Hey there, Wellness Warriors! Ever felt like you needed a bit more pep in your step, especially when trying to make it to the gym on those ‘I’d-rather-stay-in-bed’ days? Or perhaps you’re searching for that extra push to transform your exercise routine from a daily dread to a delightful dance? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a wild ride into the world of CBD and daily exercise – an unlikely duo that just might become your new best buddies in your journey to a healthier, happier you!
Picture this – a match made in wellness heaven. In one corner, we’ve got CBD, the non-intoxicating whiz-kid of the cannabis plant that’s taken the health world by storm. Known for its calming properties and potential to ease discomfort, it’s like a comforting pat on the back from Mother Nature herself. In the other corner, we’ve got daily exercise – the powerhouse activity that keeps our hearts pumping, our muscles flexing, and those pesky blues at bay. Each is impressive in its own right, but together? They’re about to change the game.
Join us as we dive deep into how the zen-like calm of CBD can perfectly compliment your daily sweat sessions, creating a symbiotic relationship that could potentially leave you feeling fitter, healthier, and happier. Ready to transform your life? Let’s get moving.
Benefits of Combining Exercise with CBD
So, you’ve heard the buzz about CBD and you’re no stranger to the benefits of exercise. But when these two powerhouses join forces, they create a tag team that’s got us all doing a double-take. Let’s unravel the magic behind this dynamic duo.
Synergistic Effects of Exercise and CBD
Exercise and CBD both interact with the same biological system in our bodies: the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is involved in various processes, including mood, discomfort and appetite. Physical activity naturally stimulates the ECS, and it’s thought that the “runner’s high” feeling people experience after a workout is due to this activation. CBD, in turn, may support ECS function by interacting with its receptors, potentially enhancing the effects of exercise.
For instance, post-workout muscle soreness is something we’ve all wrestled with. Exercise induces inflammation as part of the body’s recovery process, but too much inflammation can slow down recovery and lead to prolonged discomfort. CBD has been studied for its potential tension soothing properties, making it an intriguing supplement for post-workout recovery.
Also, we can’t dismiss the mind-body connection. Exercise is a known stress-buster, and so is CBD. By combining the two, you could potentially amplify the stress-relieving benefits, aiding relaxation and promoting better sleep, which is crucial for muscle recovery and performance.
Scientific Studies Supporting the Combination Exercise and ECS Activation?
A 2003 study published in Neuroreport found that the ECS is activated during exercise, possibly contributing to the mood-enhancing effects of physical activity (4).
CBD and Inflammation?
Preclinical studies, like a 2015 review in Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, suggest that CBD has tension soothing properties. More research is needed in human models, but these findings are promising for potential post-workout recovery benefits (3).
CBD and Anxiety?
A 2015 analysis in Neurotherapeutics researched if CBD has considerable potential as a treatment for stress. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals who utilize exercise as a form of stress management (2).
Remember, science is ever-evolving and new research might shed even more light on this synergistic relationship. It’s also important to note that individual experiences with CBD can vary, and what works for one person might not work for another. Always consult a healthcare provider when starting a new supplement regimen, and be sure to choose high-quality, third-party tested CBD products.
5 Daily Exercises and How to Incorporate CBD
1. Walking or Jogging
Our first dynamic duo is walking or jogging, paired with a little CBD magic. This form of exercise is accessible to almost everyone, regardless of fitness level, and it’s fantastic for cardiovascular health, burning calories, and boosting your mood.
So, where does CBD come into play? Well, CBD may help to enhance the stress-relieving effects of a good jog or a brisk walk. A study from the University of São Paulo found that CBD has potential anti-stress effects, and we all know a good jog can help shake off the worries of the day. (1)
Try taking a CBD gummy or two before heading out for your jog or walk. Not only might it make your exercise routine more enjoyable, but you could also potentially come back feeling more relaxed and recharged.
2. Yoga
Namaste, Warriors! Yoga is a mind-body exercise that combines stretching, strength, and balance, while also promoting relaxation and mindfulness. And guess what? CBD might just help deepen your yoga practice.
With its potential tension soothing properties, CBD could aid in reducing discomfort, particularly after those more strenuous poses or longer sessions. Not to mention, CBD’s calming effects might just help to enhance the mental clarity and relaxation that yoga provides.
