Since cannabis’ sweeping legalization across Canada and parts of the US, it’s now commonly known that CBD alleviates pain, anxiety and a host of other symptoms. More recently, a new use for CBD has been uncovered – CBD workout.
But how exactly does CBD help the body in regards to fitness? And if athletes are using it, should you use it before and during your workout too?
Since the advent of marijuana legalization, fitness enthusiasts have been using CBD extract for their workouts to ease muscle pain and stiffness.
But how does CBD reduce muscle ache and how can you incorporate it into your workout routine? Take a look at this short guide to find out how a CBD workout can best benefit you.
Does CBD Make You High?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has been used as a natural medicine since its discovery in 1940. CBD is one of 113 compounds found in the cannabis plant and can make up up to 80% of the plant, depending on the strain.
Lacking the psychoactive effects of THC, CBD is a beneficial compound found within cannabis plants that can alleviate pain, reduce the symptoms of anxiety and even stop seizures. You can consume CBD supplements in a variety of forms such as CBD oils, capsules and edibles.
Many people may be apprehensive about using CBD as they believe the compound makes one high. Unlike its psychoactive cousin THC, CBD doesn’t actually contain any psychoactive properties. CBD has healthy compounds that give you almost no negative side effects, so it’s safe to use for a variety of ailments, and that includes muscle pain and stiffness related to exercise as well.
How Does CBD Alleviate Muscle Pain?
Humans possess an endocannabinoid (ECS) system that’s responsible for regulating bodily functions. Endocannabinoids are a type of neurotransmitter that’s responsible for a variety of physiological and cognitive processes such as our mood, memory and pain perception.
Studies have shown that CBD has a huge impact on your ECS system. The CBD cannabinoid has been found to reduce inflammation in the muscles, ligaments and organs. CBD also interacts with the body’s neurotransmitters to reduce the feeling of pain, anxiety and fatigue.
Using CBD Before your Workout
Endurance exercises act as a stressor for the body. It causes small amounts of muscle tissue to tear which your body will subsequently repair; enhancing your strength and your stamina in the process.
By exercising you are effectively breaking the body down so it can build itself back up again – this can cause muscle aches and stiffness. CBD has been proven to prevent the breakdown of anandamide which is one of the two primary endocannabinoids in our bodies. This is released during exercise to reduce inflammation.
Taking CBD before workouts could serve to slow the breakdown of anandamide, allowing its inflammation relieving effects to last longer.
Should You Take CBD During Your Workout?
Depending on your consumption method, the CBD might not have enough time to activate in your body before your workout ends. If you plan on taking CBD during your workout, try using oils, vapes and sublingual sprays for a fast-acting effect that’ll kick in when
CBD can prohibit the reuptake of serotonin and anandamide within your body. This lets you work your muscles for longer before they start feeling sore while also providing you with a natural energy boost.
Those looking for an easy and discreet way to incorporate CBD into their workout should mix CBD oil with water for a naturally derived energy booster. Those of us involved in marathons, triathlons or any kind of endurance exercise should definitely consider the endurance and energy-boosting effects of CBD.
Taking CBD After your Workout
Professional athletes are now turning to CBD for muscle recovery. So can it work for you?
A 2018 study reveals that CBD is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative, among a host of other beneficial properties. Our muscles get sore due to the strain and various microtears that we subject them to whenever we exercise. CBD can serve to reduce inflammation and the time our muscles need before they’re fully recovered.
If you regularly take part in sports or just following a new workout routine, CBD and exercise sounds like a match made in heaven. If you haven’t started to take CBD post workout, then it might be a good time to start!
Final Thoughts On CBD Workout
Able to reduce muscle soreness, alleviate inflammation and provide an energy boost, CBD and exercise are the new dynamic duo of professional athletes and bodybuilders everywhere. The health benefits of CBD go beyond the physical – many studies have shown CBD’s potential for treating a variety of mental health disorders.
The only drawback to CBD is that professional athletes can’t experience the benefit of CBD as it’s still an illegal substance in many parts of the world. But more people seem to want to know more about the advantages of CBD and how it can improve their overall health.
Hopefully, with time CBD can be recognized as a healthy alternative to chemical-based pharmaceuticals to help fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes with fast muscle recovery.
So if CBD is legal in your country and you work out regularly take a healthy dose before and after workouts. It’s advised that you use small doses at a time to experience the full benefits of your product. CBD for muscle recovery is the optimal choice for your workouts and wellbeing.
