Weed makes damn near everything better. Movies? Duh. Food? Double duh. Exercise? Well, that depends on what you mean and who you ask. Going for a run right after ripping the bong might not be your first inclination, but cannabis could take your workouts to the next level in ways you didn’t expect. Come find out how!
Is Cannabis a Performance-Enhancing Drug?
Cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug. Don’t expect to eat an edible and hit new personal bests. A small study at the University of Colorado Boulder found that when runners consumed cannabis, they ran, on average, 31 seconds slower per mile.
Why does that happen? Well, THC increases your heart rate and binds to receptors in your brain responsible for coordination, balance, and reaction time. Sprinting can get a bit tough when you’re trying to remember how your legs work.
So, cannabis might not be a performance-enhancing substance, but it could help in other ways.
More Enjoyable Workouts
The more you like doing something, the more you’ll keep doing it, right? And that’s where weed can take your workouts to the next level. In the same study that showed high runners had a slower mile time, it also showed that those same runners enjoyed the workout more.
Cardio, specifically, could become more pleasant and immersive. Instead of counting the passing seconds, you might find your mind wanders into creative and reflective thoughts. As you lose yourself in musings, you’ll fall into the rhythm of your body.
Taking a toke and going for a jog is a great opportunity to process daily events, brainstorm ideas, or forget about the mundanity or the difficulty of the workout.
Post-Workout Benefits
The post-work benefits of cannabis are where the plant really shines. Here are some of the top ways using marijuana can help your body recover faster and perform better.
Alleviate Pain: After a hard workout, sore muscles and joints are all too common. THC interacts directly with your body’s endocannabinoid system, reducing pain perception. Less pain means more comfort, helping you get back in the gym faster.
Reduces Inflammation: Intense workouts break down our muscles so that they can rebuild stronger. But this process causes temporary inflation. Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties that can promote quicker and more effective recovery.
Improves Sleep: Sleep is crucial for muscle recovery and our overall health. If you want to perform at your highest ability, you need good quality sleep. Cannabis can be a wonderful tool to fall asleep faster and deeper, ensuring that your body is fully optimized.
Final High Thoughts
If you decide to add cannabis to your workout routine, be responsible. Getting faded and maxing out at the gym probably isn’t the best idea. Start with a small dose and go for cardio-based workouts like jogging or light strength-based activities like yoga. And remember, weed won’t increase your performance, but it can certainly make exercising more enjoyable. So, find what works for you and break the stigma of being a lazy stoner!
