Cannabinoids, especially in the form of cannabidiol(CBD), have been some of the popular supplements among those intending to improve after-workout recovery in recent years. CBD is mostly applauded for being non-psychoactive and also because of its therapeutic properties which include but are not limited to reducing anxiety, inflammation or pain and most importantly the huge role it plays in muscle recovery. When integrated into an exercise routine, cannabinoids can be beneficial in workout recovery. In this article, we'll explore the effects of CBD for athletes.
CBD and Workout Recovery
Exercise recovery is a very serious part of any workout, but more and more athletes or regulars are trying to find out how CBD—a cannabis extract—can help with it.
As fitness goals become more challenging, many people report that CBD helps them to ease post-workout discomfort and experience better recovery in general.
Below is a deeper look at how CBD can help with recovery, how to fit it into your exercise routine and also how it will affect your workout:
The Science Behind It
The cannabis plant contains a host of cannabinoids, among which the use of CBD is implemented for anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving purposes. Whenever you physically train or have an aerobic exercise, your muscles go through stress in particular after an intense workout commonly causing microtears. This is quite normal for developing mass and endurance. On the other hand, they also cause soreness, in particular Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), which always tends to interfere with your performance in succeeding workout sessions.
This is where cannabinoids such as CBD may help in minimizing the inflammation and irritation from these micro tears. Multiple studies suggest that CBD offers sooner relief because this reduces the muscle soreness, hence you are back to your routine sooner. The anti-inflammatory property of CBD can also help a lot in reducing pains associated with recovery and for this reason it is encouraged to work with CBD to enhance your exercise routine.
Healing is a very serious part of any workout, but more and more athletes or regulars are trying to find out how CBD—a cannabis extract—can help with it. As fitness goals become more challenging, many are reaching for CBD to ease post-workout achiness and experience better recovery in general. Below is a deeper look at how CBD can help with workout recovery and how to fit it into your exercise routine.
The link between CBD and recovery lies in how CBD comes to affect individuals differently, but in theory, it works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS mediates functions such as pain, mood, and inflammation—all of which are important for recovery after a workout.
Some examples of how CBD has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects include faster recovery post-workout mostly when one includes a CBD pre-workout routine. Unlike THC, CBD use does not produce the psychoactive effects typically associated with cannabis.
Types of CBD products include CBD oil tinctures, CBD gummies, CBD creams, and CBD topical. Each form of CBD interacts with the body differently, offering various benefits based on the method of delivery.
Studies Supporting CBD in Recovery
Various studies have shown that CBD may be beneficial for people who regularly workout to the next level. Some studies on CBD for athletes suggest that the compound may reduce muscle swelling, improve sleep patterns, and speed up recovery times even after minutes of exercise.
Adding CBD to Your Workout Routine
Many active workout enthusiasts are taking advantage of CBD for added recovery after a successful workout. Depending on how you feel it could benefit you, there are various ways to add CBD into your routine—whether with oils, topicals, or edibles like CBD gummies.
Pre-Workout Benefits of CBD
Taking CBD right before your workout might provide unique benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties can improve exercise performance and reduce the chances of injury. Some people take CBD right before workouts, while others prefer it for managing stress and increasing focus during the session.
Post-Workout Benefits of CBD
Recovery following resistance exercise is where CBD comes into play the most. Many athletes use topical CBD products, such as CBD creams or oils, which they apply directly to muscles to reduce inflammation and aid recovery. This reduces pain and stiffness after a hard workout and assists to improve muscle recovery for the next workout.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
The amount of CBD you should take depends on your body weight, metabolism, and workout intensity. Many CBD users experiment with different dosages to find what works best for them. Since CBD affects individuals differently, you may need to adjust your dosage over time.
Amplifying Your Gym Experience with CBD
When it comes to using CBD to enhance recovery, many fitness enthusiasts find that incorporating CBD into their workout routine can take their exercise to the next level and also has other different benefits. CBD is thought to help in helping you reach your fitness goals more efficiently.
For those experiencing muscle stiffness after physical activity, CBD topicals—such as creams or balms—offer targeted relief for specific areas of discomfort.
CBD and Exercise: What You Need to Know
There is a strong relationship between CBD and the body's natural recovery process. CBD's ability to reduce inflammation and improve focus can help athletes push through strenuous workouts and recover more quickly afterward.
Balancing CBD with THC
When discussing CBD and THC, it's important to note that CBD is beneficial on its own, without the psychoactive effects of THC. However, some athletes prefer full-spectrum CBD products that contain small amounts of THC for added potency.
Why Use CBD for Workout Recovery?
The potential benefits of integrating CBD into your fitness regimen to take your workout to another level are immense. This is mainly because the connection between CBD and shortening recovery time is significant. Whether you choose pure CBD, full-spectrum CBD, or a specific type of CBD isolate, incorporating CBD into your daily routine can improve recovery time and reduce post-workout soreness.
By adding CBD to your fitness plan, you may experience better rest and recovery & overall better workout performance.