CBD promises to help with fitness and exercise improvements. It seems to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties that make it ideal for fitness fans. You can have it at supermarkets, holistic websites, and the common wellness stores on the streets. Some of the most popular CBD brands are owned, run, or managed by fitness enthusiasts who do a great job championing this product. Still, you may wonder whether CBD oil has anything to do with fitness and exercise improvement. This article takes you through all you need to know about CBD for exercise.
Understanding CBD
It is one of the active compounds or cannabinoids in cannabis plants, mostly hemp and marijuana. THC is yet another cannabinoid that is widely studied like CBD, only that it has psychoactive effects while CBD is non-psychoactive. You cannot get high from CBD, partly explaining why many people are after CBD oil. If you like CBD, you can try its tinctures, oils, serums, massage oils, shampoos, creams, vapes, capsules, and softgels. There are three types of CBD from which you can choose, including;
Full-spectrum CBD
This formulation comprises CBD, THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and multiple cannabinoids and is linked to a full entourage effect because of the many substances.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD has CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids but lacks THC. Still, it is linked to a full entourage effect and makes a great alternative for those yearning for a full entourage effect but want nothing to do with the psychoactive THC.
Isolate CBD
It comprises pure CBD without THC, terpenes, flavonoids, or additional cannabinoids. Although it lacks the full entourage effect of multiple cannabinoids, it makes a great option if you are looking for something with which to start the CBD regimen.
How CBD Helps with Fitness and Exercise Improvements
Does CBD have a thing to do with exercise and fitness? Kramer et al. (2020) noted that CBD could boost one’s performance and make fitness exercise more productive. According to the study, CBD oil has anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties that a fitness enthusiast can benefit from. For instance, the anxiolytic properties help him fight the anxiety that comes with exercise and what follows if he does not meet some targets. Neuroprotective properties are good for the brain and the nerves, keeping them healthy and free from damage from oxidative stress. Besides, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD that the study refers to help him recover from inflammation that might affect his joints or other sensitive areas. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD might also be helpful for muscle recovery after exercise sessions.
When IS the Best Time to take CBD for Exercise?
Are you contemplating making CBD part of your fitness regimen? You naturally would wonder when is the ideal time to take the cannabinoid. Generally, research on CBD is limited, and no studies have looked at the best time to take CBD for exercise. Still, a lot depends on your goals as you take CBD. For instance, if you treat CBD like a supplement and take it daily, say for relaxation, you might choose to take the cannabinoid every time you are done exercising, either in the morning or evening or whichever time of the day you go for your exercise. Contrarily, if you take CBD occasionally, say when your muscles ache, you might only take the cannabinoid when you have the issue at hand. As such, you will not need to have a routine per se. Still, most CBD fans who take CBD for fitness and exercise have made the cannabinoid part of their regimen.
Which Deliverable Method of CBD Should You Use for Exercise?
As mentioned in the preceding, research on CBD is limited, and a lot is yet to be unveiled about this cannabinoid. There is nothing as the best CBD deliverable method for exercise and fitness. Still, you might choose to take capsules, tinctures, or topicals for your exercise. For instance, when you injure your leg or a joint, you might need a topical CBD product like a cream that you will apply topically and massage to relieve. Meanwhile, if you use CBD as a supplement and have made it part of your daily regimen, capsules or tinctures might still apply. Some CBD users in the fitness industry choose to vape CBD oil, which is effective but risky at the same time. Admittedly, vaping CBD allows faster bioavailability and absorption, but you risk infecting your lungs and inhaling contaminants.
Pros of Using CBD for Exercise?
If you are looking to try CBD for exercise and fitness, you might wonder if there are any pros to choosing this route. Here are a few pros to count on;
- You might benefit from the therapeutic properties of CBD mentioned above
- You have many deliverable methods to choose from
- Some CBD deliverables like gummies feature many flavors and tastes that you enjoy as you benefit from the cannabinoid.
- You might not need a prescription from time to time once you have gotten into the mix.
Cons of CBD for Exercise and Fitness
CBD is like a coin with two sides. For instance, the following concerns come into the picture when you choose CBD for exercise;
- The long-term effect of CBD has not been established
- Some CBD users have reported less serious but adverse effects after using CBD
- The CBD industry is largely unregulated, and it is easy to take substandard products
- CBD is fairly new in the market, and it is expensive, yet many knowledge gaps surround its studies, creating room for many uncertainties
- There are no dosage recommendations for CBD, so you must consult a doctor before you incorporate the product into your regimen
Conclusion
Existing research promises that CBD might help with exercise. It is linked to anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties that help a fitness fan relax, recover from post-workout exhaustion, manage the stress that comes with not meeting targets, etc. Many uncertainties surround CBD use, including the lack of dosage recommendations, so you must consult a doctor before trying CBD.
References
Kramer, A., Sinclair, J., Sharpe, L., & Sarris, J. (2020). Chronic Cannabis Consumption And Physical Exercise Performance In Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 2(1), 1-8.
McCoy, B., Wang, L., Zak, M., Al‐Mehmadi, S., Kabir, N., Alhadid, K., … & Snead III, O. C. (2018). A prospective open‐label trial of a CBD/THC cannabis oil in dravet syndrome. Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 5(9), 1077-1088.
MS, University of Latvia
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
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