3 Surprising Ways CBD Can Help With Your Fitness Journey

 

Fitness is a lifestyle choice. Whether you’re an athlete, fitness fanatic, or novice, you try to follow this regime every day. Growing health consciousness, fitness awareness, and increasing gym popularity among millennials are giving the fitness industry a boost. According to statistics, the revenue in the fitness industry amounts to almost $22 million worldwide. In the U.S. the gym industry grew by 7.8 percent, which is almost $32 billion from 2017 to 2018.  

Yet, a recent study shows that in the U.S. alone, people spend $1.8 billion in unused gym memberships. The underlying fact is workouts come with its share of adverse effects. Problems may vary from muscle soreness and pains to sleeplessness, severe injury, heart problems, and other health-related side-effects. Sometimes lack of motivation, performance anxiety, and other mental problems can hinder a fitness regime.  

CBD or Cannabidiol is a plant-derived component. Found in marijuana, this non-psychoactive compound can help ease a range of physical and mental illness without feeling ‘high’. CBD is known to be effective for treating various health problems from epilepsy and cancer to Parkinson’s, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, heart complications, skin problems, and more.

Also known as pot, weed, or ganja, this once-illegal drug, is now legalized in various nations due to its varied medical and therapeutic benefits. Oil, tinctures, edibles, vapes, or raw ganja, users can now find several novel options of marijuana products to purchase, either from dispensaries or online. 

CBD and Fitness: How it Works?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body is a molecular system that maintains homeostasis, which is the internal stability of the body processes. CBD modifies the CB1 and CB2 receptors’ ability to bind to other cannabinoids found in the ECS. 

CBD can also modulate non-cannabinoid receptors like G protein-coupled receptors, which interact with CB1 and CB2. Hence, CBD can exert its therapeutic effects on the body by stimulating various receptors and helping in regulating and balancing various functions of the body, including the nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular, endocrine system, metabolism, etc.  

Consequently, CBD can show many benefits to alleviate the adverse effects of exercising. People maintaining a healthy lifestyle are, therefore, integrating CBD with their workout regime.

Here are three surprising uses of CBD, which will make you think about incorporating CBD with your fitness regime. 

1.) CBD May Promote Cardiovascular Health

Severe physical activity sees rapid increases in the blood pressure of the body. High blood pressure damages blood vessels and blocks the blood flow in the arteries. CBD has a promising effect as a vasodilator. Research shows it decreases the blood pressure related to mental and physical stress and various other cardiovascular diseases.

Mediating through CB1 receptors, CBD also causes vasorelaxation, which means it relieves the tension and promotes the free flow of blood in the arteries and veins, thus strengthening heart health.

Regular exercise is beneficial for the relaxation of arteries and veins. Therefore, coupling cardiovascular exercise with CBD can help provide a better performance and a stronger heart. 

2.) CBD May Encourage Muscle Recovery

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS affects all exercisers and athletes. Rigorous workout and change in exercises can often lead to muscle soreness or stiffness. The common symptoms involve muscle tenderness, fever, and inflammation. CBD interacts with TRPV1 receptors that work as ion channels to moderate pain, inflammation, and body temperature. From reducing exhaustion of the muscles to the speedy recovery of injuries, CBD is one of the best natural drugs available on the market that can reduce inflammation. 

CBD also acts as the best analgesic without any severe side-effects like liver damage, which is associated with other regular medications. When applied topically or consumed, CBD can help reduce the pain associated with the soreness, helps in relaxing the muscle, and relieves stiffness of joints. The usage of CBD can also help alleviate muscle tension, promote better rest, and increase the body’s efficacy to muscle recovery at a quicker pace. 

3.) CBD May Alleviate Anxiety and Insomnia

Setting high goals and constant performance pressure build-up unnecessary anxiety and stress. Further, muscle soreness, injuries, and other problems associated with exercise can lead to sleeplessness and fatigue. CBD activates 5HT1A receptors to reduce anxiety, pain, nausea, and the effects of other vital functions like sleep and appetite.

As per NIDA (National Institute of Drug Abuse), CBD has therapeutic effectiveness to treat anxiety and stress disorders and reduces the physiological side-effects of anxiety, like an increase in heart rate. CBD can, therefore, calm the nerves, reduce the feeling of self-consciousness, promote a good sleep cycle, and help enjoy the fitness regime. This, of course, provides ample rest to the body and mind and restores energy for better physical performance. 

Conclusion

For its exceptional medical benefits, CBD is getting a greater acceptance among the fitness freaks and athletes. Starting from retired athletes like Mike Tyson to current American soccer player Megan Ranipoe, there is a list of sportspersons who advocate CBD. As more athletes are opening up in support of  CBD, the World Anti-Doping Agency has removed CBD from the list of banned substances. The upcoming Olympics will now see the use of CBD by athletes. 

Considering all the advantages of CBD, it’s your choice whether to incorporate CBD in your fitness schedule. But, if any of the above health issues lead you away from your fitness goals, considering a consultation from the professional of a medical marijuana dispensary in Colorado Springs is actually not a bad idea.