Simple Guide To CBD For Fitness Enthusiasts
CBD has become a trending item lately, especially in the world of fitness. You can get CBD in muscle rub, candy, and even lattes. While there are a lot of positive claims about this substance, fitness enthusiasts should educate themselves before hopping on the bandwagon.
Here’s what you need to know about CBD products and safe consumption to support your recovery during training.
What is CBD?
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a substance derived from cannabis plants. CBD is not to be confused with THC, which is the psychoactive component of cannabis plants. While marijuana consumption is still illegal in many states, CBD is not.
While CBD does not produce the effects of THC, people should still take caution when using it. Ensuring that they’re buying a product that doesn’t have THC added is essential when trying to take advantage of the claimed benefits of using CBD.
How Does CBD Help with Fitness?
There are a lot of claims associated with CBD, including:
- Reduced inflammation
- Pain relief
- Anxiety and stress relief
- Improved sleep
It’s these claims that make CBD use so appealing to the fitness community. Not only can this product replace over the counter pain medication and anti-inflammatories, but it can help facilitate better sleep, which is integral for better muscle recovery. Furthermore, according to the claims, it can help offset the anxiety you might feel about competing.
Tips for Incorporating CBD Into Your Recovery
If you decide that you want to try incorporating CBD into your fitness recovery regimen, here are some tips to get you started.
Use it Topically
Try using CBD topically as well as orally. CBD infused hemp tinctures can help for all-over bodily effects, while salves make for a great muscle rub in a targeted area. If you have an injury that flares up or you want to ensure you’re helping a specific area, a topical application is a must-try.
Try it in a Safe Environment
While CBD is natural and generally regarded as safe, you should always try a new product in a secure environment. Different doses affect people in unique ways.
It’s better to get an understanding of how the product affects you before venturing out to take on the world. While some of your peers may have no adverse side effects, some users report stomach trouble and fatigue.
Furthermore, not all CBD products are as pure as they claim to be. You don’t want to discover that the product you’re using has a higher level of THC than you expected while out driving or in the middle of a training session.
Buy From a Reliable Vendor
Just because a bottle is labeled as CBD oil, doesn’t mean that there’s no THC present. Be sure to read the labels and buy from a reliable vendor that you can trust. While great strides have been made to regulate the products, there is still a way to go.
Find a product and vendor you enjoy and trust before incorporating CBD into your fitness routine.
Keep Testing in Mind
Just because a product is legal, doesn’t mean that it’s accepted in all athletic federations. If you plan on competing, reach out to your federation to get clarity on what’s allowed and what isn’t.
In many cases, athletic organizations support CBD as a part of recovery during training but don’t want to see it as a performance enhancer on the day of an event. Even if you’re taking CBD products that adhere to the 0.3% or less THC threshold, your dose can make a big difference over the day and show up during testing.
CBD can be a great supplement to incorporate into your fitness recovery strategy. However, you should treat it just like that: a supplement. Focus on nutrition, mobility, and regeneration in conjunction with your CBD supplements for the best possible results.