STARTEffect of Resistance Training on Tobacco-Related Cardiovascular Disease Risk

The investigators are conducting a 12-week randomized-controlled trial of 100 young adult smokers. At week 0, participants attend three outpatient visits at baseline. Each participant is randomized to one of four groups: Resistance Training(RT)/Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), RT/No NRT, No RT/NRT, and No RT/No NRT. Those receiving RT work with a certified personal trainer 3 times per week for 12 weeks at 60 minutes each session. Those receiving NRT use the nicotine patch daily for 12 weeks and call the California Smoker's Helpline for smoking cessation counseling. Those in the control group do not receive any intervention and maintain their current lifestyle and habits. At week 13, participants return for three post-intervention assessments. At week 26, survey data is collected to assess changes in lifestyle habits.