The Benefits of Cannabis and Exercise

By: Noah DuBois Fit & Faded

The stereotype of cannabis enthusiasts being lazy and unmotivated is coming to an end. Professional athletes, medical journals, and regulating bodies are coming to the conclusion that cannabis is safe to use before and after exercise. 

Let’s take a look at how you can benefit from supplementing your workout routines with marijuana, as well as the top strains that will help you recover or stay focused. 

Why Cannabis is the Perfect Recovery Supplement 

As individuals who workout, we spend countless hours researching which pre- or post-workout formula contains the perfect balance of protein, amino acids, vitamins, BCAAs, and peptides. Although these products play a crucial role in muscle growth and regeneration, is there anything else that we can use to supplement our daily fitness routines? 

The answer is yes, and you’ll be pleased to know that a growing number of athletes are turning towards cannabis for its motivating, relaxing, and therapeutic properties. 

Recovery 

Any fitness enthusiast knows that a significant component of any workout routine is rest. If you’re too tired to workout, you won’t perform at your absolute best. When you’re tired, your fitness routines won’t be as effective as if you were well-rested. This is why every single athlete will always say that recovery time is essential. 

Medical studies show that cannabis promotes sleep, and this effectively enhances your recovery time between workout intervals. The more you sleep, the more your body is likely to take in your previous workout. Rest allows you to continuously perform at or near your optimum level over an extended period. 

It should come as no surprise that the sedative effects of Cannabis indica are perfect for this scenario. 

Reduce Pain 

As you workout, you may find yourself with an injury. These are common occurrences when lifting weights or when involved in repetitive exercises, such as running. The pain can be localized or affect an entire area due to inflammation. Any such injury will reduce your ability to continue working out - which is the opposite of what we want. 

Luckily, cannabis has been proven time and again to help relieve pain and inflammation. Whether you’ve injured a tendon through overuse or you lifted a weight the wrong way - cannabis can be used to get your body into recovery mode so you can get back to your daily routines. 

Get Motivated 

Have you ever woken up with a strong desire to not work out? We’ve all been there, and we’re here to tell you that cannabis works exceptionally well in getting you into the gym with enthusiasm. 

Cannabis sativa is the variety of marijuana that you should seek when looking for motivation, as these strains will awaken your mental faculties with a heightened sense of awareness. 

Aside from a motivational standpoint, working out incurs mental side-effects that not many of us think about; but most of us eventually feel. Depression is a real factor for those of us that live by a strict workout regimen. 

As the days pass and gains are made, we find ourselves wondering why we do what we do. This sometimes leads to a depressive state, which can negatively affect our lives down the road. Cannabis is a natural anti-depressant, which makes it a therapeutic supplement. 

We’re not saying that all athletes and fitness-enthusiasts are prone to depression, but the standards that we hold ourselves up to can lead to increased mental pressure. By indulging in cannabis, you’ll let go over this overbearing pressure and move beyond it. Being mentally fit is just as important- if not more critical - than being physically fit; and cannabis is a supplement that can get you through those moments of doubt. 

Top Cannabis Strains 

Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular cannabis strains that are perfect to combine with your pre- and post-workout routines. 

● Purple Punch (Indica - recovery/pain management) 

● Cement Shoes (Indica - recovery/pain management) 

● Bubba Kush (Indica - recovery/pain management) 

● Gorilla Glue #4 (Hybrid - motivational/recovery) 

● Super Silver Haze (Sativa - motivational) 

● Tangie (Sativa - motivational) 

Consuming Cannabis Before or After a Workout? 

Both! While we do recommend that you consume a safe amount before a workout, you should always remain in control so that you don’t harm yourself during your routines. Preferably, cannabis should be consumed after a workout routine so you can place your body into recovery mode. This allows your body to absorb the previous workout to the fullest extent. 

Adding an Enjoyable Layer to Your Daily Routine 

Overall, you should enjoy your workout routines. Cannabis is an excellent motivator and an equally incredible relaxant. By supplementing your fitness routines with cannabis, you’ll remain enthusiastic and rested. 

Once you try marijuana after a long week of working out, you’ll understand why Michael Phelps couldn’t stay away from his bong after breaking the world record for gold medals in the 2016 Olympics.