Building Your Body: How CBD Can Help You Boost Your Fitness
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We are all looking for ways to be healthier nowadays, and keeping to a fitness routine is a great start. Some of you are probably already looking for ways to kick-start or improve your habits, and CBD oil could be just the thing you need. There's a wealth of research out there concerning the benefits of CBD oil, so it should come as no surprise that it has made its way into the world of wellness and fitness. In this article, we're going to examine the benefits of CBD oil, and how it can positively impact your fitness routine. We will also cover the legality of CBD and using it in fitness competitions, as this is a commonly asked question among athletes. We will also address the best ways for you to fit consuming CBD oil into your wellness and fitness routine, and the good news is that it couldn't be easier. We here at Amphora believe that there's nothing more important than taking care of your health and wellbeing while you reap all the rewards of a steady exercise routine. So, make sure that you keep reading to discover how CBD oil can level up your fitness.
What is CBD oil?
First things first, let's define what CBD oil is. CBD is extremely prevalent nowadays, and you are bound to have come across it at some point. But what is CBD? And what does CBD stand for? These are the two most commonly asked questions from curious people like yourselves. CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. The great thing about CBD is that it doesn't cause a high of any kind (unlike other cannabinoids such as THC) due to its lack of intoxicating properties. CBD oil can help your body achieve homeostasis and provide a balancing effect. Homeostasis simply means keeping your body ticking over like a well-oiled machine. Scientists have conducted research into its numerous potential benefits for your wellness routine. In fact, people use it to help with mental and physical health conditions such as anxiety, depression, pain, epilepsy and more. Today, our fitness routines will take centre stage, as we will discover how CBD can help to both maintain and possibly improve your health.
CBD and fitness: the research
Here, we break down some of the critical pieces of research into CBD oil and fitness. This will help you to work out the best ways to incorporate it into your routine. Everyone is different routine and body type. Discover your body type. What works for your best friend may not work for you; just as some people prefer playing football and others prefer rugby. What is important is that you can recognise how to incorporate CBD into your life in the way that best benefits you and your routines.
Relief of anxious feelings
There has been plenty of research into CBD oil and how it may help to alleviate depression and anxiety, and things look promising. A study that took place in 2011 examined the effectiveness of CBD oil on people struggling with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). The NHS defines this disorder as 'a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations.' This can be debilitating, as it can negatively affect every aspect of your daily life; whether that be going to work, or meeting your friends or family. It could even lead to people missing major life events due to anxious feelings holding them back.
Returning to the study, the research group (made up of people suffering from SAD), were prescribed either a dose of CBD oil or a placebo by the scientists. The group taking the CBD oil experienced a decrease in anxious feelings due to its effects on the both the paralimbic and limbic areas of the brain. A 2020 review of the current research determined that CBD helped reduce feelings of anxiety during public speaking due to its potentially calming effects. But what is the link between this and my fitness routine, I bet you're wondering?
Well, for some people, their anxiety can even prevent them from going to the gym, whether this be fitness classes or even lifting weights. Taking CBD oil as part of your fitness routine could be the first move in your first steps to wellbeing, mental and physical. Calming your anxious feelings could be the key to lifting heavier or achieving your next yoga pose. Perhaps you experience feelings of crippling anxiety before you enter fitness competitions? Well, then CBD could be the answer! CBD oil could very well help to minimise your worries before a competition, and we all know you perform better when you're cool as a cucumber. In the same way, CBD may also help you to reach your fitness goals. Some people compete in sport and fitness for a living, and this could improve their athletic performance, as well as see them succeed by combating their nagging anxious feelings.
A reduction in inflammation and pain
One factor that will hinder your fitness routine is the pain and inflammation that you can experience after hard-core exercising. There's a wealth of research into the topic of CBD and pain, as it's one of the most commonly asked questions concerning the benefits of CBD oil. One such study published its findings back in 2012, and things appear promising. It found that CBD could be considered a helpful new treatment for those suffering from chronic pain. What's more, the research led them to conclude that it is highly unlikely for people to build up a tolerance to CBD oil, and this is great, as you won't need to increase your dose.
A 2016 animal study looked into the benefits of CBD oil on arthritis pain. They administered CBD gel to rats over a four-day period, after which the rats showed signs that they had experienced a significant reduction in their pain levels compared to the rats that didn't receive CBD. CBD is also regarded as a possible supplement for anti-inflammation by some scientists that have been researching this matter long-term. A 2017 animal study saw male rats suffering from osteoarthritis have topical CBD treatment applied to the areas of concern. After fourteen days, their joint pain showed signs of improving significantly, and it also produced the longer-term benefit of preventing further nerve damage. In terms of your fitness routine, CBD oil could help you to manage your pain. Sore muscles or joint pain could deter you from sticking to your workout plan, and this could lead to a reduction in your performance, or cause you to become frustrated. This is where some people hail CBD as their saviour. CBD oil could help you to manage your pain and inflammation. This will help you get back into the gym the next day, so that you can continue with bettering both your physical and mental state.
