How Weed May Help You Achieve Your New Year Fitness Goals
When most people think about cannabis, being a metabolic booster and workout enhancer don’t usually come to mind. However, more fitness buffs are seeing the benefit, especially in lower-dosed more frequent use; this is called micro-dosing. Using a few puffs to get out of your head and into your routine can be a game changer for those with gym apprehension. Being less distracted at the gym will not only improve your workout, but the lessened performance anxiety could keep you from a getting hurt as well. Even using a non-psychoactive CBD is a great option per it’s anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Cannabis and fitness are picking up steam as a powerful duo, especially as gyms everywhere pick up post holidays. As little as two or three puffs from a one-hitter or vape pen are usually enough to subdue new gym anxiety. What better way to ease your new routine jitters than with a toke from a cbd vape pen or a low dose edible to get your mind in gear? There’s many ways to use weed for wellness, and enhancing your workout is just one of them.
Don’t just take our word and science on it, how about bodybuilding legend, Hollywood movie star, and governor Arnold Schwarzenegger:
A few milligrams of infused granola as a healthy snack can aid in mental well-being. Medicated salves and lotions relieve aches and pains of strenuous movement, allowing for quicker recovery. A few puffs of a high THCV strain will actually aid appetite suppression.
And while it seems strange to use a substance known for causing the munchies to shed those extra holiday pounds, research is finding cannabis to be beneficial for weight loss in some cases. A recent study by the Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics found that daily cannabis users were likely to have a lower body mass index than their pot-free peers.
“Results show that daily female marijuana users have a BMI that is approximately 3.1% (p<0.01) lower than that of non-users, whereas daily male users have a BMI that is approximately 2.7% (p<0.01) lower than that of non-users." Not a bad find, and certainly fits in with my experience. I personally found it much easier to regulate my appetite and shed those few extra pounds with good bud in tow.
A 2013 American Journal of Medicine study, The Impact of Marijuana Use on Glucose, Insulin, and Insulin Resistance among US Adults, found regular cannabis users (3 or more times per week) were found to not only have lower insulin and blood sugar levels, but also had increased levels of good cholesterol. Lower blood sugar and insulin mean better ability to affect weight loss; more good cholesterol helps with everything from hormone fluctuation to allowing better muscle tone as you progress on your road to fitness.
Proof of cannabis’ physiological effects only strengthen the foothold of the mental benefits. Moderate use allows for introspection, and being able to focus inward on your goals can give you the mental capacity to push through harder workouts. One crossfit enthusiast told me, “Just a few hits allows me to be more present and mindful. I’m able to focus better on the day’s regimen, and I have PR’ed the last few times I’ve consumed before class.” Cannabinoids’ effects on the body also mimic the oft-famed “runner’s high” and can feel strangely similar. This effect may also partially be why a little high can help with endurance as you’ve already been feeling the euphoric effects of a hard workout. What’s most important is finding a lifestyle and wellness routine that works for you. If a few puffs before the gym sets you up for success, or if you prefer a post work-out infused smoothie to aid in recovery, there’s many ways to use cannabis to feel better. I encourage you to explore, experiment, and share what works for you.
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