CBD And Working Out: All the Benefits and Risks to Consider

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is on the rise for several scientifically-backed benefits, ranging from treating serious conditions like childhood epilepsy syndromes to aiding in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, to name a few. However, despite the rise in CBD for treating many issues, fewer people know the benefits of CBD and working out. 

While it’s a relatively new discovery, there is significant evidence showing the benefit of CBD to help with post-workout recovery and pre-workout preparation. But with the massive range of research currently being done on CBD, you might wonder: what are the concrete benefits of CBD and working out that studies have shown? 

CBD can bring your workouts and recovery to the next level in several ways. This blog will help you identify the primary reasons to consider using CBD to enhance your workout by describing what CBD is, its benefits and uses, and the potential cons of using CBD when working out. Let’s dive in! 

What is CBD? 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid taken from the cannabis plant. CBD products with lower than 0.3% THC are permitted under federal law for numerous therapeutic purposes without the psychoactive elements associated with many THC products. 

CBD doesn’t alter the state of a person’s mind when it’s used, but it has plenty of benefits that make it a viable option for treating various conditions. CBD can cause bodily changes and unlock numerous health benefits when used correctly. It’s typically derived from industrial hemp, and its most common form is CBD oil, closely followed by flower, tinctures, and topicals. 

The Benefits of CBD for Exercise 

Studies have shown that CBD has numerous potential benefits for exercise. Let’s explore the primary advantages of incorporating CBD into your workout routine. 

1. Increased Endurance

Some CBD users report that CBD improves endurance during physical activities, making it a viable solution to help you exercise for longer periods–something especially important for endurance athletes, who often exercise for lengthy periods and require the stamina to exert the same amount of effort over time. 

CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation, something critical for workout recovery and reduced muscle and joint stiffness. Additionally, because inflammation increases the risk of workout injuries, CBD helps avoid workout-related pain for athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts. With CBD, you can push through exercise with less discomfort, making it a valuable aid to take your workout to the next level. 

2. Enhanced Focus and Concentration

Maintaining focus and concentration is essential for a successful workout, and some evidence indicates that CBD can enhance these elements to guarantee a beneficial workout. Though more research is needed to confirm CBD’s ability to enhance focus and concentration, the substance’s calming effect on the mind can help athletes stay mentally sharp during training or casual workouts. 

Since CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, it doesn’t have the drowsy effects often associated with high-THC cannabis products. So, if you’re struggling to maintain focus and stamina at the gym, you can try CBD! 

3. Pain Management

CBD is well-known as a potential treatment for chronic pain, and athletes and workout enthusiasts can certainly benefit from this effect. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a massive role in regulating pain perception.

Treating issues like post-workout muscle tension and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) makes CBD an effective option to facilitate faster recovery times and reduce the need for over-the-counter pain relievers to combat the symptoms of a good workout. 

4. As a Sleeping Aid

Given how important adequate rest and recovery are for optimal exercise performance, CBD is critical to promote a good night of sleep. Many users claim that CBD is effective in helping you fall and stay asleep, enhancing your overall fitness, and ensuring you stay healthy and have energy during the day. 

Sleep isn’t only important to give you energy for your daily workout–it’s also critical to post-workout recovery, as our bodies heal faster when we sleep. If you struggle with sleep and insomnia symptoms, CBD can significantly enhance your overall well-being and motivate you to hit the gym the day after an intensive workout. 

5. To Combat Anxiety and Arousal

Studies have found that CBD has a positive impact on anxiety-related REM sleep suppression, while numerous other studies suggest that CBD is generally effective in treating anxiety symptoms and hyper-arousal. For people who commonly struggle with pre-exercise anxiety, CBD can lower your doubts and allow you to approach workouts with a calmer mindset. 

6. To Promote Mobility

Individuals struggling with mobility during a workout can benefit from incorporating CBD into their pre- and post-workout regimen. CBD is especially effective in treating mobility issues for people with conditions like arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties help people struggling with joint pain and mobility problems after an intense workout, supporting better joint function and mobility so you can engage in physical activities without too much stress on your body. CBD might be the solution for you if you’re looking to recover quicker from your post-workout soreness. 

