CBD Fitness: Is CBD the New Workout Supplement?

Individuals use CBD for various reasons, from feeling energized, happier, wakeful, and at ease. While CBD oil is praised for complementing relaxation, it is also working its way into the fitness industry. Many athletes, gym-goers, and yogis are incorporating hemp oil into routines to elevate their lifestyles.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also referred to as CBD, derives from a strain of cannabis called hemp. Hemp plants comprise over one hundred cannabinoids (plant compounds), with the most researched being CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC compounds are more commonly known for causing a “high” when someone consumes too much. That said, hemp has naturally low levels of THC and higher levels of CBD, making it ideal for extracting cannabidiol for the mainstream market.
It’s a common misconception that CBD may trigger intoxicating effects; when, in fact, CBD is a non-euphoric compound. Legal CBD products typically contain less than 0.2% THC in the UK, with the US setting its limit at 0.3%. With this in mind, some full-spectrum CBD extracts may contain trace amounts of THC, but it isn’t enough to cause a “high”.
With the market expanding so rapidly, CBD is now available in many forms, including:
- CBD oil and tinctures;
- CBD edibles like gummies, protein bars;
- Topical CBD creams;
- CBD drinks, including water, juices, or infused protein powder like Clear Whey Isolate;
- CBD-infused vapes.
Using CBD to Supplement Your Workout
There are various ways to use cannabidiol in your fitness regime, and many fitness enthusiasts love to take CBD as a daily supplement.
Before Hitting the Gym
Many people experience pressure when they think about going to the gym. The stress from working out around others can sometimes make someone’s confidence drop, triggering feelings of self-consciousness and negative thoughts. Whether you’re an avid gym-goer, have been out of the game for a while, or you’re entirely new to the gym scene, it’s completely normal to feel a little apprehensive and nervous!
Many individuals turn to exercise and self-care to reduce the stress associated with working out. To soothe these pre-gym nerves, some take CBD about an hour before a workout to ease nerves and create a calm environment. A positive mentality is a key to feeling confident, and cannabidiol may give you the boost you need.
To Alleviate Discomfort
Recovery is a massive part of any fitness journey. When you experience post-workout soreness, it could result from excessive strain, signaling you may have pushed yourself too hard. Some people use CBD to ease their muscles and promote relaxation. Some gym lovers find they can work out sooner and more easily when they work CBD oil into their day.
To Boost Energy
Professional and amateur athletes need to prioritize their sleep schedules to perform their best. According to the National Health Service (NHS), getting an average of 8 hours a night may help you feel focused, happier, and physically well.
Some research suggests CBD may influence the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to aid proper functioning. The ECS plays a role in the rest cycle, mood and immunity, so when it functions correctly, you may fall asleep faster and feel more energized and content during the day. These may positively impact your workout, allowing you to do it more safely.
How to Use CBD for Fitness?
Today, there are many ways to get creative when incorporating CBD into your daily routine, whether you want to upgrade your morning or you’re looking for a discreet way to take them on the go!
Enhance your Beverages
From morning coffee to herbal tea, adding cannabidiol to your drinks is a fun and calming way to start your day. Simply add the necessary amount of oil to your preferred drink for an added layer of relaxation.
If you’re more of a smoothie and protein shake person, it’s so easy to add the power of hemp to your daily drinks by adding oil or a CBD-infused protein powder. When you add CBD to a beverage, it’s effortless to get your daily dose of cannabidiol at home or on the go.
Hemp Makes a Hearty Meal
You may be surprised to know you can add CBD to your meals! CBD oil makes the perfect addition to a refreshing salad, delicious desserts, or hearty mains.
If you’re cooking with CBD oil, be sure to add the extract after you’ve cooked your food and take it off the heat. When someone heats CBD, it may lose potency and become ineffective. Think, no-bake cheesecakes, salads, and dinners with a few drops of CBD oil—what could be better?
Keep it Simple
Some prefer to keep it simple. If that’s you, you’ll love to supplement your fitness lifestyle with CBD oil, gummies, and capsules. For a quick solution, place two drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold it for about 60 seconds before swallowing. Experts say if someone takes CBD oil in this way, they will feel the effects after 15-20 minutes. That said, the taste of hemp oil may be an acquired flavor, as it leaves an earthy aftertaste in your mouth.
In case you’re looking for an easy way to consume CBD without the hemp flavor, CBD gummies are a tasty option to get your daily dose! Gummies and edibles are available in vegan varieties and come in many flavors, so finding the right one for you should be a breeze. Although if you lack a sweet tooth, CBD capsules are perfect if you’re looking for a convenient and discreet method!
Post-Workout Ease
Finally, to promote ease and relaxation, you may enjoy applying topical CBD creams to sore muscles. Gym-goers may benefit from using cannabidiol cream on overexerted muscles to alleviate discomfort after a workout.
Another way to experience the soothing effects of cannabidiol is using a CBD bath bomb. Simply add the product to a hot bath and enjoy the relaxing effects of CBD.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to enjoy using CBD for fitness. Individuals use it to cultivate a feeling of calm and promote better relaxation. However, before diving into the CBD market, talk to your doctor about using hemp-derived products in your lifestyle.
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