To help your muscles recover
Linking to our discussion above, CBD oil could help your sore muscles recover from a strenuous exercise session. It's normal to be sore after exercise, and soreness can actually be a good sign that the effort you are putting in is paying off. After all, this is how you build on your body goals and increase the size of your muscles. If it's muscle gains that you're after, then you are highly likely to experience something called Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS, for short. This can cause damage to your muscle fibres through minuscule tears. This can cause you to experience intense pain, stiffness, and inflammation. DOMS can often occur when you first embark on your fitness routine, as your muscles won't yet be used to the level of work you're putting in. You can also experience DOMS when you increase your workout intensity. So, what's the solution? Well, there currently isn't anything immediate, as it's a case of waiting it out. However, as we already know, CBD oil can be useful in the treatment of pain and inflammation. A 2008 study suggests CBD as a potential treatment for pain management. A further study from 2018 suggests that CBD can be considered as a muscle relaxant, and this can significantly benefit those suffering from DOMS. The fact that CBD oil holds the potential for aiding in muscle recovery can greatly improve your fitness routine. It will allow you to not let DOMS or regular old muscle soreness get in the way of your progress, and this can prove vital for competitive athletes.
Your quality of sleep
A good night's sleep is essential for our wellbeing, and CBD could play a part in ensuring that we get our recommended eight hours per night. A 2019 human study examined the link between CBD oil and improving people's quality of sleep. It had 72 test subjects, and 47 of these people reported poor sleep quality; as well as anxious feelings. At the end of the study, 66.7% of people stated that they were sleeping better, and 79.2% of people experienced lower levels of anxious feelings. An earlier review of the studies, published in 2017, found that CBD holds therapeutic potential for aiding the treatment of sleep disorders, such as insomnia. It could also help in promoting REM sleep and decrease excessive sleepiness during the day. In addition to this, if we also consider the research into the benefits of CBD and pain, this together can help people experience a good night's sleep.
The benefits of sleep cannot be understated when it comes to building your fitness and wellness routine. It allows your body to recover from the potentially strenuous activities that you have been performing. Exercise can also help improve feelings of anxiety and stress; therefore, this all turns into a bit of a cycle! After all, if CBD can help you sleep better, then you will exercise better, and this cycle of positivity will continue.
It can boost your mood levels
We all suffer from a low mood from time to time, and this could be a result of the stress and pressures of daily life. You could be starting a new job, having disagreements with your friends or family, suffering from an illness, the list just goes on and on. Sometimes when our mood levels are low, it can negatively impact our fitness and wellness routine, as well as hinder our personal progress. This is where CBD can have a balancing effect, as it interacts with our endocannabinoid system and the receptors in our brain and nervous system that help to stabilise our mood. As we already know, CBD does not contain intoxicating properties like THC. However, it can still boost your mood levels.
For example, a 2018 study found that CBD oil had anti-stress effects on people experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression. Depression can be connected to low serotonin levels in the brain, and while CBD does not increase these levels, it could help to balance them. This is shown in a 2015 study where CBD affected the brain receptors and the response to low levels of serotonin. This mood boost could give you the kick you need to get yourself down to the gym and continue with your fitness routine. In turn, exercise also produces endorphins (more feel-good hormones), so there's a chance you will feel better than ever!
The legality of CBD oil UK
This is a commonly asked question: is CBD legal? It's important to note here that we will be specifically referring to the laws in the UK. Laws involving CBD differ from country to country, so it's of vital importance that you conduct your own research into your own country before you make any decisions or purchases, and especially before deciding to travel with CBD.
CBD oil is legal, and it can be sold throughout the UK. You can find it in its many forms across a range of places, such as online or in health food shops. The Home Office states that the CBD oil being sold can only contain a maximum of 0.2% THC, and the THC levels cannot be removed from the product label. Additionally, the plant producing the CBD can only be grown with a valid license. It's vital that you only buy from legitimate sellers, for your own personal safety as well as for legal reasons. This is why so many people opt to buy Amphora's natural CBD oil products. With us, you can be safe in the knowledge that the products you are using are legitimate and safe.
Linking this back to your fitness and wellness routine, this means that you should be able to reap the benefits of CBD oil before any competitions you enter. Competitors may worry about the legality of CBD showing up in a drug test. However, this is extremely unlikely, due to the virtually non-existent levels of THC in UK-sold CBD oil. Of course, it is always worth checking the individual rules of competitions, as some may ban the use of any substances. However, there will be nothing preventing you from reaping the personal benefits of CBD oil while you concentrate on your training and wellness routine.
Want to know the different ways to take CBD oil? Then you are not alone. We have all the answers below, so keep reading.
