Group 1: Resistance Training/Nicotine Replacement for Cardiovascular Risk (START Trial)

This project is prompted by the urgent public health need to identify novel strategies to prevent and treat tobacco-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) and by compelling pilot data that suggests cessation of smoking results in rapid amelioration of endothelial function. The higher prevalence of CVD and metabolic syndrome in smokers have become major health care concerns. Therefore, finding optimal intervention strategies to combat these growing epidemics is imperative. We are investigating the efficacy of resistance training to ameliorate endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance in four groups: presence or absence of resistance training with or without cessation treatment + nicotine replacement. The investigators hypothesize that resistance training will improve cardiovascular function in smokers; however, the responses will be better in those who also stop smoking. In addition, resistance training will decrease smoking, however, the effects of counseling and nicotine replacement alone or counseling and nicotine replacement in conjunction with resistance training will be better than resistance training alone.