CBD for Exercise: Can CBD Help With Performance?

If you are in search of a natural ally for your running sessions, you might have come across the potential benefits of CBD, a compound derived from the hemp plant. Posed as a natural alternative to pain relievers, a remedy for anxiety, a sleep aid, and a post-workout recovery enhancer, CBD has been making waves in the athletic community.

Indeed, CBD’s reputation has attracted lots of attention. Particularly among runners, professional sports players and gym goers, for its potential to enhance athletic performance without the psychoactive effects of marijuana. The increasing awareness and adoption of CBD by the athletic community has sparked curiosity. Is CBD the secret ingredient to elevate your running experience? Is it the relief to back pain when running or the solution to joint pain when exercising? This article explores the world of CBD and its prospective benefits for runners.

But before we delve deeper into how olympians and other athletes are integrating CBD into their routines, here is a snapshot of what you need to know about this renowned compound.

What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 compounds found in the hemp plant, but it differs significantly from the more commonly known THC. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you 'high' or alter your state of mind.

A natural compound

CBD is a natural substance that is extracted and then mixed with an oil (like coconut or hemp seed oil). It has gained traction amongst health and wellness enthusiasts due to its potential therapeutic properties, including alleviating pain, inflammation, anxiety, and other conditions.

Interaction with the body

CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that play a crucial role in maintaining the body's balance and regulating functions such as mood, sleep, and immune response. By interacting with these receptors, CBD could provide various beneficial effects, making it a popular choice among individuals looking for natural pain relief and other health benefits.

Legal status and usage

We can happily say that CBD is legal in the UK. It is always advisable to research and consult with a healthcare professional or a knowledgeable source (contact us here) before incorporating CBD products into your routine, particularly for specific health conditions or concerns.

Available in various forms

CBD comes in many forms, including oils, gummies, creams, and balms, catering to individual preferences and needs. Whether you are seeking relief from joint pain when running/exercising, looking for natural pain relief for exercise, or even using CBD for sciatica, there is a product form suitable for your needs.

Can I use CBD and exercise?

CBD's usefulness in exercise routines has been a topic of discussion and a subject of research. Its potential to make training easier on the body and promote faster recovery has fuelled the growth of interest. Studies are ongoing to discover CBD’s full spectrum of benefits, particularly concerning its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

For those struggling with pains when running, joint pain when exercising, or any type of inflammation, incorporating CBD might be the solution you have been seeking. Its effects can be a huge help for athletes, helping them to push through and optimise their workouts without the drawbacks of synthetic pain relievers.

It is no longer just about the potential health benefits CBD might provide; it is about how it can make every drop of sweat, every mile, and every workout more efficient and enjoyable.

Faster recovery and less strain

CBD has been touted for its potential to help with quicker recovery and mitigate the strain on the body during exercises. For those who experience discomfort, be it chronic pains, aches, or muscle soreness, integrating CBD could offer much-needed relief. Alleviating inflammation can lead to smoother, more pain-free exercise so you can have consistent, uninterrupted training.

Scientific perspective

From a scientific standpoint, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a vital role in regulating inflammation, pain, and other physiological processes. By modulating this system, CBD can help maintain a state of balance in the body, making training less taxing and recovery more efficient.

Potential enhancement in performance

For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the promise of enhanced performance is ever-alluring. While research is still evolving, the anecdotes and early studies suggest that CBD can contribute to a more focused and anxiety-free state, which is crucial for optimal performance. It can be particularly beneficial for those participating in high-stress sports or activities, helping maintain composure and concentration.

Natural and non-psychoactive

Incorporating CBD means integrating a natural, non-psychoactive compound into your regimen. For those weary of synthetic supplements, CBD stands out as a natural alternative. It is an option that doesn’t compromise mental clarity but may offer relief from pain, inflammation, and anxiety, making it an attractive choice for many.

What do the professionals say about CBD and exercise?

Many professional athletes have openly endorsed their use and the benefits of CBD, helping to add substantial credibility. James Haskell, an ex-England rugby player, is a firm believer in CBD’s health benefits. Haskell says, “I really believe in it, the health benefits are really clear for people to see. You just have to go on the internet and find all about how it can help you.”

Similarly, former footballer Matt Le Tissier has experienced the benefits of CBD firsthand. He notes, “(CBD) gummies have been brilliant for me and my wife every night before bed, you really sleep better and wake up feeling fresh.” Le Tissier’s testament highlights not only CBD’s potential in aiding sleep but also its possible role in recovery, a critical component for any current or former athlete.

Olympic Taekwondo champion, Jade Jones, also uses CBD to maintain her top-tier athletic performance. These endorsements from high-profile athletes highlight the potential of CBD as a valuable addition to any athlete's routine. Potentially aiding in faster recovery, reducing anxiety, and alleviating pains, such as lower back pain when running and inflammation when exercising.

How to incorporate CBD into your routine

Incorporating CBD into your exercise routine is straightforward. Consider CBD gummies before you begin as a way to set the pace or to refuel after to aid recovery. They’re convenient, tasty, and great to take on the go.

For stronger pain relief needs, such as dealing with joint pains, heel pains or sciatica, a 2000mg CBD oil can be more suitable. The oils can be a powerful ally against intense discomforts that might hinder your performance or recovery.

Whether you are a casual jogger or a professional athlete, integrating CBD can be as easy as enjoying CBD gummies before a run or applying CBD oil for more potent relief from severe pains, be it chronic or sprains. It’s about finding what aligns with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

 

In the world of sports and athleticism, natural supplements like CBD are gaining momentum. The testimonials from professional athletes and the rising popularity among the general public are testament to CBD’s potential. Whether it's for easing the joint pain when running, enhancing sleep quality, or aiding recovery, CBD is carving a niche in the athletic world.

Remember, alongside considering CBD, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, staying well-hydrated, and getting adequate sleep are equally important in managing inflammation and ensuring optimal training.

Incorporating CBD might just be the secret weapon you need to take your performance to the next level. Keep exploring, stay informed, and find what works best for your body and your routine. And, as always, consult with a healthcare professional or a sports nutritionist to make an informed decision if you are unsure.

 

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