The demand for cannabidiol (or it’s buzzy nickname: CBD) has grown like wildfire, with no signs of it slowing down- and for good reason, too!
In addition to plenty of anecdotal evidence, recent studies have found that this hemp-derived compound has tons of potential health benefits; for people of all ages with all ranges of needs, from mental health, period cramps, and everything in between.
Now, because of it’s amazingly anti-inflammatory properties, experts are finding that CBD may be an effective way of relieving the soreness exercise can cause, as well as potentially shortening the recovery time post-workout.
Thanks to CBD-infused protein shakes, CBD salves, and CBD bath soaks, this exciting new compound is inching its way onto the playing field and changing the lives of athletes, yogis, and gym-goers alike.
At Rosebud, we are firm believers in the power of taking a good full spectrum CBD oil, and the magic of powering through a great workout routine- so we’re diving into how you can practice both for a better all-around experience.
Keep reading to explore the benefits of using CBD post-workout…
Why Are We Sore After a Workout, Anyway?
The phrase “no pain, no gain” typically comes to mind when we think of building muscles, and the pain associated. No matter how much you workout (or how “fit” you are) after a really hard sweat-sesh, sometimes you feel it in every fiber of your body.
Sometimes a good workout can even leave you in an “I’m-sore-in-muscles-I-never-even-knew-I-had” kind of way. If you have ever left the gym feeling like your arms and legs have become strands of spaghetti, welcome to the club.
The reason that you’re sore after a good workout is because exercising causes little, micro-tears in your muscle fibers. This process allows your muscles, when repaired, to grow back stronger than before. However, this does trigger an inflammatory response; those muscles become inflamed, which makes the body respond, in turn causing the soreness.
While this sensation may be uncomfortable, it’s really a good sign; your muscles are recovering and becoming stronger and more resistant to damage.
It might not be easy to see past the pain, though, which is why so many people never reach their fullest potential when it comes to exercising. This is just one of the many reasons that people are starting to use CBD for pain relief post-workout.
Can CBD Actually Help With Post-Workout Soreness?
While the anecdotal evidence is no doubt intriguing, we’re still very much in the early phases of researching the proven benefits of CBD.
Having said that, while it is not *yet* classified as a health supplement by the FDA, millions of people are choosing CBD as a natural way to promote better health, and in this case- for faster muscle recovery post-workout.
CBD has shown to suppress the inflammatory response associated with working out, along with the neuropathic pain in people who frequently workout. Taking CBD may also improve sleep quality, which is vitally important for muscle recovery post-workout.
CBD appears to block inflammatory pain by interacting with the glycine receptor, which plays an important role in transmitting pain signals from the body, through the spinal cord, into the brain (where pain is actually perceived).
CBD also helps with inflammation by decreasing oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when there is a disturbance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses, resulting in inflammation. CBD’s antioxidant properties have been shown to markedly reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
How Can I Use CBD Post-Workout?
Intense workouts like weight training, hot yoga, crossfit, HIIT, or long cardio routines can take a toll on a person’s body. CBD can help!
However, because all not all CBD products are regulated like other health and wellness products are (what’s up Icy Hot) you won’t necessarily experience the same results from product to product, if any at all.
To avoid this, the Rosebud team recommends that you carefully read the ingredient list on your CBD product and choose your CBD from a reputable company, that is third-party tested and honest about their batch reports.
Here are a few ways you can use CBD for the best post-workout experience:
CBD Bath Soak for Post-Workout Muscle Soreness
CBD bath soaks just might be the next new tub-trend, especially for workout enthusiasts.
“We’re seeing everyone from marathon runners to yogis to regular gym-goers using our CBD-infused bath soaks to help boost their recovery, and help with muscle soreness,” says Alexis Rosenbaum, owner and founder of Rosebud CBD.
Give your limbs a little bit of self-care post-workout, and keep your body ready and willing to go the extra mile for you.
For a full-body, post-workout soak, scoop half of your Rosebud CBD Bath Soak into warm running water. For stronger, therapeutic relief, use the entire jar- and soak for about 20 minutes.
CBD Salve for Post-Workout Muscle Soreness
What makes topical salve so amazing for muscle-recovery is that it combines CBD with other anti-inflammatory ingredients; in this case, organic essential oils of lavender, peppermint, patchouli and burdock root, all found in our Nourish and Soothe CBD salves.
Massage it wherever you feel soreness; it’s quick and easy to use, and works especially well to relieve sore joints and muscles.
And as an added bonus, you’ll leave the gym smelling pretty fantastic too. (How often can you say that?)
“This is one of the best salves I’ve ever used. It is so nourishing to the skin and goes on so smoothly. I absolutely love the smell and the ingredients are amazing. The best part is it has Rosebud CBD in it which is perfect for areas that need a little extra attention due to soreness, aching or just dry skin. It works fast and feels great after you apply.” – Denise H.
CBD Oil for Post-Workout Muscle Soreness
While CBD salves can be applied directly to the skin for more targeted pain relief, it may take a longer period of time for the full effects to be experienced.
CBD oil, on the other hand, may provide slightly faster effects because of its ability to bypass your digestive system.
Absorbing CBD oil under your tongue (also referred to as “sublingually”) allows it to go straight to the cells of your body, and take effect more quickly. This is an especially powerful method for using CBD to treat pain post-workout.
Start with 5-10mg per day and increase by 5-10mg until you feel adequate relief.
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, but it’ll help you find a good starting point. For more information, check out our helpful CBD dosage guide!
Say “Goodbye” to Leg-Day-Dread with CBD
Since the legalization of CBD products in 2018, athletes, yogis and gym enthusiasts alike have chosen to use CBD to improve their workout experience and reduce muscle soreness post-workout- helping their bodies rebuild themselves faster and with less pain.
Are you thinking about adding CBD to your own post-workout routine?
We encourage you to speak with a trusted medical professional before you start taking CBD, especially if you are currently taking prescription medications. Also, be sure to read up on all things CBD on The Bloom!
*Rosebud CBD cannot conclusively say that CBD will, without question, reduce inflammation and muscle soreness post-workout. Although CBD is a promising way to help with post-workout muscle pain, more research is needed to make a medically-sound statement. The contents of this article are not medical advice, and should not be used as a substitute for seeking out primary care providers. Before using any new product, you should consult your doctor first, and ask about the potential risks or side effects. NO information on The Bloom should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.