If you’re a fitness enthusiast, you want to make the most out of your workouts. It’s not just about the workout; it’s about what you pair with it. However, with so many products and services out there to help you, it can be hard to know what to try.
You may have heard about using CBD before, during or after your workouts. But is it worth the hype? We think so. Whether you know nothing or everything about using CBD for fitness, we’ve provided everything you need to know to make the decision that’s best for you!
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. While CBD is in both variations of the cannabis plant, hemp and marijuana, it’s predominantly found in hemp. In order for CBD to be federally legal, it must come from the hemp plant and contain less than 0.3% THC.
CBD also impacts our body’s endocannabinoid system. This system plays important roles in regulating and balancing many processes in the body, such as immune response, cell communication, appetite, metabolism and more.
For more detailed information on CBD and what it does, you can refer to our blog post here.
Why Use CBD for Fitness?
While CBD has many uses, these are the best reasons to use CBD in your fitness journey.
Reduce Inflammation
-
CBD is anti-inflammatory. Studies have found that CBD helps with chronic pain because it impacts endocannabinoid receptor activity and interacts with neurotransmitters. As inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and muscle exertion, athletes can use CBD to prevent excessive pain from exercise.
Improve Energy
-
CBD activates certain areas of our brain, including the neurons in the areas responsible for waking up and alertness. In low doses, CBD can act as a stimulant. It creates an all-natural, sustained boost energy that lasts longer than other stimulants. This energy may even help distract you from pain. Who wouldn’t want more energy during a workout?
Muscle Recovery
-
On top of inflammation relief, CBD relaxes our muscles and prevents delayed onset muscle soreness. Especially with injuries, muscle tension around affected areas will make pain much worse. Research shows that CBD affects the same receptors that certain prescriptions do, but without the severe side-effects. So, CBD may be a helpful muscle relaxant to ease tension and pain, whether you’re injured or not
Stress Reduction
-
CBD is often used to reduce stress and anxiety. Prior to competitions or rigorous workouts, the body can experience higher levels of stress, resulting in burnout or exhaustion. “CBD can help restore balance to the endocannabinoid system by preventing overstimulation of your CB1 receptors and boosting your body’s production of endocannabinoids,” (Foira Wellness).
Better Sleep
-
The more calm and energized you are, the better your workouts will be. Studies show that CBD may support sleep. This includes helping those who have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, sleeping deeper or waking up refreshed.