In this day and age of fast turnarounds, every minute saved in performance or recovery adds up. CBD is quickly becoming an alternative solution to many athletes with a need for recovery and maintaining peak condition as they continue pushing the boundaries of their physical limits. While the dialog about CBD will definitely be affronted with regulatory constraints, its upward push to trustworthiness amongst people who love recreation does propose that it's far able of a few tremendous steps.
CBD: A Soft Touch to Recovery
Recovery is key to athletic success. CBD, short for non-psychoactive cannabidiol is derived from the hemp plant and has rapidly emerged as a favorite among athletes to reduce inflammation post-exercise. CBD does not get you high like THC, and therefore can be fully integrated into any routine for added peace of clarity. CBD, however, helps with relaxation and recovery for many athletes.
A Cyclists CBD Journey: A Case Study
Consider Mark, an enthusiast cyclist who's incorporated CBD into his recovery routine. Mark began to notice that, post long rides his legs felt less fatigued and he had more energy when it came time for a new session. While he is not able to say for sure that CBD was responsible for these changes, Mark says it has also proven an integral part of his broader approach towards recovery.
Range: For Athletes Who Use CBD as Part of Their Lifestyle
They tend to find products they can incorporate into their gruelling workout regimens. CBD wont enhance performance in the traditional sense, but as an aid for overall wellness (crucial to long-lasting peak performance) CBD is being welcomed with open arms. For instance, many athletes reportedly use CBD topicals to help with muscle and joint care by applying them after a workout.
For long distance runners like marathoner Julie Thompson, it is this:
I would put on some CBD creams after my runs and I feel like this makes recovery days go a little better. I can still remember refusing treatment, but I now know that ECT was my best chance of recovery; it is not a fix all wonder cure as we who have received the “shock” would argue against (and occasionally wish too), however, almost four years on from our first meeting this imperfect procedure has become an important piece in my armoury.
The Science of Sport
There is still only negligible science to back up any claims, but early research suggests that CBD possibly affects post-workout recovery. A small amount of research suggests that the way CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system may help you manage it in order to maintain balance within. Still, as athletes explore whether or not CBD is the right choice for them, Leo says it's key to remember that these findings should only make up one piece of a bigger puzzle: "Athletes have so many facets they need to look at when trying anything new with regards to wellness.”
How to Choose the Best CBD Products
What To Look For When Using CBD While quality and transparency should be important characteristics athletes seek when trying a new line of cannabinoids. Insist on third-party tested and organically cultivated products. Even better, is to start with a lower dosage and see how your body reacts.
Expert Tip:
Balm or Creams (Topical Solutions): Topicals such as CBD balms or creams will benefit when it comes to targeted care; simply apply a small amount of the given product directly to your skin and accompany that with other recovery practices like, stretching & massage.
Oral Supplements: Consuming CBD in oil or capsules is an easy way to fit the cannabinoid into a daily routine.
How CBD Enhances How You Train A Professional Athletes Standpoint
As a result, athletes are turning to CBD as an increasingly popular supplement — not for necessarily improving performance in any given moment but more so contributing to their overall sense of well-being. From rest and recovery, muscle maintenance as well as overall wellness CBD is quickly gaining a stronghold in the athletic world.
The increased enthusiasm for CBD in the sports world can be understood from a larger perspective of movement towards nature and holistic health. Though we must proceed with caution before jumping to draw health claims, the personal stories of athletes like Mark and Julie suggest that CBD has a place in an physically-demanding sport. As with anything you may be looking to introduce into your diet, especially if training for something competitively or have a demanding training schedule its always worth speaking first with a healthcare professional.
CBD in Athletic Performance: Fueling Recovery and Enhancing Well-Being