How to Incorporate CBD Into Your Exercise Routine 

Using CBD for a specific amount of time can enhance your workout routine, especially if you follow the correct protocol for incorporating CBD into your daily exercise activities: 

Choosing the Right CBD Product 

Taking advantage of the effects of CBD starts by choosing a CBD product that suits your workout goals. Several types of CBD products are available, including CBD oil, gummies, topicals, and other options, and depending on your consumption preferences, you might choose one over the other. 

Another factor to consider before purchasing a CBD product is whether you want full-spectrum or isolate CBD. Full-spectrum CBD has small amounts of other cannabis compounds, including terpenes and flavonoids, and is typically considered a more effective product. Isolate CBD products are pure CBD with nothing else added, and while their effects might not be as profound, they still have all the benefits of CBD mentioned above. 

Before purchasing, guarantee that you choose a high-quality product from a reputable source. Seek lab-tested and verified products to ensure they are potent and pure and won’t cause any unforeseen side effects that limit their helpfulness. 

Timing and Dosage 

Another consideration to enhance your workout with CBD is the timing and dosage of your CBD intake. CBD will have different benefits for pre- and post-workout, so determining the best time to take it will contribute to how well you can meet your exercise goals. 

• For sublingual CBD, such as oil drops and tinctures, effects typically begin within 15-20 minutes after administration. 
   
• For topical CBD, such as creams, lotions, and balms, effects typically begin anywhere from 10 to 90 minutes after administration, depending on the individual. 
   
• For oral CBD, like capsules and edibles, effects take around 20 minutes to begin but can take up to 90 minutes for some people. 
   

Ultimately, consistency is critical when you’re using CBD for exercise. Once you find a time when CBD is most effective for your workout, stick to it and incorporate it into your routine to experience all the benefits this substance offers.

Also, consider the amount of CBD you take–it’s best to start with a lower dose to see how CBD affects your system and whether or not you feel it’s helpful for your workout. 

Combining CBD With Other Wellness Practices 

CBD before a workout is best combined with other wellness practices to enhance your exercise experience. No matter how effective your CBD pre-workout routine seems, you can’t maximize the benefits of this substance without some basic wellness practices: 

• Hydration: Always stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise, as some CBD users report dehydration as a side effect of CBD use. 
   
• Nutrition: A balanced diet is critical to an effective workout and overall well-being. Always combine CBD with a healthy, well-rounded nutrition plan for maximum benefits and a satisfying workout experience. 
   
• Stretching and recovery: You need to prepare your body pre-workout and take care of it post-workout, and combining CBD with stretching and recovery practices like foam rolling, massaging, and other mobility methods can support muscle recovery while widening blood vessels. 

Potential Risks and Considerations 

While fitness enthusiasts can benefit from using CBD in their workout routines, there are risks to consider before implementing CBD into your exercise schedule. Keep the following in mind: 

• Talk with your doctor: Before including CBD in your workout routine, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional. This step is especially important for people with underlying medical conditions or on other medications, as your doctor can provide personalized guidance to use CBD safely. 
   
• Drug interactions: CBD can interact with various medications, making it essential to proceed cautiously if you’re on other prescription medications. Before using CBD, disclose this to your healthcare provider to ensure no adverse interactions with current medications. 
   
• Legality and regulations: Before purchasing CBD, ensure it’s legal in your area and check for applicable regulations. 
   
• Individual sensitivity and tolerance: CBD affects individuals differently, like any substance, and you might be more sensitive to CBD than others. Factors like metabolism, weight, genetics, and overall health all influence how CBD is absorbed and its impact on your body. When introducing CBD into your routine, start with a low dose and increase based on your needs. 
   
• Potential side effects: CBD is typically well-tolerated and safe, but you might experience some side effects. These include dry mouth and dehydration, dizziness, fatigue, changes in appetite, and diarrhea. Monitor your body’s response to the substance before continuing use. 

Embark on a Fitness Journey with Chicago Athletic Clubs 

Staying healthy and enhancing your overall well-being is possible when you invest in your health. Chicago Athletic Clubs has the necessary workout resources to live healthier. Become a member today and embark on your fitness journey.