Is CBD Good for Working Out? Learn the Truth!

There is plenty of hype regarding the possible benefits of CBD for working out. The suggestion is that cannabidiol can help reduce chronic inflammation, improve muscle recovery, and aid sleep. Though CBD isn’t technically legal in the U.S., you should have few issues finding it in most states. That is if it comes from hemp and contains a maximum of 0.3% THC. Let’s find out more about the possibility of CBD helping you train more effectively.

CBD and Working Out – What’s the Link?

Individuals who use CBD for working out claim they derive a significant number of benefits. There is a multitude of reasons why fitness fanatics choose CBD. Here are a few of them.

• Reduced Inflammation: Cannabinoids, including CBD, are seemingly active anti-inflammatory agents. They help by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and suppressing cytokine production. While acute inflammation is useful, chronic inflammation is harmful.
• Better Digestion: For decades, we have known about an association between THC and an increase in appetite. However, it seems as if CBD could help regulate nausea & vomiting while offering protection from stomach acid. It may even alleviate gastrointestinal inflammation. With improved digestion, you may find that the protein shakes you consume are put to good use.
• Increased Metabolic Rate: CBD could help increase the concentration of cellular mitochondria and improve their activity. As a result, the body burns more calories over a specific period. There is a suggestion that cannabidiol is an appetite suppressant. Therefore, CBD could aid you when trying to burn calories, and also help you feel full with less food.
• Lower Blood Glucose Levels: A study by Penner at al., published in the American Journal of Medicine in July 2013, looked at the impact of cannabis on insulin resistance. It found that marijuana users had 17% lower insulin resistance levels and 16% lower fasting insulin levels than non-users. When we keep our blood glucose levels stable, the body goes from fat-storing mode to fat-burning.

For those interested in CBD and working out, the amount of the cannabinoid they take requires some discussion.

How Much CBD for Working out?

According to the research performed so far, cannabidiol seems safe for use. This is a critical consideration when taking CBD oil for working out. Contrast its safety profile with that of opioids, which are addictive and often deadly. A 2017 study by Rudroff and Sosnoff looked into CBD’s ability to help improve the mobility of multiple sclerosis patients. They found that the patients were able to tolerate doses of up to 1500mg per day.

For the record, epilepsy patients typically use the highest amount at around 300mg of CBD per day. Those looking to use it for chronic pain or insomnia, seldom use more than 50-100mg per day. It is unnecessary to consume 1500mg of CBD in a day. For most people, doing so would also prove excessively expensive! You can expect to pay around $70 for a 1000mg bottle of high-quality CBD oil. Imagine using over $100 worth a day!

Your best bet is to begin with around 1-6mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight if your goal is to decrease pain levels. Therefore, a 200-pound individual may start with 20-120mg. It is an amount that may prove unnecessary for many users. Consequently, you should consider beginning with 5mg of CBD a day, and increase by 5mg every few days. Make sure you stop increasing the amount you take once you are satisfied with the outcome.

There are also lots of ways to use CBD. You can try an oil or edible, or rub a cannabidiol cream on to a specific area. Now, let’s see if it is better to use it before or after a training session.

Should I Take CBD Before or After Working out?

Unlike cannabis, you can try CBD and working out at any time. With marijuana, it isn’t a good idea to exercise while stoned! There is no such issue with CBD since it is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. There is an increasing amount of literature on the timing of cannabidiol consumption, but nothing concrete.

You may find that a CBD balm infused with menthol can help release tension before a training session. Proponents of the practice say their muscles feel warmed up. After a few minutes, they are ready to move into the warmup part of their routine.

Another option is to use cannabidiol after you complete your session. The idea is to reduce post-workout pain and inflammation. Those who try this tactic often prefer CBD creams containing lavender and eucalyptus oil. Research to date suggests that using the compound after exercising is a better way to consume it.

Why You Should NOT Take CBD BEFORE Working out

When considering CBD for a workout, bear in mind that it could take some time to kick in. Cannabidiol seems to work in various ways on the brain that impacts how our chemical messengers send signals. In many ways, it is similar to how antidepressants work. However, it involves a slightly different mechanism and fewer side effects.

Indeed, you shouldn’t begin taking CBD before today’s workout for the first time and expect positive effects. It may take a week’s worth of consistent use before you experience anything significant. Also, it would help if you did not use edibles before a training session. Even when your body is accustomed to CBD, edibles can take up to two hours to work! If you still want to try, perhaps you could try a CBD vape oil. It can work faster, though the impact also subsides quicker than with edibles.

CBD After Working out – Does It Make Sense?

It seems as if the main reason for using CBD for a work out is to aid recovery. If that is the case, the logical solution is to wait until your training session is finished. In many cases, muscle soreness after exercise is due to microscopic tears that result in short-term inflammation.

Once again, you have the option of trying a vape oil or a CBD tincture. However, most athletes enjoy the soothing sensation of CBD topicals. Apply a cream or balm to any area that feels sore and see what happens. A growing number of trainees claim that CBD topicals help cut their recovery time significantly.

Final Thoughts on CBD for Working out

Is CBD good for working out? It depends on the athlete, and even when you use it. In general, those who try it prefer to stick with a balm that they apply to specific parts of the body. However, you can also use CBD oil, vape juice, or an edible. You may also find that you derive a better outcome when you try it after exercising.

As far as CBD and working out goes, some athletes genuinely believe it helps reduce the inflammation and stiffness they get after training. Begin with a small amount each day to see how your body reacts. Let us know if CBD is useful for your training regime in the comments section.