CrossFitters, gym rats, and athletes are no strangers to muscle soreness. Pushing your limits during a workout often leaves you feeling like you were hit by a freight train. While post-exercise body ache is a sign your muscles are repairing and getting stronger, it can also slow you down.
If you are a fitness enthusiast, you’ve probably met fellow athletes who regularly use CBD for workout recovery. Just as protein shakes and stretching have become staples in post-workout recovery, CBD is finding its place in the fitness world.
But like any supplement, it’s important to understand how CBD works, as this natural compound from hemp is still relatively new. Let’s walk you through how CBD fits into your post-workout recovery and why so many athletes are giving it a try.
Post-workout muscle soreness happens due to your body repairing tiny tears in muscle fibers caused by exercise. This is a natural process and is necessary for muscle growth, but several factors can amplify the soreness, including:
One common culprit that slows down post-workout recovery is Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). It kicks in 24-48 hours after exercise and can make simple movements feel challenging.
Traditionally, athletes and fitness enthusiasts have relied on strategies like these to combat soreness:
While these approaches work, many athletes are now turning to CBD for muscle recovery. It’s fast becoming a promising addition to their post-workout recovery toolkit.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from hemp. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body, which is a network that helps regulate functions like mood, appetite, immune response, and sleep.
The ECS plays a key role in maintaining balance, also known as homeostasis, which is crucial during post-workout recovery. When you push your body during a workout, the ECS may help you recover without added stress or discomfort. CBD interacts with ECS receptors and it can support this natural balance, making it a potentially useful tool in muscle recovery.
Here are a few benefits of CBD for athletes:
After a tough workout, your muscles naturally become inflamed. While inflammation is part of the repair process, excessive inflammation can be uncomfortable and slow you down. CBD may help you recover as comfortably as possible.
DOMS can leave you feeling stiff for days. CBD’s interaction with receptors in the ECS may help ease this discomfort, allowing you to return to your workouts sooner. While more research is needed, athletes are exploring CBD to stay active after a workout.
Sleep is one of the most critical parts of post-workout recovery. It’s when your body repairs itself. Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night. But if you are a seasoned athlete, you may need more to maintain your performance. Taking CBD post-workout can support your sleep cycle and promote relaxation.
Recovery isn’t just about muscles; mental health matters too. Whether it’s competitive stress or workout pressure, CBD’s calming effects may help athletes feel more balanced and focused. A calm mind can lead to better overall performance.
Adding CBD to your workout recovery routine can be simple and effective. It comes in various forms, so you can choose what works best for you:
Ingestibles include products like CBD oils, softgels, and gummies, and they are great for full-body support. For example, our Broad-Spectrum CBD Gummies provide an easy way to include CBD into your day. These tasty gummies (available in strawberry and green apple flavors) are a discreet and convenient option for athletes on the go.
CBD creams, salve sticks, and balms can provide targeted relief and support post-workout recovery. The Wellness Collection® also features a range of topicals designed to soothe and relax your body after a workout, including specially formulated CBD sports cream.
Whether you want to use CBD sports cream or oil tinctures, not all products are created equal. To get the most out of yours, look for these key features:
Hemp sourced from U.S. farms meets strict quality standards. U.S.-grown hemp is free from harmful pesticides and cultivated in compliance with federal guidelines.
A trustworthy CBD product will have a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from an independent lab. This verifies that the product contains what’s advertised and is free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides.
Broad-spectrum CBD includes beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes without detectable THC, while full-spectrum may contain trace amounts of THC. Both offer the “entourage effect,” utilizing the approximate 120 cannabinoids in quality CBD products, where these compounds work together to enhance benefits.
If you’re an athlete (or employee) subject to drug testing, opt for products labeled “0.0% THC.” This ensures compliance with sports regulations while still providing the benefits of CBD.
CBD derived from hemp is federally legal in the U.S., provided it contains less than 0.3% THC. However, laws vary from state to state, so it’s crucial to check your local regulations before using CBD for workout recovery.
Additionally, you should consider the rules set by your sports organization because some of them have strict anti-doping policies. While CBD is generally allowed, THC—even in trace amounts—may be prohibited.
Many athletes are turning to CBD for workout recovery. Those who use it regularly swear by its ability to support muscle recovery and promote a feeling of calmness. It offers a natural way for your body to bounce back.
Are you ready to give CBD a try?
The Wellness Collection® offers a range of high-quality CBD products, including topicals and gummies. Explore our products to find what fits best in your post-workout recovery routine. Your recovery matters, and we can help you take it to the next level with CBD.
Want to learn more? Let’s talk!
Cassie has a background in manufacturing operations, healthcare operations, nutrition, and health coaching. This results in an unparalleled understanding of how each part of production affects the whole product. Cassie is a true advocate for healthy and holistic living, preventive lifestyles, and clean food/ingredients
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been tossing and turning, staring at the clock, or just seeking that elusive restful night. We get it
CrossFitters, gym rats, and athletes are no strangers to muscle soreness. Pushing your limits during a workout often leaves you feeling like you were hit
