How might CBD be helpful when working out?

Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new products to help them achieve their goals. These can include vitamins, energy drinks, or various dietary supplements. Recently, CBD has become the trend among athletes. In fact, since its introduction to the legal market, CBD has emerged as a natural substance with significant potential for muscle gain. Let’s explore what it really is and the beneficial effects it can have on bodybuilding and fitness.

CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid molecule in "light" cannabis. A cannabinoid is a type of chemical compound found, for example, in cannabis and also produced by the body.

When it comes to THC content, hemp-based products contain less than 0.3%, while cannabis-based products can contain up to 90%—and this distinction is important. THC is a psychoactive chemical that causes a “high,” an often pleasant and sometimes less pleasant alteration of the senses. 

On the contrary, CBD has the ability to bind to receptors and encourage our bodies to produce their own cannabinoids within our endocannabinoid system, which is closely integrated with our central nervous system. 

There are many reasons why athletes turn to CBD to supplement their fitness routines. CBD’s calming and soothing properties are perhaps its greatest appeal to athletes. It is also non-toxic and can be ingested or applied to the skin.

CBD is popular among athletes of all kinds, whether they're fitness enthusiasts, long-distance runners, or ultramarathoners. It's available in the form of creams, lotions, CBD oils, and more.
 

Athletes find that CBD has a calming effect, which helps improve concentration and makes it a valuable aid for post-workout recovery.

After long runs and intense workouts, fitness enthusiasts turn to the soothing power of CBD to relieve stressed muscles and joints.
 

CBD creams are the most commonly used products for this purpose. These topical products soothe overworked muscles and sore joints. In addition, the formulas often include well-known natural ingredients such as menthol and willow bark for additional soothing and refreshing benefits.

Massaging tired muscles has many benefits. That's why every sports team has a team of sports massage experts.

Kinesiology, trigger point therapy, and orthopedic massage are industry standards in sports. Using a safe topical product—such as a cream—to massage sore quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves, along with an IT band wrap, keeps muscles and joints healthy and aids in recovery.

Recovery after a workout is just as important for athletes as the workout itself. Proper recovery exercises and replenishing the body's carbohydrates and electrolytes through a healthy diet are the best ways to kickstart the recovery process.

When it comes to soft tissue regeneration and healthy massage, CBD is a valuable addition to your recovery toolkit. Of course, it’s said to have relaxing properties, but it does more than just relieve muscle and joint pain.
 

Many athletes find that CBD helps them recover more quickly after a workout. Athletes often turn to CBD not only to reduce muscle soreness, but also to relieve stress, address embarrassing issues, and improve sleep.
 

The range of products athletes rely on is even broader when it comes to recovery. Refreshing and soothing lotions are a popular topical choice. Athletes also find CBD edibles, oils, and even protein-rich foods to be very helpful.

Rest and sleep are essential to the performance and overall well-being of any athlete. 

Did you know that athletes can suffer from insomnia? Elite athletes, such as Olympians, may be particularly prone to this, due to both overtraining syndrome and their extremely intense activities. But this problem isn’t limited to Olympians. We’re all susceptible to insomnia. CBN, or cannabinol, is a cannabinoid that is said to promote relaxation, and it’s the ingredient you should look for when you need some rest.

When it's time to relax and give your body the recovery time it needs, you don't have to make any lifestyle changes to incorporate CBD into your relaxation routine. Sleep improvement is one of the areas where there are probably the most CBD options available, including face masks, bath bombs, gummies, capsules, and tinctures.

Many of these soothing formulas also contain popular calming supplements such as melatonin, valerian, chamomile, and lavender.

A good night's sleep does more than just refresh you. It promotes muscle recovery and gives your body and mind the rest they need to feel rejuvenated and focused the next day.

Focus is essential for an athlete. Whether you're monitoring your fitness to prevent injuries or relaxing in a meditative state, your brain is just as important as your legs.
 

For those who confuse CBD with THC, it may come as a surprise that athletes turn to cannabidiol to improve their concentration. However, keep in mind that even if taken in excess, CBD causes only minor side effects that disappear as soon as you stop taking it. Some products are even specifically designed to boost concentration.

Whether athletes use CBD to calm their nerves, improve their sleep, or relieve sore muscles, they already benefit from improved focus.

As an added bonus, products enriched with vitamins, L-arginine, and caffeine work in tandem with CBD’s calming properties to aid concentration.

Currently, there are various forms of CBD that are convenient for athletes.

CBD oil remains the most popular way to consume cannabidiol. It can be taken sublingually. The advantage is that the CBD is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa. The effects are therefore felt within 5 to 15 minutes after taking it. 

The oil can also be applied directly to sensitive areas. Like sublingual administration, topical application allows CBD to take effect quickly. However, the duration of action is shorter than with other methods of administration: 2 to 4 hours after application.

CBD crystals are the purest form of cannabidiol. They contain 98% CBD. This is an ideal form for those who are worried about testing positive. However, taking it orally reduces the CBD’s potency. Why? Because the CBD will undergo the “first-pass effect.” During this process, the liver breaks down many compounds. Only 20% of the original CBD will be absorbed. A high dose is therefore necessary. But be careful not to overdose, even though there are no health risks.

CBD is absorbed along with fats. Therefore, it is best to consume CBD crystals with fatty foods, such as yogurt. It takes 20 to 40 minutes to feel the effects. However, the effects last 4 to 6 hours.

This is the form most popular among athletes. It’s no coincidence that a massage or simply applying it can quickly relieve muscle pain. You can also add CBD crystals to your usual cream. This would only increase its effectiveness.
 

Others prefer CBD patches. You simply apply them to the affected areas. They have the advantage of lasting 4 to 6 hours after application. However, it is difficult to determine the CBD dose in this form or in a cream.

CBD edibles are the most convenient. They’re discreet, so you can take them with you anywhere. There are CBD gummies that you can suck on before or after a workout. CBD flowers can also be used to make hot drinks or juices.
 

The question of the ideal CBD dose remains unclear, even for non-athletes. There’s a reason why the ideal dose depends on weight, age, or the condition being treated. An athlete looking to relieve pre-competition stress won’t take the same approach as another athlete seeking to reduce muscle pain. However, it’s always recommended to start with a small dose and gradually increase it until the desired result is achieved.

For casual exercisers, it’s best to start with a dose of 2 to 3 mg of CBD three times a day. Remember, this applies only on the days you exercise. Take it 30 minutes before exercising if using the sublingual form, and one hour before if taking it orally.

CBD offers incredible benefits for fitness, bodybuilding, and overall health. Anyone looking to build muscle, lose weight, sleep better, or reduce competition-related stress should consider CBD products. As with any new supplement or medication, you should consult your doctor before introducing anything new into your body.
 

Your doctor can advise you on the dosage and duration of CBD use and let you know if there might be any drug interactions with your current medications.