As a fitness enthusiast, you are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve your performance at the gym. Besides wearing the right clothes and effective warming before exercise, you are probably searching for supplements to boost your performance. One such supplement that has had a lot of attention currently is CBD. These products are increasingly becoming popular among us, but what are they? Are they safe to include in your workout routines? Read through the article to get complete answers.
What is CBD?
CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol. This is one of the products that are found in cannabis Sativa. Another common chemical found in the plant is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
And while THC is known for leaving people with the “high” feeling, CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical having similar effects with the feeling of being “stoned.”
Usually, CBD is produced from industrial hemp, a common plant that is produced for its seeds. It can also be gotten from cannabis or marijuana plant and still has THC.
The product is available in different forms such as pills and capsules, oils and tinctures, creams and lotions, vapes, or edibles. However, before using any form of CBD, it is required that you get full information about it and, if possible, consult a doctor for more advice on the same.
Though it is legally used in most parts of the world, there is still no conclusive research about its purported pain relief against different health conditions. However, a lot of people have confirmed that it helps relieve anxiety problems, Crohn’s disease, PTSD, pain relief, effects of cancer treatment, and sleep disorders.
Benefits of using CBD before a workout.
Used to foster better sleep hygiene
If you are one of those people who pack their gym attires and materials at night for their morning routine, then CBD is ideal for you. The product can easily be used during your bedtime hot coffee drink and build energy by the time you are up in the morning.
This effect can be justified by the fact that CBD itself is a sleeping aid. And it is from a good sleep, the body repairs itself and builds enough energy for the day.
To combat arousal and anxiety
Apart from physical exercise for better performance at the gym, we need to be emotionally and mentally prepared too. Arousal and anxiety are major issues of concern in sports psychology, especially physical and technical exercises.
Because CBD is a relaxing product without the effects of feeling “high,” consuming it before you hit your workout routine can significantly reduce the effects of anxiety and high blood pressure, allowing you to give your best performance.
Benefits of using CBD after a workout:
Used to relieve muscle pains
Whether you are a beginner or a consistent fitness observer, you’ll always experience post-workout inflammation and soreness. However, this does not imply that your delayed onset muscle soreness can determine the entire workout routine.
Several studies have shown that CBD can help reduce exercise-related muscle pains resulting from physical activity because of microscopic muscle fiber damages.
Whether applied topically or taken orally, this chemical is known to possess more pain-relieving properties than common protein supplements or ointments.
Reduce recovery time
The normal muscle soreness after workouts can make you have a longer recovery time and hinder your consistency in achieving your gym goals. While the use of CBD products will not replace the recovery time completely, it will reduce it significantly.
In a nutshell, instead of getting back to your routine after three days, you’ll feel better faster and hit the gym after 24 hours. As a beginner, quick recovery times will motivate you to push forward to your desired goals.
To promote mobility
Further research about CBD and its effects shows that the product can promote mobility in people living with Multiple Sclerosis. The disease has symptoms that hinder functional mobility and physical movement.
According to Frontiers in Neurology, CBD promotes mobility because it is antipsychotic, antiemetic, and oxidative, and neuroprotective.
Conclusion
Considering getting started on CBD for your workout routines? Consult your doctor first for the correct form and dosage to begin on. Start with small doses and increase depending on how it works on your body.
While some countries do not allow the use of CBD, its use has significantly increased owing to its health benefits like aiding sleep, pain-relieving, and reducing anxiety and performance arousal.
