It’s the start of the new year and your fitness journey may be apart of your New Years resolution. Since THC has become legal across more states, more people are starting to become aware of the health benefits that it has to offer. Ever heard of the stereotype that stoners are lazy? That is definitely not the case, as many professional athletes have admitted to using THC, as well as CBD, as an aid in their overall wellness. THC combined with working out can reap many post recovery benefits as well as make it more enjoyable. Spoiler alert: THC does not boost performance, or aerobic exercise or strength, but it can help with post workout recovery and post workout pain.
Learn more about how THC and CBD can add an extra boost to your physical activities and help you meet your fitness goals.
THC Can Help Reduce Physical Pain During Exercise
Many people have a hard time getting in shape because exercise is uncomfortable or even painful for them. This includes those who have suffered from an injury in the past or who are older and have health conditions. For example, suppose that you suffer from arthritis in your joints.
Arthritis is a painful condition and it can make it difficult for some people to lead an active lifestyle and exercise regularly. However, using THC may be able to help this problem to a certain extent. While THC is not able to cure any condition, scientific research has proven that THC has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
This is because THC is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are great at reducing free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable atoms that damage the body on a cellular level. Science has linked them to accelerated aging, pain and inflammation, and even some types of cancer.
The Details
Because THC is so packed with antioxidants, it only makes sense that THC’s anti-inflammatory properties can help inflammatory issues like arthritis and similar conditions. Pain is also inflammatory and can stress the body, or on the other hand, stress may cause pain.
Whatever the case, THC can relax the body and reduce inflammation. With reduced inflammation, exercise may be less painful.
By reducing that inflammation, even a little bit, it will be easier to move your joints and do some simple exercises to keep your body moving and in shape.
Use Caution With THC and Working Out
THC use is not recommended for use right before a workout if you have not first spoken to your doctor. It can cause an increase in heart rate, heart arrhythmias (irregularities in heart beat), and is more likely to impair judgement. This can cause you to lose balance, awareness of your surroundings, thereby increasing the chances of injury. THC while working out can also cause someone to feel faint or nauseous
People with hypertension or metabolic disorders should especially be cautious to avoid using THC during their exercise regime.
THC Is Great for Post-Workout Recovery
Many people don’t know that when they exercise, they are actually tearing their muscles on purpose. This is how one strengthens their body. For example, when you lift weights, you are creating little microscopic tears in your muscle tissue.
These microscopic tears in muscle tissue is the reason your muscles often feel sore after working out. After you’re done working out, your body will slowly start to repair itself and put those cells back together. When the body does this, the affected tissue will be stronger than before because it will grow a bit larger every time it is broken down.
As a result, you will develop larger and stronger muscles if you exercise regularly. However, it can be hard to stay on track with your exercise routine if your body is in post workout pain. This pain and discomfort can often cause people to quit and stop working out.
Fortunately, you can make the post-workout process less painful with responsible cannabis use. As mentioned before, THC has powerful anti-inflammatory properties due to its antioxidant content. The terpenoids in THC are responsible for fighting inflammation.
What You Need to Know
After you work out, your body, and especially your muscles, will be quite inflamed and sore which at times makes it hard to move comfortably, let alone work out. But when you use THC, it can soothe your inflamed and aching muscles. Combining this with other post-workout tactics such as taking an ice bath or using cold packs can only enhance the benefits.
Some scientific studies show that THC may even help to a certain extent with pain management. However, more research is necessary to see how true that claim really is. Whatever the case, THC can at least help to reduce the inflammation in your muscles after you work out so you won’t be as uncomfortable.
Plus, it can help you recover faster so that you’ll be more motivated to stick to your fitness schedule.
THC And Working Out More?
Many people don’t like working out. In fact, many people loathe it and would rather do anything else.
However, recent studies have shown that people using THC an hour before working out or within four hours after working out reported getting more 43 more minutes of exercise than those who did not use THC. This is likely due to how this substance affects the brain, specifically the endocannabinoid system, which is partially in control of mood regulation. Just by taking a bit of THC before or during your workout, you can turn an activity you hate into something you might actually enjoy. Cannabis can help users hyper focus which leads to more productivity, whether you’re inside the gym or outside.
Keep in mind, we recommend speaking to your doctor about developing an exercise regime that works for you if you choose to use medical cannabis.
The Health Benefits of THC and Working Out
There are more health benefits of THC and working out than you might expect. THC is a powerful anti-inflammatory substance that may make it more comfortable and even more enjoyable to work out.
THC is a natural vasodilator. This means it allows more blood to flow through your veins, therefore relaxing the muscle. A relaxed muscle can prevent pain and injury.
To learn more about using cannabis in your daily life, click here.
CBD and Working Out
CBD has become increasingly popular and effective for post exercise recovery, muscle soreness, pain, and inflammation. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effect so you won’t feel high.
CBD comes in various forms, including topical creams, tinctures, oil and lotions which have the ability to manage pain and inflammation. CBD studies have shown it can help sore muscles recover faster and reduce as much inflammation as over the counter medications.
Another benefit of CBD is that it is not considered a drug. It does not show up on a drug test so it is a great option for someone who needs to manage pain and manage minor injuries without failing a drug test. However, be cautious because some CBD oils contain more THC in them that is on the label and this may cause you to have a positive result on a drug test.
CBD For Your Brain
CBD has been recently studied to be a potential neuroprotectant. This means it may prevent high-contact athletes from developing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other debilitating neurological problems.
Getting Your Medical Marijuana Recommendation
Even though cannabis will not directly boost your performance and strength, eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and using THC/CBD for post exercise recovery can enhance your overall athletic experience. This article is just a brief introduction on how THC can benefit you while working out, but it’s best to talk to one of our doctors here at PrestoDoctor.com to get professional medical advice. Our doctors can help advise you, answer any questions you may have about using cannabis, and help you get your medical marijuana card.
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