CBD can be used as a pre- or post-workout supplement to aid with energy and recovery.

There is a lot of interest in CBD among the fitness community because of its many health benefits.

Whether you’re trying to gain muscle, or just get healthy, CBD may play a helpful role in your exercise routine.

CBD has pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and appetite-stimulating effects that can support post-workout recovery.

It can also be used pre-workout to reduce pain sensitivity as well as reduce cortisol, helping you go harder during your workout.

Can CBD Benefit My Exercise Routine?

(Photo: Shutterstock)

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana which is known for its many medical benefits. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high.

Many people have started integrating CBD into their fitness routines. Some yoga studios and gyms have begun embracing cannabis use. Some “ganja yoga” studios even offer students vaporizers with THC or CBD to use during the class.

CBD has many properties that make it a good supplement for fitness-minded folks. Many people use it as a post-workout recovery aid, while others like to use it as a pre-workout boost.

CBD has different benefits depending on whether you use it as a pre- or post-workout supplement.

While CBD was once banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, this ban was lifted in 2017. It is now accepted for use by professional athletes.

CBD as a Pre-Workout Supplement

(Photo: Shutterstock)

CBD has many benefits as a pre-workout supplement, including reducing your sensitivity to pain, boosting your energy, and acting as an anti-catabolic.

Studies have shown that CBD is an analgesic, meaning it effectively relieves pain. This ability to reduce sensitivity to pain can help you go harder during a workout because you won’t be as sensitive to pain signals from your muscles.

Many people also use CBD as a general energy and mood booster. CBD has antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects, which can help you feel more energized, positive, and motivated to perform your workout, especially if you suffer from depression or anxiety.

Another pre-workout benefit of CBD is that it’s thought to act as an anti-catabolic.

Catabolic hormones act to break down muscle tissue, which is the opposite of what you want during a workout. One important catabolic hormone is cortisol, also known as the stress hormone.

One of cortisol’s main functions is to break down muscle tissue to supply the body with blood sugar. A 1993 study found that volunteers given CBD showed decreased cortisol levels in their blood.

This effect can prevent the breakdown of muscles during your workout, helping you to gain lean body mass more easily.

If you’re using CBD specifically as an anti-catabolic, make sure you’re not using any pre-workout drinks that contain caffeine. Unlike CBD, caffeine raises cortisol levels.

CBD as a Post-Workout Supplement

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Using CBD as a post-workout supplement seems to be the most common use in the fitness community. The benefits of using CBD post-workout include reduced muscle soreness, less inflammation, appetite stimulation, and relaxation.

CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help you recover faster and deal with symptoms of delayed onset muscle soreness.

CBD can also aid with relaxation and may help you get better sleep at night. Getting enough rest is an important part of post-workout recovery.

Muscle recovery takes place while you sleep, meaning anything that improves your sleep can also help you build muscle.

Finally, while there is not a lot of research on the matter, some people find CBD can stimulate their appetite and help them eat their post recovery meal. You can find more information on CBD here.

It’s important to consume enough protein after a workout to help you build muscle, so if you struggle to eat enough, CBD may be able to help.