Smokers who are trying to kick their habit might want to consider exercise the next time a cigarette craving overcomes them, according to a study published August 2012 in Britain.

The findings were published in the journal of Addiction. The researchers combined data from 19 previous studies and found that exercise helped smokers reduced their cigarette cravings.

In the studies smokers were assigned to exercise, most often biking or walking. The other groups were assigned a passive activity, such as watching as sitting quietly or walking video.

Overall, the studied showed people had less desire to smoke after working out. The research showed exercise may serve as a distraction, while exercising might also boost people’s mood.

None of the smokers in the studies were in a quit smoking program or using nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or nicorette gum.