Zero post-workout recovery will only render your whole workout routine useless. This is because after working hard, your body needs to heal and repair any damaged muscle tissues. This repairing and healing process will allow you to see positive results from your workout.
Even if the post-workout recovery is important, many people struggle to find the right practices or supplements to help them recover. Fortunately, cannabidiol (CBD) might help you in this regard. But first, what is CBD?
What is CBD?
CBD is only one of over a hundred naturally occurring compounds, also called cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant. One of the other famous compounds found in the same plant is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the euphoric effect usually associated with the marijuana or cannabis plant.
This effect is why some people have some reluctance over CBD products as there’s a stigma associated with the plant. After all, many people associate marijuana users as lazy and laid-back people, which is the polar opposite of people who work out consistently. (1)
However, even if it’s closely related to THC, CBD is devoid of any psychotropic effects. On the contrary, CBD may deliver a bunch of positive medicinal effects. Also, since high levels of THC may cause these psychotropic effects, health officials released regulations that CBD products should only contain 0.3% of this compound. Because of these regulations, you can consume CBD products safely without experiencing any mind-altering effects. This allows your body to focus on the benefits that CBD provides, especially when it comes to post-recovery. (1)
Benefits of CBD for post-workout recovery
Like cyclists, runners, and weightlifters, various athletes have found that CBD actually shortened their recovery time, enabling them to continue in their workouts more quickly. Additionally, athletes and non-athletes noticed that CBD might help ease any soreness and pain they’re experiencing. So how exactly does CBD help with post-workout recovery?
If you live in the state of Colorado, before you check the best Boulder MMJ dispensaries that deliver CBD products right at your doorstep, take note of these benefits you can gain when you use CBD for your post-workout healing process first:
1. Relieve muscle soreness
Regardless of your experience, it’s imminent that you’ll find yourself sore after a workout session. However, your delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) should determine your whole workout routine.
Research shows that CBD oil or any CBD products may help relieve DOMS or any exercise-induced muscle damage. This is because one of CBD’s healing properties is said to reduce bodily aches, inflammation, and muscle pain. In addition to taking any anti-inflammatory medicines to relieve muscle soreness due to your workout session, it’s best to resort to Denver dispensaries as well. (2)
To incorporate CBD into your post-workout routine, use a few drops of CBD oil in your post-workout smoothie or juice, enabling your muscles to feel better and allowing you to continue your routine without skipping a gym day.
2. Recovers injury
Anyone can agree that it’s frustrating and painful to experience any kind of injury, especially if you’re an athlete. Not only can it restrict your daily routine, but you’ll also miss out on going to the gym for weeks or even months for you to recuperate. However, some experts believe that CBD may help reduce pain and promote a faster recovery process because of the compound’s anti-inflammatory nature. That’s why there are plenty of athletes who incorporate CBD into their recovery plans. (3)
Moreover, many people now prefer natural remedies to counteract any pain over OTC options, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Even if NSAIDs such as ibuprofen is shown to be effective in reducing pain, these drugs may have dangerous side effects, especially when overused. Side effects of NSAIDs may include cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and kidney problems. (3)
As a natural option, CBD may not cause these side effects. But it may still have a few side effects, just not as serious as NSAIDs. Thus, people may prefer CBD for relieving pain. (3)
3. Promotes good quality sleep
Sleep is often an ignored factor when it comes to recovery. Even if you’re not moving a muscle while you’re sleeping, it’s still an important factor in your workout routine. For one, sleep provides your body ample time to recover, repair, and build up muscles you’ve worked out during your exercise. Additionally, when you get quality sleep, your body produces growth hormones. These hormones are one of the key factors of giving you lean muscles and helping your body repair, making them essential for post-workout recovery. (4)
Fortunately, to receive good-quality sleep naturally, you can opt to include CBD products in your nighttime routine. Not only will CBD give you good-quality sleep, but it may also support good sleep cycles, giving you sufficient energy for the next day.
4. Encourages mobility
Studies regarding CBD’s pharmacological effects show that the compound encourages mobility in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS symptoms include the reduction of functional mobility and physical activity. CBD’s alleged antioxidative, antiemetic, neuroprotective, antipsychotic, and anti-inflammatory properties have played an important role in significantly managing these symptoms. (5)
Therefore, athletes who use CBD have lower susceptibility to MS. By using the product consistently, they can be as nimble and agile, which are important characteristics of an athlete.
Takeaway
Having a fitness program demands your concentration and focus, which is why not all people are going to be successful. But people who regularly go to the gym have seen numerous benefits from CBD in their workout routines.
For one, CBD may help ease any post-workout soreness, allowing you to continue your routine without feeling any pain. Second, CBD also promotes good quality sleep, which is another important factor for your workout routine to be successful.
However, before incorporating CBD into your life, make sure you consult a health professional first. By doing so, you’ll get advice on the dosage and the best type of CBD for your preferences. You can use CBD as a post-workout recovery properly without worrying if it has any negative consequences.
References
- “CBD FOR RECOVERY AND RELIEF”, Source: https://apothemlabs.com/blogs/news/cbd-for-recovery-and-relief
- “The influence cannabidiol on delayed onset of muscle soreness”, Source: https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2020/vol7issue2/PartB/7-2-4-412.pdf
- “CBD for Post-Workout Recovery”, Source: https://borncbd.com/cbd-for-post-workout-recovery/
- “The Intimate Relationship Between Fitness and Sleep”, Source: https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/intimate-relationship-between-fitness-sleep/
- “Cannabidiol to Improve Mobility in People with Multiple Sclerosis”, Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00183/full