Q: nicotine & effect on strength training

[Airborne RU]

Occasionally I like to smoke a nice cigar.

Lots of my compatriots like to dip.

Question, does nicotine inhibit or adversely effect strength training & muscle growth?

I've read and heard that nicotine constricts blood vessels (something about inhibiting blood flow to the skin), but do these side effects (albeit minor) change the body's chemistry or hormonal balance with regards to a SS regimen?

Thank you for your time.

Drive safe Mr. Rippetoe. // Larry

[Mark Rippetoe]

There has been little if any work done on nicotine's effects on anabolic processes. It provides a general CNS stimulation, similar to caffeine. The problem is not the nicotine, it is the delivery systems, all of which cause other problems.