Because of cannabis and THC, cannabinoids have a bad reputation. They are said to cause psychotropic effects that are difficult to control, health problems such as heart and respiratory disorders, and even paranoia and personality disorders. This is completely untrue.
THC is one of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, but it is only one of them. CBD is also a cannabinoid, but it has radically different properties. So different, in fact, that it is legal in France, whereas THC is not.
But then, is it possible to combine CBD use with weight training?
Are there more risks or benefits for our bodies?
What about an effective cutting phase?
Here's everything you need to know!
What is CBD?
Did you know that the well-known hemp plant, “Cannabis sativa,” contains a wide variety of cannabinoids, including CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is derived directly from the hemp plant. Unlike its cousin THC, its natural properties pose absolutely no health risks and carry no potential for addiction. Its sale and use have become completely legal in France, largely due to the various properties attributed to it. The best known of these are its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, stress-relieving, and antidepressant properties.
In order to have such an impact on our bodies, CBD molecules bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS). These receptors are distributed throughout our entire body, helping to regulate both our appetite and our mood. Thus, when we consume CBD, it circulates in our bloodstream until it reaches our endocannabinoid receptors. From there, CBD is believed to stimulate feelings associated with well-being or happiness by influencing our serotonin levels. Conversely, negative feelings such as stress or pain are believed to be inhibited by a reduction in blood cortisol levels.
Let's now take a look at the real benefits CBD could offer to people who do weight training!
CBD and Weight Training: What Are the Benefits During Exercise?
Unlike most sports, weight training is an intense form of exercise that engages every muscle in the body. The better prepared the body is before, during, and after a workout, the more impressive the results will be—while also reducing the risk of injury and muscle soreness. And vice versa.
While THC tends to make you high, CBD, on the other hand, appears to offer various benefits for bodybuilding enthusiasts. The main ones are:
- increase in energy,
- stress reduction,
- better concentration during exercise,
- better coordination of movements,
- reduced inflammation and muscle fatigue during exercise.
Is it possible to improve post-workout recovery with CBD?
Yes, CBD also seems to be helpful after a workout, during the recovery phase.
To preserve the muscle gains achieved during training, the quality of post-workout recovery is crucial. During exercise, our muscle fibers sustain various micro-tears. Rest and relaxation are therefore essential to ensure their regeneration. CBD is believed to have a relaxing effect on our muscles, including our deep muscles. The more effective the recovery phase is, the more visible the results will be, and the more effective subsequent training sessions will be.
The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of CBD: An Asset in Bodybuilding
When it comes to weight training, the concept of inflammation is never far away. Beginners may not realize it, but weight training triggers a type of acute inflammation that helps eliminate foreign substances and, more importantly, promotes muscle growth. This process is what causes those famous sore muscles.
Short-lived, occasional muscle soreness is a positive sign—it means your workout is effective and that your muscles have been working properly. However, if you experience chronic muscle soreness, that’s a warning sign.
Whether it’s occasional or chronic muscle soreness, it’s always caused by your body’s inflammatory response. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) typically prescribed can reduce this inflammation, but they can also slow muscle growth. CBD, on the other hand, is believed to provide the same anti-inflammatory relief while preserving your hard-earned muscle gains.
CBD, the drying period, and weight loss
Weight training, muscle gain, cutting, andweight loss are terms that go hand in hand. In addition to building muscle, losing body fat —or “cutting” —is a goal sought by many athletes.
According to some scientific studies, consuming cannabidiol may help “brown” fat—that is, convert “bad” white fat into “good” brown fat. Brown fat is particularly useful for nourishing our muscles and supporting their growth, whereas white fat is simply stored.
Based on this reasoning, CBD could be a powerful ally in reducing the amount of fat stored by our bodies, regulating our appetite during a cutting phase, and improving the functioning of our digestive system.
