Working out during the holidays is not an easy task. With all the delicious food that you’re bound to eat, the extra pounds may require a little extra effort in the gym. Fitness enthusiasts have started to question if it’s possible to use cannabis to take their workouts to the next level — the answer is yes.
There’s a long list of benefits to using cannabis, some of which you may already know, but what about using it to enhance your fitness routine? Could cannabis help gear up for your workout and cool down after? How much should you use? Let’s explore some of the options that can get your body ready for the new year.
Microdose before a long run
The practice of microdosing involves taking small doses of cannabis in increments throughout the day. What are the benefits? You end up feeling the subtle effects of cannabinoids for a more extended period while still functioning at your best level.
Imagine going on a long distance run or a one hour jog after microdosing. Instead of feeling too relaxed, your senses will be heightened. Your mind will also be more focused and peaceful — running will be a journey instead of another “task” on your to-do list.
Use cannabis as a post-workout reward
When we think of a reward after working out, we can think of a myriad of things like eating a healthy meal, resting, or just basking in the heightened dopamine levels. Cannabis can also serve as that reward. Often we think of the flower as a reward for other conditions like a long day at work, but it’s also a great post-workout treat.
Using cannabis can help you physically recover from any workout induced strain or pain, something we will outline later. Once you get home after a long day, unwinding or moving on to another task takes time. Let cannabis do the work for you. It will not only speed up your physical recovery time and put you in a great mood. You’ll also train your body to associate a reward with working out — which increases your motivation!
CBD for yoga
Yoga in all its variations offers some of the same benefits as directly using cannabis. The American Osteopathic Association reports that yoga has a long list of uses from encouraging weight loss to stress management. Maintaining the practice consistently over long periods also increases the great qualities the method provides. It’s also considered a natural treatment for many mental health issues.
Non-psychoactive CBD products like oils and infused foods before yoga is an easy way to take your practice to a new level. Try using it at least one hour before your session, be mindful of your dosage, and adjust later as needed.
Using CBD:THC products to reduce post-workout soreness
After a long workout, sure, the first thing you should do is stretch to loosen up tight muscles. But what about the knawing aches from leg day? According to research, cannabis has proven to be a useful pharmacotherapy in treating chronic and acute pain.
There are also non-psychoactive CBD topicals that you can rub on sore muscles in the form of balms and lotions. Whichever you choose, the effects will last and allow you to go about the rest of your day with ease.
Now that you know how to include cannabis into your workout routine, it’s time to grab your yoga mat or your favorite running shoes and get to it! You can thank us later.
