What if I told you there was something out there that could squash your next cigarette craving (if you are a smoker, of course) nearly as well as a nicotine patch? What if I went on to tell you it was free, you could get it without a prescription, and it was accessible to everyone? According to recent research, such a thing really does exist...it's called exercise. An analysis of several recent studies found that just five minutes of moderate exercise was enough to significantly curb smokers' cravings. What surprised researchers was how much the exercise seemed to help. It didn't just distract smokers from their cravings, it actually seemed to reduce the physical need.

Walking is a great way to get in five minutes (or 10...or 30...I mean, if you're out there anyway, you could just make it a workout, right?) of moderate exercise. But if your at work and dying to take a smoke break, don't fret. Researchers also found that isometrics (something you could do at your desk or in your cubicle) had the same effect as aerobic exercise.

Though this study gives hope to those quitting their smoking habit, experts say that exercise alone may not be enough for those who are truly hooked. But using exercise in combination with other techniques just may be the recipe for a cigarette free life.

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