Researchers led by the University of Exeter combined data from 19 previous clinical trials and found that a bout of exercise helped quitters reduce their nicotine cravings, the Daily Mail reported.
"Certainly, exercise seems to have temporary benefits, and as such can be strongly recommended," Adrian Taylor, lead researcher said.
In the trials used for the study, smokers were randomly assigned to either exercise - most often, brisk walking or biking - or some kind of 'passive' activity, such as watching a video or just sitting quietly.
Overall, people said they had less desire to smoke after working out than they did before, although the reason for this was unclear.
Taylor added that exercise may serve as a distraction, while being active might also boost people's mood, so that they don't feel as great a need to feel better by smoking.
None of the smokers in the study was in a quit programme or using nicotine replacement products, such as gums or patches.
The study was published in the journal Addiction.
