Unlocking the Potent Post-Workout High: How Cannabis Can Boost Your Exercise Routine
For many athletes, post-workout recovery is a crucial part of their training and performance. After an intense workout, your muscles may feel sore and your body may feel fatigued. But did you know that weed has been shown to have a number of potential benefits that can help athletes recover faster and more effectively? Here are some ways that cannabis can be used to help athletes post sweat sessions, specifically for runners:
Reducing Pain and Inflammation
Running can be tough on the body, particular your hips, and post-run pain and inflammation is a common issue among runners. Fortunately, cannabis has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful in reducing pain and swelling from post-run injuries. Some good strains for pain and inflammation include Harlequin, ACDC, and CBD-dominant strains like Charlotte's Web and Cannatonic. These strains have a low THC content (around 0-5%) and a high CBD content (around 10-20%), and they have a variety of flavors ranging from earthy to citrusy. Cannabis can also increase heart rate, which can improve circulation and help you recover faster.
Promoting Relaxation and Sleep
After a long and intense run, it can be difficult to relax and fall asleep. Cannabis can help to relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep and recover from a hard workout. Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects, making them ideal for sleep. Some popular indica strains for sleep include Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, and Purple Kush. These strains typically have a high THC content (around 15-20%) and a low CBD content (around 1-2%), and they have a sweet, fruity flavor.
Boosting Endorphins and Anandamide
As runners, we know the feeling of a runner's high. It's the feeling of euphoria that comes from the release of endorphins in the brain. Cannabis has been shown to increase levels of both endorphins and anandamide, a neurotransmitter that is known to play a role in regulating mood, appetite, and pain. Some good strains for boosting endorphins and anandamide include Sour Diesel, Blue Dream, and Strawberry Cough. These strains have a high THC content (around 20-25%) and a low CBD content (around 0-1%), and they have a variety of flavors ranging from sweet and fruity to spicy and piney.
Boost appetite
Cannabis can also help athletes boost their appetite. Athletes need to fuel their bodies with protein and nutrients after an intense workout, and sativa strains can help with this. Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, which can increase appetite. Strains like Durban Poison, Jack Herer, and Green Crack can help with appetite and come in a range of flavors from sweet and fruity to spicy and piney. These strains have a high THC content and a low CBD content.
When it comes to incorporating cannabis into your post-workout routine, it's crucial to understand that not all strains are created equal. Different strains can have varying effects on different people, so it's essential to approach cannabis use with caution and mindfulness. It's always recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. This approach can help you determine your personal tolerance levels and avoid negative experiences.
Additionally, it's important to note that THC and CBD can affect people differently. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis responsible for the "high" feeling, while CBD is non-psychoactive and offers various therapeutic benefits. It's possible to have a negative experience with either compound, so it's essential to monitor how your body reacts to different strains and doses.
For runners looking to enhance their post-workout recovery, cannabis can be a valuable tool in reducing pain and inflammation. By choosing the right strains and using them responsibly, you can unlock the full potential of cannabis to aid in muscle recovery and reduce soreness.
Whether you prefer the calming effects of indica or the energizing effects of sativa, there's a cannabis option for you. Hybrid strains can offer a balanced combination of both effects. It's important to note that some strains, such as those high in THC, may increase heart rate, so it's crucial to monitor your heart rate during and after consumption.
Stori's innovative storage system can make it easy to keep your cannabis organized, fresh, and accessible when you need it. Along with proper nutrition, hydration, and rest, cannabis can be a valuable addition to your post-workout routine.
Overall, cannabis can offer various benefits for runners looking to enhance their post-workout recovery. However, it's important to approach cannabis use with caution, mindfulness, and an understanding of how different strains and doses can affect your body. By using cannabis responsibly, you can unlock its full potential to aid in muscle recovery and promote a sense of well-being after an intense workout.
