Vaping and Fitness Can They Really Be Friends?

Picture this. You’ve smashed your morning workout, nailed that final rep, and you’re feeling like the absolute boss of the gym. You step outside, reach for your vape, take a puff… and then wonder, wait a minute, did I just undo all that effort? 

Don’t worry. You’re not the first person to ask that. In fact, “Can I vape and still be fit?” is up there with “Is oat milk better than almond?” and “Do I really need to train legs?” 

So let’s clear the air, shall we? If you love your vape but also want to keep your body moving and grooving, this blog is your new favourite workout buddy. 

We’re breaking it down for real people. No guilt trips. No lectures. Just facts, laughs and a bit of science to help you make sense of it all. 

What your lungs think about your vape

Let’s start with your lungs. These two hardworking pink balloons are in charge of getting oxygen into your blood, which then feeds your muscles and brain so you don’t pass out mid burpee. 

Now, vaping isn’t like smoking. You don’t get tar, ash or the smell that clings to your hair for three business days. But you’re still inhaling something, and your lungs do take notice. 

Will you suddenly lose your breath during a casual jog? Probably not. But if you’re chasing personal bests or signing up for a half marathon, your lungs might nudge you and say, “Mate, can we not?” 

The big VO₂ max mystery

Now here’s a fancy gym word for you. VO₂ max. It’s a way to measure how well your body uses oxygen when you’re exercising. The higher the number, the fitter you are. 

People who vape tend to have slightly lower VO₂ max scores. Which could mean: 

It doesn’t mean you’re unfit. It just means your body’s fuel system might be working a little harder than usual. 

Nicotine and your ticker

Ah, nicotine. That cheeky little compound we all know and love. Great for focus, terrible for blood pressure. 

Here’s what happens when you combine nicotine with a workout: 

For a quick boost, sure, it feels nice. But over time, it’s a bit like running your engine in sport mode all day. So if you’re puffing just before your gym session, don’t be surprised if your heart throws a little tantrum halfway through. 

Hydration station

You know that annoying friend who carries a two-litre water bottle everywhere? Turns out they might be onto something. 

Vaping can cause dehydration, especially if you’re puffing a lot and forgetting to drink water. When you exercise, you sweat. When you sweat, you lose fluids. And when you’re dehydrated, you might experience: 

So if you vape and work out, keep that water bottle close. Your muscles will thank you later. 

Is vaping killing your gains

Short answer? No. Long answer? Maybe, if you’re not careful. 

Muscle building is a science. You need fuel, rest, hydration and oxygen. Vaping doesn’t cancel your hard work, but it can: 

You might still get bigger, but it could take longer. And let’s be honest, nobody likes slow gains. So keep an eye on how you feel post workout. If your recovery feels slower than usual, your vape habits might need a little tune up. 

Smokers vs vapers in the gym

Let’s give credit where it’s due. If you’ve ditched cigarettes for a vape, that’s a win. Big round of applause. You’ve already improved your chances of breathing easier and training harder. 

Why vapers often feel better than smokers: 

Most people who switch from smoking to vaping notice a change within weeks. So if that’s your journey, you’re already heading in the right direction. 

Tales from the treadmill

We’ve heard some great stories from vapers across the UK who’ve managed to find a balance between clouds and crunches. 

“I used to get winded walking up the stairs. Switched to a vape, started jogging, now I’m doing 5Ks. Still puffing, just not panting.” 
– Dinesh, 38, Bournemouth 

“Cut down to zero nicotine and it made a big difference. My sleep got better too, which helped my recovery.” 
– Marcus, 31, Bristol 

Moral of the story? You don’t have to quit vaping to feel better at the gym. You just need to vape smart. 

Pre workout puff yes or no

We know it’s tempting. You’re heading to the gym, you take a drag, your brain says “Let’s go” and off you march. But nicotine before exercise might not be the best idea. 

Here’s why you might want to skip it: 

If you really need a hit before training, try a lower strength or give yourself at least 30 minutes before lifting anything heavier than your gym bag. 

Can you build muscle and still vape

Absolutely. Loads of people do. But like any fitness journey, it depends on how you manage your habits. 

If your vape sessions are messing with your sleep, recovery or hydration, that’s when things can slow down. Muscle growth needs: 

If vaping is getting in the way of any of that, it’s worth adjusting your routine. Otherwise, carry on lifting and puffing like the fitness rebel you are. 

Trainers have a few thoughts

Some personal trainers have started spotting patterns among clients who vape. Nothing extreme, but a few things worth mentioning: 

Nothing conclusive, but it adds up. If you’ve been grinding hard at the gym and wondering why you’re not levelling up as fast as your mate who eats two eggs and a protein shake for breakfast, it might be time to check your vape schedule. 

Striking the balance

We’re not here to tell you to quit vaping. That’s your call. But if you’re chasing better fitness, a few small tweaks can make a big difference. 

Try this: 

Think of it like balancing your macros. You’re not cutting out carbs, just managing them. Same idea here. 

Going zero nicotine

More and more fitness-minded vapers are switching to zero nicotine options. Why? 

We’ve got loads of zero nicotine options at Tidal Vape. Still smooth, still tasty, just a little kinder to your lungs and your deadlifts. 

Final verdict from your vape mates

Can you vape and still be fit? Of course you can. You’re already halfway there if you’re thinking about it. 

Here’s your cheat sheet: 

Fitness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being better than yesterday. And if you can do that while still enjoying your favourite flavour, we call that a win.