Are you someone who takes their workouts seriously? If so, you know that workout recovery is just as important as the workout itself. Without proper recovery, your body can't repair and rebuild muscles, leading to slower progress and even injury.
That's where CBD oil comes in. This natural plant extract is gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts due to its ability to aid in workout recovery.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using CBD oil for workout recovery and how it can help you achieve your fitness goals faster and more efficiently.
Table of Contents:
- What is CBD oil?
- Benefits of CBD Oil for Workout Recovery
- Studies on CBD and Workout Recovery?
- How to use CBD Oil for Workout Recovery?
- Conclusion
1. What is CBD oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol and is a substance that can be extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it does not have a psychoactive effect and does not make you feel "high". However, sometimes full spectrum CBD may contain small amounts of THC, but this is not significant enough to cause any kind of high. The THC is only included to help enhance the overall effect of the CBD.
CBD's main function is to maintain balance in your body and enhances its natural ability to reduce inflammation, regulate pain, improve sleep, and more…
Pretty cool, right? But how does it work?
CBD oil works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating different bodily functions such as pain, mood, and sleep. When CBD is consumed, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body and helps it to optimize many natural tasks like reducing inflammation and regulating pain.
Related: What Is CBD?
2. Benefits of CBD Oil for Workout Recovery
Now that you know how it works, let's talk about the potential benefits of using CBD oil for workout recovery.
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It can aid in faster muscle recovery and reduce inflammation, which means less downtime between workouts (Click to tweet)
During a workout, the body experiences stress which can cause inflammation and pain in the muscles. This inflammation can slow down the recovery process and make it difficult for the body to build new muscle. However, by consuming CBD, the cannabinoids in the oil can help to reduce inflammation in the body, leading to a faster healing process.
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It can help reduce muscle soreness and improve mobility, which can enhance the overall quality of your workout (Click to tweet)
In addition to reducing inflammation and pain, CBD oil can provide other benefits for workout recovery. Some studies have suggested that CBD oil can help to reduce muscle spasms, which can be particularly helpful for athletes who experience frequent muscle spasms during intense workouts. Secondly, it can help reduce muscle soreness and improve mobility, which can enhance the overall quality of your workouts.
Related: Does CBD Balm Help Win The Battle Against Sore Muscles
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CBD oil could improve sleep quality and focus, promoting muscle repair and reducing stress levels (Click to tweet)
Lastly, it can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting overall well-being and improving workout recovery.CBD oil can also help to improve sleep patterns, allowing the body to get the rest it needs to recover from a workout.
Related: How To Use CBD For Better Quality Sleep
3. Studies on CBD and Workout Recovery?
Here are some studies that have researched the effects of CBD on exercise.
1. Effects of Cannabidiol on Exercise Physiology and Bioenergetics: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Trial (2022)
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Increased VO2 max (a measure of how much oxygen your body absorbs and uses while exercising)
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Enhanced feelings of pleasure during exercise
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Modestly reduced inflammation
2. Potential Role of Cannabidiol on Sports Recovery: A Narrative Review (2021)
3. A Pilot Study on Cannabidiol (CBD) and Eccentric Exercise: Impact on Inflammation, Performance, and Pain (2020)
4. How to use CBD oil for Workout Recovery?
To help with your post-workout recovery, use our guide to select the best CBD for your needs.
Remember to follow the number one rule, which is, to begin with a low dosage and gradually increase it until you are satisfied with the effects. Keep in mind that CBD does not produce immediate results and requires time to take effect in your system. (Click to tweet)
Related: This Is Why You Should Take CBD For Exercising
Step 1 - Determine which type of CBD will best meet your needs.
There are many different types of CBD products available on the market, such as tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. It’s important to understand the differences between each type so that you can choose one that best suits your needs.
Here are some common types of CBD. Keep in mind that you can use multiple forms of CBD. For example, you could use a balm for immediate relief and a tincture to maintain CBD levels in your system.
- CBD Tinctures are a popular way to consume CBD as they can be taken orally or added to food or drinks.
- CBD Capsules and CBD Softgels are a great way to get the benefits of CBD oil in a convenient form, plus you can be sure to get a precise dose every time.
- CBD Edibles, like CBD Gummies, offer the same potential health benefits as other forms of CBD but with the added advantage of being available in delicious flavors.
- CBD Topicals, such as creams and lotions, can be applied directly to the skin to target specific areas of pain or inflammation.
Step 2 - Choose a Reputable Brand
When it comes to choosing quality CBD, it is essential to buy from a reputable brand with good reviews and customer feedback.
Related: A Guide To Finding Quality CBD
Step 3 - Check for Third-Party Lab Test Results
Always look for third-party lab test results before buying any product containing CBD oil. This will ensure that the product contains what it claims and is free from contaminants or impurities.
Step 4 - Read Reviews & Ask Questions
Reading reviews online can help you get an idea of how effective a particular product may be in terms of its effectiveness and safety profile when used correctly according to the instructions provided.
Step 5 - Work out your Budget
Lastly, consider your budget when shopping for CBD products as there are various prices depending on factors like CBD potency, the size of the bottle, and more.
If you are looking to save on CBD then look out for companies that offer reward programs, and recurring order savings, be sure to signup for their newsletter so that you can be alerted when they have sales.
5. Conclusion:
CBD oil can be a helpful tool for workout recovery, aiding in faster muscle recovery, reducing inflammation and muscle soreness, improving sleep quality, and managing stress and anxiety levels. Just be sure to follow the tips above when choosing a quality product, suited to your needs from a reliable brand.
It is always important to consult with your doctor before beginning CBD use, particularly if you are taking other medications.
Sources:
- Effects of Cannabidiol on Exercise Physiology and Bioenergetics: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Trial (2022) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35235092/
- Potential Role of Cannabidiol on Sports Recovery: A Narrative Review (2021) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8369499/
- A Pilot Study on Cannabidiol (CBD) and Eccentric Exercise: Impact on Inflammation, Performance, and Pain (2020) - https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3592&context=ijes
