I used to smoke about half a pack of cigs a day. I know a while back some of people were debating whether smoking hurt lifting progress or not. I quit smoking about two months ago and every lift has gone up. I can run a lot further and I can lift a hell of a lot more than I did when I smoked. Best thing I ever did. So if anyone says smoking does not affect thier lifting and cardio should quit and see how it feels not to be a smoker.