Could CBD Be Your New Favourite Workout Supplement?
As we’ve all learned by now, maintaining a fitness routine in a lockdown can be challenging. Gyms and exercise classes are frequently shut, while ordering in food is one of the few sources of enjoyment we have left when other social outings are not accessible. Plus, the effects of the pandemic have had a serious impact on our mental health, leading to depression and a lack of motivation.
Despite these new challenges, moving your body is more important than ever. While exercising regularly is always good for your body and mind, keeping fit in the current situation can go a long way to boost your immunity, improve your connection with yourself, and brighten your mood. And there are a wide range of products and supplements on the market that can help you with your workout, even in a pandemic.
There are a lot of pills and powders out there making big claims of fast weight loss or muscle gain. They might be touted by influencers and celebrities, but supplements are not well-regulated, so it’s impossible to know what you’re actually getting. If you thought natural supplements were harmless, you might want to think again - they’re just as unregulated as any other wellness product.
Except for CBD, the all-natural alternative to dodgy or synthetic workout supplements. CBD for exercise is already a hot favourite of top athletes. Now the general public is paying attention to this cannabis-derived plant extract for fitness, as it’s more widely available than ever.
Plus, CBD is strictly controlled. Reputable purveyors like MUKOOMI will always provide a Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) for their CBD products, which means they are extensively lab-tested and approved. Unlike the vast majority of wellness supplements, you can be sure that CBD is safe and effective.
But how exactly is CBD supposed to improve your fitness? Here’s everything you need to know about CBD and for exercise.
Why Consider CBD Products for Workouts?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is distilled from the stems and stalks of the hemp plant. It has no psychoactive compounds, yet offers many benefits for exercise. Not only is CBD proven to reduce pain and inflammation after a heavy workout, it can also improve performance during your workout.
CBD is an all-natural supplement that is safe to consume. Unless you have an allergy, you can regularly take CBD before or after your workout without worrying about negative side effects. That’s a major reason so many fitness professionals prefer CBD over conventional medications: it’s a long-term solution rather than a quick painkiller or energy boost.
How Does CBD Help Workouts and Recovery?
There are so many ways CBD can be used as both a pre-workout and post-workout supplement.
No pain, yes gain
Most pain relievers simply block the receptors that allow your brain to process pain. But pain is a useful sign from our body, and masking it can lead to injuries when you overdo a workout. CBD, however, addresses pain in a holistic manner. With its combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and a circulation boost, the relief from pain is real.
Recovery and repair
CBD is one of the strongest natural anti-inflammatories around. When your muscles are sore and inflamed, or when you’ve aggravated an injury due to working out too hard, it’s CBD to the rescue.
Cardio kick
CBD is a vasorelaxant, which means it relaxes the arteries and veins to allow for increased blood flow. When you’re exercising, that translates into better circulation and oxygenation of your muscles - so your cardio routine is even more effective for good heart health.
Get in the mood
Finding the energy for a good workout can feel daunting sometimes. Many people find it hard to get past performance anxiety about going to gyms and fitness classes, body insecurities, and the isolation of lockdown. For athletes, the prospect of a big match can be nerve-wracking. CBD has a powerful calming effect on anxiety and fear by acting directly on your ECS, or endocannabinoid system.
The ECS regulates many of your body’s systems and functions, including your mood, hormones, and digestion. In the process , CBD helps balance cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. It can improve your stamina and bring you closer to the “runner’s high”, where the endorphins from exercise lift your spirits. Find your drive and motivation with pre-workout CBD.
Sleep Better
One of the most important roles CBD can play in your fitness routine is not in the gym, but the bedroom. When it comes to healing and recovery from a workout, all the pricey pills and potions aren’t a substitute for a good night’s sleep. Having CBD at night helps you doze off faster and have a deep, restful sleep.
Pre or Post Workout?
Clearly, the benefits of CBD for fitness are a lot more than the standard protein bar or electrolyte sports drink. As supplements go, CBD can benefit your mental state before you exercise, help your body get the most out of your workout, assist your post-workout recovery, and provide pain relief and sleep aid. Depending on what makes sense for you and your fitness goals, you can choose to use CBD as a pre- or post-workout supplement.
But yet another benefit of CBD is that you don’t really have to choose. CBD is well-tolerated in most people, and taking a small dose before and after your workout is unlikely to cause any adverse effects. MUKOOMI CBD Hemp Oil is the most unadulterated supplement you can find, made with 100% organic CBD extract in pure hemp seed oil. With a convenient dropper, you can adjust your dosage to your preference, and easily add a drop or two into your pre-workout snack. Bonus: the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins in hemp seed oil make this a nutrition supplement, too.
After a workout, you can dose more CBD Hemp Oil if you like, or apply a few drops on any bruises and sore muscles. Take another drop or two before bed for a soothing sleep. If you’re new to using CBD products, start slow with one drop at a time and monitor the results. The most important thing is that CBD can help you develop a fitness routine that works for you. After all, the motto for 2022 is that health is wealth.
