Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a versatile supplement within the fitness community, highly regarded by top athletes in disciplines such as strongman competitions, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and CrossFit.
Its incorporation into post-workout recovery routines alongside staples like protein and carbohydrates is a testament to its effectiveness. Here’s an exploration of how CBD can enhance your workout experience by reducing muscle soreness, increasing endurance, and improving overall recovery.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce a high. Instead, it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating pain, immune system responses, and stress relief.
Benefits of CBD for Exercise
Increased Endurance
CBD may help enhance endurance by reducing the perception of effort and discomfort during prolonged physical activity. This is particularly beneficial for endurance athletes who need to maintain consistent performance over time.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration
CBD’s potential to improve focus and concentration can be crucial for athletes. Its calming effects on the mind help maintain mental clarity and concentration throughout workouts, allowing for more effective training sessions.
Pain Management
As a natural anti-inflammatory, CBD helps manage pain and inflammation post-exercise. It’s particularly effective in treating delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), allowing for quicker recovery and readiness for the next workout.
Sleep Improvement
Adequate sleep is essential for muscle repair and overall recovery. CBD is known to enhance the quality of sleep, helping athletes recover faster and perform better.
Anxiety Reduction
CBD has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, which can be beneficial before a high-stakes competition or training session, helping athletes remain calm and focused.
How to Incorporate CBD Into Your Workout Routine
Choosing the Right CBD Product
– CBD Oil and Tinctures: Fast-acting, suitable for pre and post-workout. They can be taken sublingually for quick absorption.
– Topicals: Creams and balms are ideal for localized pain and inflammation, perfect for application directly on sore muscles.
– Edibles and Capsules: Provide longer-lasting effects, best used for sustained relief over the entire day or night.
Timing and Dosage
– The timing of CBD intake can affect its efficacy. For pre-workout focus and anxiety reduction, take CBD 30 minutes before your session. For recovery, CBD should be used immediately post-workout or before bed to enhance sleep.
– Start with a lower dose to assess your body’s response, then adjust accordingly. Typical dosages start from 10mg up to 25mg per session, depending on individual tolerance and needs.
CBD Oil Smoothies
What is the easiest and best way to add CBD to your smoothie? The easiest way to integrate CBD into your smoothies is through a CBD tincture; we have different tincture strengths and flavors that can help you out.
You’ll want to start with a small dose of CBD, or the recommended dose from our quiz, and measure your reaction. Over time, you can gradually increase the dose until you achieve your desired result; we recommend increasing your dosage by 5mg after at least one week of use from the initial dose amount.
By adding a full-spectrum CBD tincture to your smoothie, the vitamins and minerals of the CBD are easily absorbed into the body. The oil should blend easily with the rest of your smoothie if you’re using a blender or even just by shaking vigorously – depending on your taste preference, we have unflavoured and peppermint varieties.
Potential Cons of Using CBD in Workouts
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, it’s essential to consider:
– Interactions: CBD can interact with other medications. Consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you are on prescribed medications.
– Regulation Issues: The CBD market can vary in product quality and consistency. Always opt for third-party tested products from reputable sources to ensure purity and potency.
– Side Effects: Though rare, CBD can cause side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, or changes in appetite in some individuals.
Final Thoughts
CBD offers a promising addition to any athlete’s regimen, capable of enhancing physical performance, recovery, and overall wellbeing.
As with any supplement, it’s crucial to use CBD thoughtfully and in conjunction with a balanced diet, proper hydration, and adequate sleep to maximize its benefits. Always discuss new supplements with a healthcare provider to ensure they fit safely into your health and fitness goals.
