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Should I Take CBD Before My Workout?

Every day, countless fitness enthusiasts and athletes search for ways to optimize their workouts, striving for that perfect balance of focus, energy, and relaxation. Incorporating CBD into pre-workout routines is a trend that's been gaining traction, and for good reason.

With its potential to support healthy levels of perceived stress and encourage feelings of relaxation, it's no wonder that many are curious about the role CBD could play in their fitness journey. If you're intrigued by the relationship between CBD and workouts, you're in the right place. Let's dive deeper into understanding CBD and its potential benefits.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its counterpart, THC, CBD doesn't induce any intoxicating effects, making it a sought-after choice for those looking to reap the benefits of cannabis without the "high.” Now, you may wonder, how does CBD interact within our body?

Enter the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network in our body that plays a pivotal role in regulating mood, stress, sleep, appetite, and more. This system has three main parts.

These include:

  • Endocannabinoids: These natural compounds are molecularly similar to plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD, but they are produced by the brain as needed.
  • Cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are primarily found in the nervous system and immune system, respectively. Endocannabinoids bind with CB receptors to trigger biological responses throughout the brain and body.
  • Enzymes: Enzymes help break down endocannabinoids after they've done their job.

As each part of the ECS works together, the system helps maintain bodily homeostasis — a balanced internal environment.

Now, here's where CBD comes in: Unlike THC, which directly binds to CB receptors to cause the notable "high,” CBD takes a more indirect approach. It doesn't bind directly to these receptors. Instead, CBD can encourage the ECS by supporting the effects of our endocannabinoids.

In this role, CBD can support the ECS, encouraging a balance in the system and, in turn, supporting various bodily functions.

This nuanced interaction, where CBD partners with the ECS rather than overtaking it, might be the key to understanding its soothing benefits. For instance, CBD can help encourage relaxation, support healthy levels of perceived stress, and ease tension throughout.

Why Do People Use CBD Before Workouts?

Embarking on a workout isn’t just a physical endeavor; it's a mental one, too. With more people increasingly recognizing the intimate connection between the body and the mind, many are turning to CBD to bolster their pre-workout routine. But why?

Supports a Focused Mind

An active gym session requires concentration. Whether you're following complex routines, counting reps, or simply trying to maintain proper form, a sharp, attentive mind can make a significant difference.

CBD may offer that additional edge, helping you maintain clarity and focus throughout your exercises.

Eases Post-Workout Tension

After a workout, our muscles can feel tense and stiff, making even the thought of a next-day workout daunting. Especially during such times, CBD can emerge as a supportive companion. By potentially soothing post-workout tension and preparing the body, CBD can provide that extra encouragement to help you feel workout-ready.

It might just be the gentle push your body requires to overcome the initial reluctance, ensuring you’re in the right state, both mentally and physically, for your exercise routine.

Encourages Energy Levels

We've all had those days: The alarm buzzes, signaling it's time to lace up those running shoes or pack that gym bag — yet, mentally, we're not quite "in the zone." Surprisingly, despite its widespread reputation for relaxation, CBD might help flip that switch.

By supporting feel-good endocannabinoids like anandamide, CBD can help support an elevated mood, getting us in the right headspace for a killer workout. This uplifting effect isn't about feeling jittery or hyperactive but about achieving a balanced state where both the mind and body feel ready to tackle the workout ahead.

Supports a Sense of Calm

Let’s face it — sometimes, the mere thought of an intense workout can be nerve-wracking. Starting with feelings of anxiety or stress is far from ideal. CBD can help encourage a relaxed mindset, helping you approach your workout with positivity and enthusiasm rather than apprehension.

Encourages Overall Wellness and Balance

Beyond focus and calmness, CBD can be a pillar in your overarching health routine. By helping the body maintain its equilibrium, CBD sets the stage for a holistic wellness experience, ensuring that both your mind and body are in harmony as you tackle those workouts.

Types of CBD for a Pre-Workout Routine

When it comes to choosing the type of CBD for your pre-workout, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Each person's body, preferences, and workout demands can vary. However, understanding the distinct advantages of different CBD forms can guide you to make an informed decision.

Gummies

For those constantly on the move, CBD gummies can be a game-changer. Easily slipping into your gym bag, they offer a discreet and consistent method to take CBD. Pop one of our Energy Gummies before you start your stretches, and let its long-lasting effects accompany you as you navigate your workout routine.

