By Susan McCadam Hoffman, M.S., Certified Fitness Professional
www.matmadness.com

“Come outside with me, I need a cig!” your best friend emphatically pulls you wide, circling the crowd.  You look up, where she refuses to, and notice the source of her angst . . . her recent ex at a cozy bistro table for two.  Saying, “I can’t”, is just not an option.

Resolution to stop lighting up socially?  Up in smoke.

What’s so bad about being a social smoker?  You smoke less than 10 cigarettes a week, mostly at parties or on girls’ night out.  You’re not really a smoker.  Only premium cigarettes in your purse . . . and if you bum one, you won’t inhale just anything.  And you are definitely not addicted––not even the slightest desire for a smoke break at work or with your Starbucks and morning paper.

The term “social smoking” has many definitions:  less than one a day; only when in the company of others; or, “I only smoke when I’ve had a few drinks,” a common excuse uttered among social smoking friends.  National prevalence among college-aged students runs 51%, and an informal survey of 20-something young professionals suggests this trend continues.  Interestingly, 88.8% of female college graduates claim not to smoke.  Is the disconnect because an occasional cigarette doesn’t count?

Not at all.  According to Columbia University, women who smoke less than a pack a week can have as much blood vessel damage as those smoking a pack a day.  Add birth control pills and you create greater risk for heart disease, blood clots, and stroke.  Smoking can impair how estrogen works.  In spite of time on the treadmill, there is greater risk of heart attack due to a less effective circulatory system and higher cholesterol levels.

Even casual smokers can experience decreased aerobic endurance and disturbed sleep patterns.  Think about the stamina you’ll have for that treadmill workout if you are well-rested.  Cleaner lungs breathe deeper and with better Ommm than those exposed to nicotine, however occasional the exposure.

A minor fender bender leaves you stranded and you do vinyasa flow yoga on the side of the road instead of sharing a cig with the cute guy at fault?  Congratulations.  Is it a deal-breaker when you’re out on a date and the adorable guy you’re with lights up?  If a subtle hint like offering him gum or a breath mint doesn’t do the trick, use light humor and ask for a smoke free kiss.  Or shoot straight and sweet, letting him know smoking offends you.  A direct approach shows how responsive he is to you, perhaps an indicator of fit.  

Although many cities ban smoking in bars, what if you land someplace it’s not?  Besides smelly hair and exorbitant dry cleaning bills, you may need a remedy for the raspy voice you wake up with.  Hard candy or cough drops provide some relief.  A cup of green tea with honey is sure to sooth.  And if it’s accompanied by a nagging cough, some swear that a tablespoon of equal parts of aloe vera juice and honey will do the trick.

If you or someone you love needs to just say no, consider that research shows even a quick walk can quell the craving.  How about an athletic goal to keep on track?

Run your first (or best) 5K race.  Consult with a runner friend or fitness trainer on how to prepare.

Ride in a cycling event for a noble cause. Check with your favorite charity.  They may sponsor a fund-raising event you can participate in and feel good about.

Join a fitness facility with a pool and dive in. Keep a record of laps completed and note how quickly your aerobic base builds.

Casual smoking may have served as a way to “fit in”.  Now that you seriously question that social norm . . .

Your best friend stepping it past the “ex” in the corner doesn’t test your resolve. You put your arm around her shoulder and suggest a walk around the block.  As you extol the benefits of partner training for a long-term marathon goal, she grins, “That woman at the table probably can’t even run a mile!”