Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or just starting your fitness journey, you're probably looking for ways to optimize your workout routine. One option that has been gaining popularity in recent years is CBD, a non-intoxicating compound found in the cannabis plant.
CBD is believed to have various potential health benefits, including improving symptoms related to discomfort and sleep and promoting relaxation. In this blog, we will explore how to use CBD for your workouts and to help you get the most out of your exercise regimen.
What Is CBD?
Before we get started, here is a brief background on CBD. CBD is one of many chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD is becoming increasingly popular as a natural wellness substance. New research is exploring all the possible benefits that CBD has to offer.
Another well-known cannabinoid is THC. Unlike CBD, THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid that gives the user a " high " feeling. CBD does not have psychoactive effects. CBD is well known for its potential benefits for assisting mood, discomfort, and sleep symptoms.
CBD was made legal on a federal level with the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 or the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as it does not contain more than 0.3% THC. While it is legal on a federal level, each state and local areas have their own laws and regulations for CBD. It is important to check those laws and regulations for your particular area before purchasing and using CBD.
How To Use CBD For Workouts
There are many different ways to incorporate CBD into your workout routine. You can use CBD for pre-workout help, and you can also use CBD for post-workout help.
It can help in the preparation and recovery of your workout routine to help maximize your success. There are a few different topics to consider when using CBD for workouts. Let's discuss a few of those.
1. Talk To Your Doctor
If you're considering using CBD as part of your workout routine, it's important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you determine if CBD is safe for you to use and if it's likely effective based on your needs.
Hopefully, they will look at your overall health, medications, and any potential side effects you may be prone to. They should be your first stop on your CBD journey.
2. Choose The Right Form of CBD
After you have talked with your doctor, it's time to find the right type of CBD that is best for you. Many different forms of CBD are available, including tinctures, capsules, topicals, and edibles. Each CBD form has its unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to choose the best form for your needs.
For example, a topical CBD cream may be the best option if you're looking for targeted discomfort and immediate relief. A CBD tincture or edible may be a better choice if you're looking to assist with general discomfort.
Each form of CBD has its own benefits. Topical CBD cream has a more immediate effect but may not last as long as other types of CBD. Capsules and edibles take longer to feel the effects because they require going through the digestive system. Still, they last longer than CBD topical creams. Tinctures allow CBD to enter the bloodstream quicker, allowing the effects to be felt faster and last longer.
You will want to avoid CBD products that contain high levels of THC before or during your workout because THC taken in quantities larger than 5mg could impair judgment and cause other issues that could affect performance during your exercise.
CBD products that contain THC are usually labeled as either Full-spectrum CBD or mainly listed as THC. It is safer to purchase broad-spectrum or Isolate CBD for your pre-workout routine. CBD products containing THC would be a better post-workout option for recovery at night when trying to sleep.
3. Start With A Low Dose
After choosing the type of CBD to use, let's talk about the dosage. If you're new to using CBD, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it until you find the dose that works best for you is important. This will help you avoid any unwanted side effects and ensure you get the maximum benefits from CBD.
When finding the right dosage for you, it is important to consider your weight and body composition. The higher the weight, the more CBD is needed to feel the potential effects.
It is also important to remember that every person's body is different and will react differently. Dosage is not a one-size-fits-all with CBD, so don't be afraid to play around with the dosage with the help of your doctor.
For more information on picking the right dosage, visit our CBD dosage calculator.
4. Use CBD Before or After Your Workout
Now, let's move on to how to use CBD for your workout. CBD can be used before or after your workout to help you get the most out of your exercise regimen.
If you're using CBD for pre-workout, it may help to promote discomfort relief, which can help to improve your overall performance and the quality of your workout. This may also help to push through previously sore muscles to help you push yourself harder during your workout.
If you're using CBD for post-workout, it may help to reduce muscle soreness and promote recovery, allowing you to get back to your next workout faster and reduce the chances of starting your cheat day early.
It can also potentially promote better sleep, which is crucial to muscle recovery. If you want a more detailed description of CBD for post-workout recovery, check out our blog titled "How to use CBD for Muscle Recovery."
5. Combine CBD With Other Healthy Habits
While CBD can be a helpful addition to your workout routine, it's important to remember that it's not a magic solution. To get the most out of your exercise regimen, combining CBD with other healthy habits, such as eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep is important.
Combining these healthy habits with all you have learned about CBD for workouts may improve your workout and overall health. CBD will not make you more fit; it may simply improve the recovery journey along the way.
How Much CBD Should You Take When Exercising?
Determining the appropriate dosage of CBD oil when exercising can vary depending on factors such as individual body chemistry, the form of CBD product being used, and the intended purpose of supplementation. It's essential to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed while monitoring how your body responds.
A common starting dosage for CBD is around 10-20 milligrams, taken orally before exercise. However, some people may find that they need more or less depending on factors such as their weight, metabolism, and sensitivity to cannabinoids.
Additionally, if using CBD for specific purposes, such as managing pain or reducing inflammation associated with exercise, higher doses may be necessary. In such cases, doses of up to 50-100 milligrams or more may be appropriate.
Ultimately, finding the right dosage of CBD when exercising may require some trial and error. It's essential to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing allows you to gauge the effects. Experimentation to find the optimal balance is recommended for enhancing your workout routine.
All the above information applies strictly to oral CBD products. Different rules apply if you want to try a topical CBD cream. CBD cream before or after a workout is safe if you follow the suggested use on the label.
CBD and Exercising Risk
Exercising with CBD, particularly CBD that contains THC, carries several potential risks. Firstly, THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that can cause impairment and alter perception, potentially affecting coordination, balance, and reaction time during exercise. This could increase the risk of accidents or injuries, especially during activities that require focus and precision.
Secondly, CBD products containing THC may have varying levels of the compound, leading to unpredictable effects on the body. Higher concentrations of THC could result in stronger psychoactive effects, making it challenging to gauge how exercise performance may be impacted. Additionally, THC can cause anxiety or paranoia in some individuals, which could interfere with motivation or enjoyment of physical activity.
Moreover, both CBD and THC can interact with certain medications or supplements, potentially affecting how the body responds to exercise. These interactions could lead to unexpected side effects or reduced effectiveness of either the CBD, THC, or other substances being consumed.
Overall, individuals should exercise caution when combining CBD, especially with THC-containing products. The effects of CBD and THC combined warrant consult with a healthcare professional before taking. They can offer guidance on the potential risks and benefits based on your individual circumstances.
All the above information applies strictly to oral CBD products. Different rules apply if you want to try a topical CBD cream. CBD cream before or after a workout is safe if you follow the suggested use on the label. Even if the topical has THC in it, it should affect performance, as topicals are rarely absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.
Sum It Up!
CBD can be a helpful addition to your workout routine, providing various potential benefits, including potentially improving discomfort, promoting relaxation, and aiding in recovery.
If you're interested in integrating CBD into your workout routine, starting with a low dose is important. Choosing the right form of CBD, using it before and/or after your workout, combining it with other healthy habits, and talking to your doctor first. With these tips in mind, you can take your workout routine to the next level and achieve your fitness goals.
GREENIVE CBD PRODUCTS