How to take CBD oil
There's a variety of convenient ways to consume CBD oil, and you'll be pleased to know that there's no right or wrong way. The choice is entirely down to you, and how well you think it will fit into your fitness routine. Here, we will cover the different ways you can take CBD oil.
CBD oil
This is one of the most popular methods of consumption, so popular in fact that some people believe this is the only way of taking CBD! CBD oil can come as a handy spray or tincture, where you will need to place the drops under your tongue. This is a fast way of absorbing the CBD, as it will be absorbed into your bloodstream almost instantly. This means you won't need to patiently wait for it to be broken down via digestion. Some people like to take it first thing in the morning, before their workout session. This way, they are ready to go as soon as they get to the gym. Indeed, some non-exercisers recommend taking it as a way to kick-start your morning anyway.
Edibles
These are a handy and tasty way of consuming your daily CBD oil. A popular way of taking it is by chewing gummies, as some taste and look just like sweets. Linking this to our previous point, this is a good option for those of you seeking a slower release of CBD, as it will need to travel through your digestive system before you can feel the effects. This method is also beneficial to those who dislike the taste of plain CBD oil, as the flavour is virtually overshadowed with the sweetness of gummies or the herbal tang of tea.
Topicals
Topical CBD oil typically consists of creams and balms that you massage directly onto a specific area of your skin. This will absorb the CBD oil into your skin, as opposed to your bloodstream. So, if your muscles are feeling sore in a particular area after your workout, this could be a viable option for you. It does not come with any mental effects (due to the fact that CBD taken this way stays away from the bloodstream), but has been purported to have positive results when it comes to targeted pain relief.
Capsules
Swallowing a CBD capsule is just like taking any other oral medication. It's one of the quickest methods of consumption, but it's another one that will take a bit of time to absorb into your bloodstream, thanks to digestion. But there is a bonus to this, as the positive effects you feel will last for longer! Taking CBD oil using this method could be useful for those of you that have an exercise class later in the day, and want to reap the benefits for longer.
Vape
Vaping CBD oil is an ideal way of consuming it. This is due to it being one of the quickest ways to reap the benefits of CBD. This is also where the term bioavailability comes in, which refers to how quickly something is absorbed into your bloodstream. Plus, it allows you to take some much-needed time out of your day for yourself. Consuming oil, edibles or capsules takes mere seconds, but the act of vaping can allow you to process your thoughts and appreciate the moment. Here at Amphora, we use natural ingredients, such as organic CBD distillates, alongside flavoured and unflavoured terpenes, to give you the best flavour and all the benefits of the entourage effect. Vaping CBD oil is encouraged for first-time users of CBD, as you can notice the effects within five minutes. This can be helpful to those of you wanting to feel the benefits of CBD oil quickly. Perhaps you're feeling anxious about your gym session, and would like to enjoy the balancing effects of CBD before you even reach the door.
Working CBD oil into your fitness routine
When it comes to working CBD oil into your fitness routine, there's no set way. After all, everyone has a unique fitness and wellness routine. We will provide some examples here of when you could possibly take CBD oil, but we recommend just doing what works best for you.
You could take CBD oil in the morning, before your workout. This is ideal for those of you that need to de-stress before your workout, as it can also provide you with the confidence you need to try and lift heavier, or join in with that exercise class you haven't had the courage to try out yet.
Or, you could take CBD after a particularly heavy weight lifting session to help you deal with soreness and inflammation. This could also help in pain management, as those of us that have experienced DOMS will know that's no fun! This is where applying a topical form of CBD would be ideal.
Or perhaps you could take CBD using your preferred method before you go to sleep. This could help prepare your mind and body for the big training session you have the next day. It could also help encourage your muscles to relax fully, which is also great for your mental health. You can wake up feeling calm and ready for your gym session by reaping the potential soothing benefits of CBD oil. This is also a positive way to start your day. How much CBD oil to take is a commonly asked question, particularly when it comes to people's wellness routines. There's no set answer to how much you should take, but a trial and error approach to dosage is commonly recommended. After all, everyone is different, and we are all in charge of our own health. Start low, work your way up, and see what works for you in terms of dosage, as well as the different methods of consumption. There's nothing stopping you from trying out a variety of methods in order to find out what works best for you and your individual needs.
We hope that you found this article helpful and, more importantly, that it has given you the confidence that you need to incorporate CBD into your fitness routine. As we have said, there's no right or wrong way to do this. Fitness isn't just beneficial for your body; it's also vital to your mental health. So, what are you waiting for? Incorporate CBD oil into your fitness and wellbeing routine today.
Written by | Infused Amphora Team
The Infused Amphora Team is dedicated to creating resources to educate and engage consumers on the growing evidence of CBD benefits and the extensive health and wellness properties of CBD Oil.
Contributor | Angus Taylor CEO
Infused Amphora “Learn” is intended for informational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.