Fitness has gained massive traction over the past decade, largely due to the precedence of the internet, as it deservingly should. And more people are making the effort to exercise.
But fitness means incorporating different elements into your routine to make the best out of the synergy. Supplementing is a huge proponent of wellness, and cannabis, with all the waves it is making, is contributing to the hype.
Cannabis’ ability to heal joint pain, relieve anxiety, and reduce inflammation has made it a superstar. So what if we combine those goodnesses with staying fit? Explore cannabis and fitness: can it enhance workouts and recovery? Let’s find out!
The Science Behind Cannabis and Exercise
Cannabis contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD, these interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis which is the steady internal and chemical systems maintained in the body, regulating pain, mood, appetite, and inflammation.
THC binds to CB1 receptors, producing euphoria and reducing pain perception, emitting the “high feeling”. CBD on the other hand, links with CB2 receptors, which are known for anti-inflammatory and calming effects.
Research shows that cannabis may improve exercise by increasing pain tolerance, reducing inflammation caused by exercise, and promoting mental relaxation. Studies have also shown that CBD especially, helps lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can delay muscle recovery.
Cannabis use has also been associated to the release of dopamine,
boosting motivation and mood during workouts. Despite promising results, more research is definitely needed to fully understand just how cannabis affects and its long-term effects in fitness.
Potential Benefits of Cannabis for Workouts
We’ve learned that there has and continues to be research and studies conducted on the effects of cannabis on the effectiveness of workouts. And most of it has been promising and hopeful.
Let’s look at some potential key benefits of cannabis for workouts below,
- Pain Management
Cannabis has the potential to reduce muscle soreness and chronic pain, helping athletes push through intense training and recover well. The anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids like CBD can alleviate discomfort from muscle strains, joint pain, and injuries.
Research has shown that cannabis can regulate pain signals in the nervous system, offering a natural alternative to common painkillers. Athletes who use cannabis for pain relief, such as products from biowellnessx, say that they experience quicker recovery and fewer muscle spasms, making it beneficial for high-intensity workouts and long-term endurance training.
- Enhanced Focus and Motivation
Some users say their focus is increased during workouts, especially when they use strains high in CBD. Cannabis may also help reduce anxiety and pre-workout jitters, allowing athletes and fitness enthusiasts to stay mentally engaged.
The dopamine release triggered by cannabis use can improve mood and motivation, making exercise more enjoyable and engaging. Many fitness experts say that cannabis helps them maintain a consistent routine by reducing mental fatigue and boosting their motivation to stay locked in and take on challenging exercises.
- Reducing Inflammation
Cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory properties, which they’re revered for, this potentially aids in faster recovery from muscle strain. Inflammation is a natural response to intense physical activity, but excessive inflammation can delay and stunt recovery.
Cannabis can help tackle this response, promoting quicker healing and reducing downtime between workouts. Athletes using CBD products have reported less swelling, better joint flexibility, and more post-workout comfort, making cannabis a great tool in their fitness regimen.
Cannabis for Post-Workout Recovery
We’ve mentioned how cannabis benefits post-workout recovery and that factor alone has inspired fitness enthusiasts and athletes to try cannabis products. Let’s look at how the compound can benefit post-workout recovery,
- Muscle Relaxation
CBD is known for its muscle relaxant properties, which can help reduce muscle tension post-exercise. It binds with the receptors in muscle tissues, potentially reducing spasms and promoting faster recovery.
Many athletes use CBD products after high-intensity workouts to ease muscle stiffness, improve flexibility, and improve relaxation, making their recovery periods more comfortable and efficient.
- Better Sleep
Quality sleep is key for recovery, and cannabis may promote better sleep patterns. Cannabinoids like THC can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve and boost deep sleep stages, which is crucial for muscle repair. Athletes who struggle with insomnia or restless sleep will often switch to cannabis products to make sure they get restorative and uninterrupted rest after intense training sessions.
- Stress Relief
Post-workout cannabis use may help reduce stress and promote mental well-being. The calming effects of CBD and THC can lower cortisol levels, providing a sense of relaxation and mental clarity after lengthy intense physical exertion.
