You might be familiar with CBD products as they are becoming more widely used as a natural alternative to traditional medicine. The products come in a range of different forms such as capsules, oils, body creams, and gummies, and carry a long list of benefits. If you’re thinking about using CBD products, making sure that they are lab-tested and purchased from a reputable CBD store is essential. CBD can help with recovery after taking part in sporting activities or working out at the gym. Here are 5 ways that CBD can help with your workout routines.
What is CBD?
CBD is an all-natural compound derived from the hemp plant. It is completely safe to use and shouldn’t be confused with its counterpart THC – this is the compound that is responsible for the high that is associated with cannabis. THC is not used in CBD products, so you don’t have to worry. When CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, it is often mixed with another natural ingredient such as coconut or olive oil. CBD comes with a long list of benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, being able to treat aches and pains effectively, as well as being able to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
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Muscle soreness
One of the major ways that CBD can benefit you with your workout routine is that it can reduce muscle aches and pains. We are all familiar with that stiffness that you get after a hard session in the gym. Using a product like CBD cream can be applied directly to the muscles to target an ache right at the source. CBDs anti-inflammatory properties can bring down inflammation in the muscles and soothe the pain.
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Sports injuries
CBD is becoming more recognised when it comes to sports medicine. CBD products can help various injuries that are commonly caused by participating in sports such as:
- Injuries caused by excessive running like Achilles’ tendon injuries – this is the largest tendon in the body and can become injured and cause pain when overused
- Rotator cuff injuries that are often related to overuse in swimming or any sport that uses repetitive arm movements – CBD can be used to bring down swelling and inflammation around the shoulder blade
- Muscles strains that are often caused by lifting or a swift change in direction can be soothed with the use of CBD products
- Sprains that can cause a lot of pain and result in limited movement can be improved with CBD oil or cream
Having an injury means there will be some swelling and inflammation around the affected area and can also result in a lack of movement. Because CBD products are all-natural, by using them to help alleviate your pain and stiffness, you can be sure that you’re not using harmful chemicals on your body.
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Post-workout
If you’re a regular gym-goer, you’ll be familiar with that ache that you get a few hours or even a day or two after a hard workout. If you have an intense workout routine and stiff muscles are stopping you from performing at your best in your next session, there are CBD products that could be beneficial to you. Because of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can help to treat the tiny tears that take place during a workout, which causes muscle aches and slows down overall recovery.
Some other potential benefits you may find are that it can reduce pain, which is great if you become injured, as well as being able to reduce muscle spasms. We all know how important sleep is to your body when you’re recovering from a workout or sport, CBD helps to improve your quality of sleep which can help to aid overall recovery. Some of the products that you may find useful to aid recovery are protein shakes, protein powders, or CBD body cream.
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Focus and alertness
If you’re competing at a high level or in a team sport, or maybe you’re just hoping that you can improve your form and concentration during your workout, CBD can help. One of CBD’s most prominent properties is that it can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, this means that it can help you to feel more relaxed and allow you to focus on your workout without your mind wandering elsewhere. Lack of sleep and suffering from fatigue is some of the main reasons that we often struggle to concentrate. The use of CBD products can help you to get better sleep, which will help you to be more alert and ready to take on your workout.
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Energy levels
Most of the time when our energy levels are low, it is because we are overworked, stressed or our bodies simply need a rest. Much like CBD can improve focus and alertness, it can also help to increase energy levels. If you feel sluggish and a bit rundown, using CBD oils or capsules can boost energy with its influence on biological processes in the brain, such as helping with the production of serotonin and dopamine, which helps to lift our mood.