If willpower, patches, nicotine gum and other techniques have been unsuccessful in your efforts to stop smoking, try adding exercise to your next attempt.

A study conducted through the Center and the Division of Cardiology, both located at Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, found that women who exercised while trying to quit smoking were twice as likely to quit the habit and stay smoke-free as women who did not exercise.

A separate study at Otto Wagner Hospital in Vienna concluded that 80% of cigarette smokers who engaged in both exercise and nicotine-replacement therapy successfully quit smoking, compared with 52% who used only nicotine-replacement therapy. Studies also reveal that for smokers trying to quit, physical exertion reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

Exercise helps to moderate mood changes and may help reduce depression. It can also help curb the urge to replace smoking with snacking for addictive personality types who tend to replace one behavior with another. And exercise helps boost metabolism to burn calories faster and control your weight.

Regular physical activity builds confidence and improves the quality of sleep, making this an important component of a health improvement program when trying to end a smoking habit. Remember though, that if smoking has compromised your health it’s very important to check with a doctor before beginning any new exercise program.