Adding CBD to Your Workout Regimen

You’ve just finished a strenuous workout. Your muscles feel like hamburger meat. Maybe you’re feeling a little queasy or even full-on nauseous.

Sure, you can reach for those standard over-the-counter painkillers to help you through that discomfort.

But why not reach for medical cannabis instead?

Athletes and fitness buffs are beginning to add CBD products to their workout regimens. They’re enjoying many of the benefits that are associated with medical cannabis without even getting high.

Sounds like a good deal, right? Keep reading to find out how it works.

Why You Should Consider Ditching Those Over-The-Counter Painkillers

According to the New York Times, most people who work out regularly take ibuprofen to combat the pain they feel afterward.

Unfortunately, the side effects of these anti-inflammatory drugs can be pretty brutal – things like gastrointestinal damage and colonic seepage. In some cases, they can even increase the amount of inflammation in your body.

How CBD Can Improve Your Workout Recovery

Cannabidiol (CBD) belongs to a class of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, many of which are found in the marijuana plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most popular of cannabinoids because it’s what makes people feel high.

That’s where THC and CBD part ways. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t get you “stoned.” But it’s still a powerful cannabinoid!

Here are just some of the benefits you can enjoy if you add CBD to your workout regimen.

Analgesic

“No pain, no gain” goes the old saying, but too much of anything is never a good thing.

Luckily, CBD is an analgesic, so if you decide you’ve had enough pain for one day, the right dose can give you some much-needed relief.

Anti-inflammation

Post-exercise inflammation can be good for you; it’s how your body gets stronger and builds endurance. But too much inflammation can cause damage to your body.

In addition to getting rest and eating the right foods, try using CBD to help keep severe inflammation under control.

Appetite Suppressant

Cannabis is notorious for giving people “the munchies,” which is great if you’re trying to bulk up.

But if you want to get fit and lose some excess weight, know that CBD can actually have the opposite effect on your appetite, making it easier for you to eat only when your body needs the food.

Anti-insomnia

Exercise usually helps people sleep better at night, but excessive exercise can send your cortisol levels through the roof (cortisol is a stress hormone). Once that happens, falling asleep can be difficult.

CBD’s anti-insomnia properties can help calm you down and make it easier for you to get some shut-eye.

Neuroprotectant

Athletes who participate in contact sports, such as boxing or football, put themselves at regular risk of brain injury. That’s part of the reason why some football players are championing the use of CBD. In addition to relieving pain and inflammation, studies show that CBD can help protect brain matter in cases of stroke or injury.

If you’re interested in adding CBD to your workout regimen, Essence offers a wide selection of products for you to choose from. Feel free to give us a call or drop by one of Essence’s three locations if you have questions about how to find the right product.

And if you’ve used CBD in the past, please share your experiences on the Essence Facebook page!