While CBD oil for athletes is not classified as a health supplement by the FDA, people far and wide are taking CBD products to promote exercise performance, enhance muscle building, and to speed recovery after intense workouts.

However, it’s unclear if CBD is as effective for these uses as some people claim. This article breaks down the latest science and explains how the benefits of CBD for those looking to elevate their fitness routine.

Using CBD Before Exercising

Research shows that CBD has relaxation-promoting and anti-anxiety effects, which is why many people take CBD as a natural way to encourage restful sleep and reduce anxiety symptoms.

However, the stimulating potential of this compound is too often overlooked. CBD with THC has been shown to increase wakefulness and alertness when administered in lower doses, while the sedating effects are typically associated with higher doses. For those looking to increase focus and energy by introducing CBD into their active lifestyle, this is a plus.

But before you try CBD as a pre-workout booster, first consider what results you are hoping to achieve. The type of delivery method and when you choose to take CBD can play an important role in how you respond to the hemp extract. For instance, your body will absorb CBD more slowly if you ingest a capsule or edible when compared to other application styles, like inhalation or sublingual drops, which take effect much more quickly.

You can choose a product that you like, and adjust the time at which you take it depending on when you hope to see the CBD take effect. Additionally, you’ll want to start with small doses of CBD if using it before a workout, especially since too much of the compound may hamper your motivation to exercise.

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CBD for Post-Workout Recovery

The phrase “no pain, no gain” comes to mind when we think of building muscle, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is the common culprit. The aches and pains that follow an intense workout are caused by the body’s response to heal microtears in the muscle fibers, which are a result of muscle tension and strain. While this sensation may be uncomfortable, it’s a good sign that your muscles are recovering and building stronger fibers that are more resistant to damage.

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But it’s not always easy to move past the joint pain, muscle soreness, and old injury flare-ups that can hinder many people from reaching the full scope of their physical capabilities.

Enter CBD

As CBD becomes more widely recognized as a pain-relieving substance, more people are starting to use CBD oil for inflammation after physical activity to counteract exercise-induced muscle soreness. This is often done to help reduce some of the painful side effects caused by muscle recovery, without inhibiting the ability of the muscle fibers to heal themselves. Although CBD holds promise as a muscle pain-relieving natural remedy, more research on the potential ability to ease pain and promote muscle recovery after exercise is needed.

Moreover, CBD appeals to a variety of consumers since there are a wide range of different application methods. CBD-infused lotions and creams can be applied topically for targeting localized pain, or sublingual tinctures or ingestible capsules can be of use when seeking whole-body effects.