How can you make a runner’s high even better? Add a little cannabis to your running routine. Now that we’re well into the new year, roughly 44% of Americans are working on their New Year’s resolutions. If you’re itching to get healthy and fit in 2021, working out with cannabis can make your exercise routine even more enjoyable.
Getting Your Head in the Game
For many, getting started with a workout routine is difficult. In a lot of cases, it’s a mindset issue. Self-consciousness, and the repetitiveness of working out, can put someone off exercise. But using cannabis before working out can be an excellent way to get out of your head and into the gym. It can take the edge off self-conscious thoughts, and make the work out routine more interesting.
Cannabis and working out: Preventing mental exhaustion
Sports Medicine published a study in 2017 on the emotional associations people have with working out. The study concluded that perception matters. The tougher you think exercising will be, the more mentally exhausted you’ll become with the whole routine over time.
The result? You end up with an exercise routine that doesn’t stick because you can’t sustain your motivation and engagement.
If you have to muster up a lot of emotional energy to get yourself motivated for exercise, consider adding some cannabis to your routine. Using cannabis before a workout can zap those negative associations with exercise in the bud (pun intended).
A survey from the journal Nature found that out of 600 people living in states with legal recreational cannabis, 70% said using cannabis while working out made the experience more enjoyable.
And if you already love to exercise? Adding cannabis to your workout routine can prevent any negative associations from taking hold.
Does cannabis increase exercise performance?
Any direct benefits of adding cannabis to an exercise routine are inconclusive. But, anecdotally, it’s been established that cannabis can make exercise more enjoyable and encourage people to stick with their routine.
In January, gym memberships spike. But a significant percentage of those New Year’s resolution gym-goers quit showing up a few weeks later. Cannabis can assist you from becoming a statistic.
While cannabis won’t, in and of itself, cause you to get in shape, it could make your routine more effective since you’re less likely to want the workout to end.
Exercising with cannabis: Tips for getting started
There’s a couple of things you’ll want to be aware of before you add a bit of cannabis to your workout session — first, the dosing.
Start small and go slow. Figuring out what dose is best for your body and your specific activity levels is vital. This is particularly important if you’re new to using cannabis.
We’re trying to associate positive memories with exercise so you’ll be more likely to stick to your 2021 fitness goals. Taking too much cannabis before you exercise can jeopardize this. Our cannabis experts at Fine Fettle in Rowley will be happy to guide you here so you can get the right dose for your routine.
Also, hydration is critical. The THC in cannabis won’t just give you a euphoric feeling. It will also speed up your glucose metabolism, which can be dehydrating. Staying hydrated before, during, and after exercise is always important, but even more so if you’re working out with cannabis.
Is indica or sativa better?
There are two main types of cannabis strains — indica and sativa. Indica gives you a more calming effect, while sativa is stimulating and helps you focus. It really depends on your workout routine and what you’re trying to achieve when choosing one strain over the other.
If you need help in the motivation department, pick a sativa strain. Sativa strains act as stimulants and can boost your energy and your enthusiasm for exercise. By using sativa, you’ll be more likely to push yourself and trigger muscle hypertrophy — responsible for the growth in muscle cells. For this reason, sativa might be a good choice if you’re lifting weights.
Let’s say self-consciousness is a barrier to exercising for you. Or maybe you need some help unwinding after exercise. In these instances, you can’t go wrong with an indica strain. It can help get rid of the nervous jitters before exercise and promote muscle recovery if you use it for unwinding after an intense session.
Also, indica strains are famous for their anti-inflammatory properties. Exercise causes tiny tears in the muscle fibers. Using indica strains for working out may help you heal from intense exercise faster.
Work out with cannabis and reach your New Year’s resolution goals.
Out with the old and in with the new. If you’re ready to embark on a new adventure in fitness for 2021, add a little cannabis to your routine. Start small, go slow, and use it to advance and reach your exercise goals.
No matter what workout routine you want to start, there’s a cannabis strain out there that’s ready to help you. Stop in at Fine Fettle in Rowley today to find out which one it is. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you get started.
Remember to please consume responsibly.
For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children;
Marijuana should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edible Marijuana Products may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222- 1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.