Fitness enthusiasts often find that cannabis helps them wind down, manage stress, and maintain a balanced and stable state of mind post-workout.
Risks and Considerations of Using Cannabis for Exercise
While cannabis has multiple benefits for exercising, there are some risks involved, and considerations to take. Let’s look at them below,
- Impaired Coordination
Cannabis, especially strains high in THC, can impair and weaken motor skills and coordination. This poses risks during workouts with heavy equipment or complex movements, increasing chances of injury. Athletes must be careful about timing their cannabis use to avoid such risks.
- Dependency and Tolerance
Regular cannabis use can lead to tolerance, which means over time you may need higher doses for the same effects. Over time, this may increase the risk of dependency, affecting both physical health and financial costs associated with frequent use.
What you want is not to become over-dependent on cannabis and interrupt whatever wellness progress you’ve made.
- Cardiovascular Effects
Cannabis elevating heart-rate after consumption can be concerning for those with pre-existing heart conditions, as sudden spikes in heart rate can lead to complications such as arrhythmias or heart attacks.
Fitness enthusiasts must be careful when using cannabis before exercise, as the extra strain and pressure on the heart may reduce overall performance and endurance.
- Respiratory Concerns
Smoking cannabis can harm lung health, reducing aerobic capacity and overall respiratory function, which are important for endurance sports. Regular use may lead to bronchitis, coughing, and lung irritation, affecting breathing efficiency during workouts.
Fitness enthusiasts who rely on cardiovascular endurance might find that smoking cannabis affects their performance over time. Alternatives like edibles, tinctures, or vaporizers are recommended to avoid such issues while still benefiting from cannabis.
- Legal Uncertainty
Cannabis laws are different across regions, with some countries and states permitting recreational and medical use, while others have strict prohibitions. Athletes, especially those who are part of professional sports, must figure out complex legal frameworks and anti-doping regulations.
Even in places where cannabis is legal, organizations impose restrictions, potentially disqualifying athletes. Fitness enthusiasts should stay well-aware and informed about the legal status of cannabis in their area and their sport to avoid unwanted consequences.
Cannabis Products for Fitness Enthusiasts
Cannabis products are becoming more and more popular in the fitness world for their versatility and benefits. From fast-acting tinctures to long-lasting edibles, these products cater to various needs like pain relief, muscle recovery, and stress management.
Fitness enthusiasts can choose from several options depending on their routines and preferences, we’ve mentioned some of them below.
- CBD Oils and Tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures are most popular among fitness enthusiasts due to their ease of use and precise dosing. They’re taken sublingually for quick absorption, offering relief from muscle soreness, inflammation, and stress. Many use them post-workout to speed up recovery, reduce pain, and promote relaxation without the psychoactive effects of THC.
- Topicals for Pain-Relief
Cannabis-infused topicals like balms, creams, lotions, and salves offer localized relief when applied to sore muscles or joints. These products are best for targeted pain management, reducing inflammation and soothing muscle tension after intense workouts without entering the blood.
- Edibles for Long-Lasting Effects
Edibles like gummies and protein bars infused with cannabis, provide long-lasting effects, making them ideal for long-term relief from muscle soreness and stress. Although they take much longer to kick in, their sustained benefits can support post-workout recovery and relaxation over longer periods.
- Powders
Like protein powders, cannabis also comes in the form of powders, which can be blended with protein shakes or smoothies, before or after workouts. These powders contain THC or CBD in precise doses, so they can get just the amount that’s required to deal with pain, inflammation, anxiety, or to simply get a boost for focusing on working out.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Cannabis can greatly improve workout efficiency as we’ve seen, but it does need careful consideration. Research and studies are ongoing to further prove how beneficial the substance can be for several factors such as managing pain, reducing inflammation, increasing focus and calming nerves.
Athletes should approach cannabis use with careful consideration, staying informed and mindful of their health and performance goals. It’s best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before incorporating cannabis for workout benefits.
