strong association between regular exercise and other healthy habits, little research has been done on whether exercise actually triggers other healthy behaviors. When it comes to smoking, however, a growing body of evidence indicates that starting a program of vigorous activity may help people quit. One study of more than 4,000 male runners, published in the journal Preventive Medicine, reported that 70 percent of those who smoked at the time they took up running subsequently quit. The greater the number of miles run per week, the greater the likelihood of quitting.
Researchers suggest that more serious runners kick the habit because smoking hinders performance.
New research reveals additional reasons why exercise may help smokers quit. National data shows most people gain an average of 10 pounds when they quit smoking. Since exercise minimizes that weight gain, it may increase the likelihood that women will quit smoking and stay quit, Marcus says. Sports and exercise also may help keep kids from getting involved with drugs. Her recent study of more than 5,000 workers involved a variety of wellness programs and examined how certain health behaviors cluster together.