Try using a CBD cream or lotion on your muscles after a yoga session, or incorporate a few drops of CBD oil into your post-yoga smoothie. You might just find that your Savasana has never felt better.
3. Strength Training
Pumping iron? Let’s bring CBD into the mix. Strength training, whether using free weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight, helps build muscle, increases bone density, and even boosts metabolism. But we all know it can sometimes leave you feeling a bit sore.
Enter CBD. Remember its potential tension soothing properties we mentioned earlier? This could make it a strong contender in aiding your post-workout recovery.
Try taking a CBD oil tincture after your workout, holding it under your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. You might just find that your post-workout recovery is a bit smoother with CBD on your team.
4. Swimming
Swimming is a fantastic low-impact, full-body exercise, working everything from your legs to your core to your upper body. Plus, it’s a great way to stay cool during those hot summer months.
But even though it’s low-impact, swimming can still leave your muscles feeling worked. CBD, with its potential soothing effects, might be the perfect swim buddy.
Consider consuming a CBD edible or CBD capsule before your swim. Not only can it potentially help with any pre-swim jitters, but it might also aid in recovery once you’ve hung up your goggles for the day.
5. Cycling
Whether you’re hitting the trails or sweating it out in a spin class, cycling is a fabulous cardiovascular exercise that’s easy on the joints and builds lower body strength.
After a long ride, your leg muscles might be calling for a little TLC. CBD, with its potential to soothe discomfort, could be just the ticket.
Try applying a CBD topical to your legs after a long ride. The potential soothing properties of CBD, combined with a little self-massage, could have your muscles saying, ‘Thank you!’ in no time.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions of CBD
Now, before we dash headlong into this dance with CBD, let’s pump the brakes for a moment and chat about potential side effects and precautions. We wouldn’t be good wellness buddies if we didn’t lay it all out on the table, would we?
While many people tolerate CBD well, it can have some side effects, including dry mouth, fatigue, and occasionally, diarrhea. It might also interact with other medications you’re taking, which is why it’s super important to have a chat with your healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into your routine. They’ll be able to guide you based on your personal medical history and medication regimen.
And let’s not forget about sourcing – in the vast world of CBD, not all products are created equal. Always look for high-quality CBD products from reputable brands. Ensure they conduct third-party lab testing, which means an independent lab has verified the product’s ingredients and potency. It’s the difference between buying a designer bag from a well-known store versus a roadside stall. Your health and wellness aren’t areas where you want to compromise on quality.
In short, while CBD can potentially be a great addition to your wellness routine, it’s important to start slowly, listen to your body, and involve your healthcare provider in the process. Safe and informed is the name of the game!
So, Are You Going to Try These Daily Exercises?
We’ve hopped, skipped, and jumped our way through the fascinating world of combining CBD with our daily exercise routines. From the calm and focused strides of a CBD-enhanced jog to the potentially soothing relief after a strength training session, it’s clear that CBD and exercise can create a potent team in our quest for better health and overall wellbeing.
Just remember – the journey to health is not a sprint, but a marathon. There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, so feel free to experiment and find out what works best for you. And don’t forget to keep your healthcare provider in the loop.
With every step, pedal, swim stroke, weight lift, or yoga pose, you’re investing in your health. And with the potential added benefits of CBD, you’re making that investment even smarter.
So, go on, give it a try. Lace up your sneakers, unroll your yoga mat, oil that bike chain, or pull on your swim cap, and see what this dynamic duo can do for you.
Here’s to feeling fitter, healthier, and happier in your own unique wellness journey. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and most importantly, stay well!
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Works Cited
1.Bergmaschi, Mateus M., et al. “Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients.” NCBI, 2011, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/. Accessed 1 June 2023.
2. Blessing, Esther M., et al. “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders.” NCBI, 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/. Accessed 1 June 2023.
3. Burstein, Summer. “Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation.” Science Direct, 2015, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0968089615000838. Accessed 1 6 2023.
4. Doricchi, Fabrizio, and Francesco Tomaiuolo. “The anatomy of neglect without hemianopia: a key role for parietal–frontal disconnection?” NeuroReport, 2003, https://journals.lww.com/neuroreport/Abstract/2003/12020/Exercise_activates_the_endocannabinoid_system.21.aspx. Accessed 1 June 2023.
