As a weed lover, I have always smoked after working out to relax my muscles. Watching the old Arnold Schwarzenegger movie One More Rep, I was in awe as he smoked a joint and immediately added that to my post-workout regimen. That was 20 years ago, and I never looked back.
With the legalities of the plant, it wasn’t in good taste to recommend to my personal training clients to consume cannabis. BUT THEN CBD! With CBD coming on the scene in 2015 and the Farm Bill passing in 2018, it literally changed the game.
Since CBD is known to reduce inflammation, help conquer chronic back pain, subdue pain and relieve anxiety, it’s a no-brainer to add this super-supplement for those who like to work hard in the gym. In fact, CBD oil is thought to be one of the best anti-inflammatory supplements available because it allows muscles to heal and get much stronger than traditional products, especially when it is used long term.
Studies show that CBD can help people sleep better at night - which is when muscles recover the most. When you are asleep, the body produces Melatonin, a human growth hormone that aids in muscle recovery. So if you don’t get enough sleep, your muscle recovery is compromised. Adding CBD oil as a post-workout supplement to help you get better sleep will equal more healing while you get your Zzzz’s.
Many people use protein powders and add more nutritional post-workout meals into their routine to replenish lost energy and to help with muscle recovery. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD oil is also important to add to your post workout routine, and may require very little additional effort (for example, put a dropper of MCT Oil CBD Tincture into the smoothie you're already making!).
There are so many amazing products and consumption options. My personal favorites are flavorless CBD tinctures and full spectrum CBD vapes. I use the 1500 mg tincture immediately following my workout. It’s small and fits in my gym bag easily - and packs a punch with 50mg of CBD per dropper (more on CBD dosing here). I always have my CBD vape for when I'm sore and on the run (which is pretty much everyday). If you prefer flower, ask your local dispensary about high CBD strains of cannabis. Lastly, if you want more targeted, topical muscle relief (opposed to getting CBD into your bloodstream more generally), keep a CBD Pain Cream in your gym bag (pro tip: this is *heaven* on your feet as well).
So to end on a “high” note (badump-shh) your muscle recovery routine will never be the same when adding the powerful benefits of CBD. Finally, here's a way to ditch over the counter ‘scripts and feel the power of a plant-based lifestyle. So what does self-care and recovery look like after a strenuous fitness sesh?
Here are my top 10 suggestions:
Kym Byrnes aka "KymB" is an advocate and an influencer in the New York cannabis community (@cannabiswithkymb on Instagram). She is a Pilates Instructor and entrepreneur, an NYC Ambassador for Women Grow, a lululemon Legacy Ambassador, and frequently serves as High Times Cannabis & CBD Cup Judge. Kym is spearheading the launch of TRIBEAUTY, as well as leading marketing efforts for the Tribe Brands portfolio.