Plus, the dose consistency with gummies means you're getting the same amount each time, setting a stable foundation for your sessions.

Oils

The versatility of CBD oils cannot be overstated. Take a couple of drops sublingually, and you're good to go. For those who love a pre-workout smoothie, mixing in a little CBD oil can make for an invigorating drink.

The beauty of oils lies in their rapid absorption, providing fast-acting relief and a sense of balance that encompasses your entire body. So, whether it's a quick drop or a blended shake, oils have got you covered.

Topicals

Direct, localized, and potent — these words define CBD topicals. Before plunging into a rigorous routine, applying a CBD-infused topical like our Activate CBD Balm to those areas you know might be tense can be a proactive approach.

They work on the spot, offering localized support that can ease pre-workout tension, helping the muscles be more receptive to the demands of an active session. Whether you're a fitness newbie or a seasoned athlete, CBD offers an exciting avenue to explore in your journey toward optimal physical and mental performance.

Understanding Different Forms of CBD

CBD, a natural compound with a myriad of potential benefits, can be found in various forms. The type you choose can affect your experience, and understanding the differences is key.

  • Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all the phytochemicals naturally found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils. The combination of these compounds creates what’s known as the “entourage effect.”
  • Broad-spectrum CBD: Broad-spectrum is a mix between full-spectrum and isolate. It contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has had all THC removed. You can still benefit from the entourage effect, but without any THC.
  • CBD isolate: As the purest form of CBD, isolate is exactly what it sounds like: isolated CBD. All other compounds are removed, so it doesn't benefit from the entourage effect.

The extraction process plays a crucial role in determining the CBD's purity and efficacy. At Muscle MX, we employ a gentle CO2 extraction method. This advanced technique ensures that undesirable compounds are meticulously filtered out while retaining the integrity of the rest of the plant components. It's our commitment to deliver the purest and most effective CBD products to you.

What Else Should Your Pre-Workout Routine Consist Of?

While integrating CBD into your pre-workout routine can offer promising benefits, it's just one piece of the puzzle. A holistic approach can ensure your body is properly primed for the physical challenges ahead.

  • Stretching: Stretching preps your muscles, increasing flexibility and reducing the risk of injuries. It’s generally advised to begin and end your workout with a warm-up that includes stretching.
  • The right nutrients: Complex carbs like oats and sweet potatoes provide sustained energy, while proteins support muscle health. Combining these with healthy fats like avocados or nuts can give you that balanced energy boost.
  • Hydration: Water is your best friend! Staying hydrated ensures muscle function, aids digestion, and keeps fatigue at bay.

What Are the Benefits of Using CBD After a Workout?

Post-workout, your body is in a state of recovery. Here's where CBD shines again. While its role before exercise is about gearing up, its post-workout duty revolves around helping your body recover.

After pushing our limits in the gym or on the track, our muscles inevitably feel the strain. By helping to temporarily alleviate this tension and discomfort, CBD-infused products like our Recover CBD Balm stand out as invaluable aids, especially in the days following intense sessions marked by heightened soreness.

But recovery isn't just about our muscles; it's also about rest, both mentally and physically. After all, workouts don’t just tax our bodies — they also challenge our minds.

A good night's sleep is key for muscle recovery. It's during these hours of rest that our immune system gets busy repairing and strengthening our muscles.

CBD, known for its calming properties, can play a pivotal role in this. By encouraging feelings of relaxation and encouraging restful sleep patterns, CBD can support the deep, restorative sleep our bodies desperately crave after strenuous activity.

Understanding the importance of post-exercise rest is vital. CBD can help you not only prepare for your workout routine but also support your body's physical recovery as you sink into that crucial state of relaxation. Embracing this relaxation can allow your body and mind to rejuvenate, ensuring you’re ready to face another day of challenges and achievements.

The Bottom Line

In the quest to optimize workouts, CBD has emerged as a promising ally. From potentially assisting in preparing the mind and body for the session ahead to supporting the recovery phase, its benefits are multi-faceted.

And while you’re crushing your workout goals out there on the field or in the gym, know that Muscle MX is right here with high-quality and third-party tested CBD products to support you every step of the way — pre, during, and post-workout. Your resilience shines through every rep and recovery, and we're honored to have your back.

Sources:

The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health

Pharmacology of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors | PMC

Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol | PMC

Anandamide - an overview | ScienceDirect

How does sleep help recovery from exercise-induced muscle injuries? | PMC

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