Imagine unlocking your innermost potential when it comes to working out––and now imagine doing it with cannabis. Yup, you read that right. In recent years, cannabis has gained attention not only for its therapeutic properties after a session in the gym, but also for its potential benefit during a workout. From making exercise more enjoyable to enhancing your performance to reducing muscle soreness, cannabis is becoming a secret key for fitness enthusiasts of all kinds. Let’s explore.
PRE-WORKOUT BENEFITS AND IN-WORKOUT PERFORMANCE
Sometimes, half the battle of getting on the treadmill is pushing past pre-workout anxiety or conquering that lack of motivation. Cannabis is known to be able to help reduce stress and calm the mind, breaking down that barrier so you can get out of your head and tune into your body. And although not every cannabis strain is an ideal workout buddy, certain varieties can really help with mental clarity and motivation. Sativa-dominant strains in particular are known to have uplifting and energizing effects, allowing you to stay present and focused during your workout. For many, cannabis can also make exercising more enjoyable by enhancing sensory experiences––so your Spotify playlist might hit different (in the best way possible). CBD, another cannabis-derived compound, can also help manage minor aches and pains before and during a workout so you can focus on your movement instead of any nagging discomfort.
POST-WORKOUT RECOVERY
Post-workout recovery is a crucial aspect of any fitness regimen, and cannabis products, particularly ones containing CBD, can be an effective (and natural!) way to support it. Our bodies are equipped with naturally-occurring endocannabinoids—molecules that play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions––and an endocannabinoid system that manages these molecules to maintain homeostasis. The endocannabinoids in cannabis can supplement your natural supply, enhancing their ability to reduce inflammation and mitigate post-workout pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can also significantly lessen muscle soreness, allowing your body to heal more effectively. Lastly, regular use of cannabis can promote overall relaxation, helping your muscles to unwind after a strenuous workout and you to get a restful, restorative night's sleep.
INCORPORATING CANNABIS INTO YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE
When incorporating cannabis into your fitness routine, the key is to choose the right product for the right activity. For example, you probably don’t want to get super high before an intense HIIT workout, but taking half a gummy before a yoga session or walking with the dog might give you the extra boost you want. Verist’s 1:1 THC/CBD blend gummies offer a balanced approach to enhancing your workout session and aiding in relaxation and recovery. Our new NBD gummies are ideal for the seasoned THC user, made with a proprietary sativa blend that is can boost workout performance with 5 mg THC per gummy, and our Reset Button Body Butter is a great topical option to soothe sore muscles without any consciousness-altering properties.
Remember, finding the right dosage and timing is important. Some may find that a small amount of THC before exercise enhances their experience, while others might prefer CBD afterward to aid in recovery. As with any supplement, it's important to consider safe consumption, especially with THC.We recommend starting at a lower dosage of 5 mg or less, and listening to your body to find out what works best for you. Any questions about cannabis and exercise? Reach out to us anytime at hello@shopverist.com.