We know exercise and regular, consistent movement is important in combating disease, boosting energy, mood, brain function and overall well-being. How do we go about incorporating cannabis into a pre workout routine? When we think of a pre workout routine, we generally think about warming up, fueling, and hydrating, but it is so much more!
The term “pre workout” in the fitness community conjures up memories of brightly colored powder (mostly caffeine) taken prior to a workout in order to boost energy and increase focus. These became popular in the late 2000’s (2009-2010) as a way to consume supplemental vitamins and caffeine and give us the pep we need to get through a workout… especially the intense ones!
Now, more and more people are turning to cannabis as their pre workout supplement because it provides the desired increase in motivation and boost of energy, plus more! As a natural pain reliever, it can reduce pain making exercise more manageable. Cannabis reduces inflammation allowing for better range of motion which leads to more efficient workout and better results. Users report more energy, greater focus and a more enjoyable workout experience.
Weed enthusiasts love consuming cannabis in advance of all types of exercise – walking, running, lifting weights, yoga and more. One user specified they use it before hill workouts. Another user reported enjoying hiking in nature more after consuming cannabis.
MOTIVATION AND FOCUS
Research in this area is limited due to legalities, but anecdotal evidence abounds! Users find themselves more focused and motivated when it comes time to workout. Taken prior to our exercise, this can help us in a number of ways:
- Sometimes we just aren’t feeling the pep we need to get moving, and a good energizing strain can help rev us up to move our bodies.
- Often we are preoccupied by our day and have trouble focusing and getting “into the zone”. A strain for focus and clarity is great for helping us focus on the task at hand.
- We all have times where we dread exercise and drag ourselves through a workout, going through the motions but not enjoying it. An uplifting strain will make exercise more enjoyable!
- With its anti-depressive and anxiety relieving properties, cannabis is a great way to push away the clouds in our mind and inspire movement.
PAIN RELIEF
Common obstacles to regular movement are chronic pain, arthritis and muscle soreness. Whether you live with chronic pain, suffer from arthritis, or have general aches and pains, you know how discouraging it can be. Oftentime the last thing you feel like doing is moving more. Cannabis can provide enough relief to keep you moving!
The problem with pain, inflammation and muscle soreness, aside from being uncomfortable, is that it can limit our range of motion which will affect your workout results. For example, if you have arthritic knees, it might be uncomfortable to squat or lunge, limiting your range and causing you to miss out on the benefits of the muscles used when squatting and lunging. If you plan to run 3 miles to prepare for a 5k race but are too sore to run, then it sets back your preparation for the race!
CBD (the non psychoactive compound) is popular for targeting pain and inflammation and can be utilized prior to a workout topically (cream, lotion or balm), inhaled or ingested. Topicals can target localized areas while inhaling and ingesting will work more systematically. Whichever way you choose, it provides strong relief without concern of psychoactivity.
STRAINS
Popular pre workout strains include:
Green Crack, Durban Poison, Super Lemon Haze, Harlequin, Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, OG Kush, Ghost Train Haze
These are primarily sativa strains and the most common terpenes are terpinolene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. These are known to brighten mood, energize and reduce pain and inflammation allowing for a much better workout experience and enhancing results.
Note: everyone is different and depending on your personal obstacles to exercise, you may need additional terpenes.
CHALLENGES
Choosing how to consume your cannabis pre workout is a personal preference but here are some things to consider:
Timing: Since edibles can take up to two hours to feel the effects, using edibles prior to a workout requires some planning. Drinks and tinctures have a slightly faster onset and the effects can last longer. Smoking or vaping produces effects within minutes and can be used more spontaneously, but the effects may wear off quickly and may require taking some hits mid workout to maintain effects.
Dosage: Always start with a low dose as too much THC can cause the opposite of the desired effect and could ruin your workout!
Discreetness: If you’re a gym-goer you won’t be able to smoke or vape inside the facility. Clients tell me they smoke or vape in the car in the parking lot. Edibles and tinctures are much more discreet in this way. If you workout at home or outside, the sky’s the limit!
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you’re struggling with your workout routine: lacking the motivation to exercise, unable to focus on your workout, and/or have pain preventing you from a consistent routine, try incorporating cannabis into your routine! In addition to feeling better, you may not even need any caffeine!
It might be the boost you need to get back on track, or it might be what makes your workout more enjoyable!
Pro tip: Keep a log of your workouts and your consumption to look for trends and optimize your fitness!
If you’re interested in more personalized or want to explore further, feel free to reach out to me directly at Beth@Cannafitnessnutrition.com. You can discover more about my comprehensive 12 week program, CannaFit, which helps you integrate cannabis into your fitness and nutrition for optimal wellness at www.cannafitnessnutrition.com.
