See If You Qualify Today

• Access new research-supported approach
• Earn $325-$375 for participating
• Improve your success in quitting

Find Out If You Are Eligible

Ready to quit smoking but worried about stress, anxiety, or withdrawal? You’re not alone. For many people, quitting isn’t just about nicotine; it’s about managing mood and uncomfortable physical sensations.

This research study is testing a personalized, aerobic exercise and smoking cessation program designed for adults with higher anxiety sensitivity. It combines guided training, professional Quitline support, and nicotine replacement therapy to help you build physical strength and emotional resilience while working toward lasting freedom from cigarettes.

If you’re 18+, smoke daily, and feel motivated to quit, you may qualify. Participants receive a 4-month YMCA membership, a personal trainer for up to 17 sessions, structured support, nicotine replacement therapy (patches).

Take the first step. Complete our questionnaire to see if you qualify.

Receive a research-supported, potential approach to help you quit smoking.

Earn up to $325-$375 for completing the study (for eligible participants).

Gain support that may improve your success in quitting smoking.

Contribute valuable information that could benefit others in the future.

Help advance medical research and make a real difference.

• Must be aged 18+
• Daily smoker of 5 or more cigarettes (including e-cigarettes, little cigars/cigarillos) for more than a year;
• Motivated to quit smoking
• Body mass index <40
• Located near a participating YMCA site in San Antonio, El Paso, and Arlington with active STEP trainers (within 50 miles)

• Regular exercise defined as engaging in vigorous-intensity exercise for at least 75 minutes per week for the last 3 months
• Receiving current intervention for smoking cessation
• Outstanding debt to the YMCA
• Listed as a sex offender on the National Sex Offender Registry

Jasper Smits, Ph.D.

Jasper Smits, Ph.D., is a professor of Psychology. His research program centers on developing and validating innovative intervention strategies for anxiety and related problems. His work spans basic studies on mechanisms of change and moderators of treatment response, as well as clinical trials evaluating novel behavioral and pharmacological interventions.

UT Austin is partnering with the YMCA of Greater San Antonio, the Arlington-Mansfield YMCA, and the El Paso YMCA.

This research study is being conducted at select YMCA locations in Texas.

The AHB Lab studies a range of anxiety disorders, including specific phobia, panic disorder (with agoraphobia), obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Anxiety processes play a role in the maintenance of several health-compromising behaviors. We study a range of these behaviors, including smoking, overeating, and physical inactivity. Please see the publications page for more details on completed studies.

Withdraw At Any Time

If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.

Secure and Confidential Data

Your study records and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.

Informed Consent 

You will receive full study details and have the opportunity to ask the study team any questions before participation.