CBD (Cannabidiol) products have become a global trend and are undoubtedly one of the most exciting supplement additions in the sporting and fitness world. CBD is a hemp-derived that has recently stolen the show as the remedy that may help with many ailments, stress management, and sporting injuries.
The growing research on CBD has shown that the compound holds many healing properties. How is this possible, you may ask? Your body produces endocannabinoids as needed to help regulate cell function, including the cells in your immune system. Endocannabinoid receptors are expressed throughout the central nervous system. CBD does not directly attach itself to the receptor but influences it. CBD activates the receptors, thus offering many health benefits that people associate with the compound.
The many benefits associated with CBD oil and products make it an interesting addition to the sporting and fitness industry. What’s more, well-known sportsmen have openly spoken about taken CBD supplements to help with injuries and pain, along with many other benefits that we will list below. The MMA legends, The Diaz brothers, and former NFL players Terrell Davies, David Ahrens, and Rob Gronkowski have reportedly benefitted from the pain-relieving properties of CBD oil products.
But before we dive into the four benefits that athletes may experience from using CBD products, is it even an allowed substance?
Cannabidiol is a natural substance found in hemp and cannabis plants. CBD oil is completely legal as long as it’s pure cannabidiol. Pure CBD is defined as cannabidiol derived from CDC-approved industrial hemp, which contains less than 0.2% THC. THC is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis and produces the ‘high’ effect when cannabis is smoked or ingested.
Since January 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances. This means that it’s safe to use in professional sporting competitions and won’t be regarded as performance-enhancing.
So with all that information, how can CBD oils and products help you as an athlete?
CBD for Pain Relief
One of the main ways you can use CBD as an athlete is to potentially relieve pain from many injuries. Whether you’re working out recreationally or involved at a professional level, pain can get in the way of performance – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is not a joke – we know it! DOMS can have you out of training for days, and what’s worse, that pain could be something more serious such as a sprain or old injury that resurfaces.
Drugs such as fentanyl and codeine are often given to athletes professionally, despite their highly addictive properties. They can have several negative side effects when taken in the long term.
CBD oil is a natural form of pain relief. It helps the endocannabinoid system send the proper signals to the brain, including the signals that produce chemicals linked to happiness and wellness. There are many forms of CBD that you can take as an athlete, such as;
Cannabinoids for Stress Management
CBD oil may help to decrease stress, promoting a calm and relaxing feeling. As mentioned before, this is largely due to how it reacts in the ECS, promoting higher serotonin levels. In addition, many people report that CBD helps with a better night’s rest.
Athletes often use the same CBD oil products for stress management as they do pain relief. However, many products could be particularly suited for this type of use, including infused teas or e-liquid vaping.
Advance Focus When Training
Did you know that CBD products can also be enjoyed during a training session? One of the reasons that athletes may choose to use CBD while training is for improved focus. This can be particularly useful when training for a big event, for long endurance exercises, or for repetitive sessions that may sometimes become monotonous.
While research around the topic is in its early stages, there is evidence to suggest that CBD may improve concentration. This is a great way to help athletes to remain focused, maintain good form and complete their training feeling stronger.
Post-Workout Recovery
CBD oils and products are increasingly becoming a popular post-workout supplement due to their properties associated with cannabidiol. Tight tension is a natural part of the recovery process after physical activity; however, too much tension can cause pain and even lead to long-term problems.
CBD may suppress tense muscles, promoting muscle recovery more quickly after an intense workout. Not only could this mean less pain and discomfort, but it could also mean a reduced number of rest days needed between intense workout sessions.
So with all this information, what are you waiting for? You should be adding CBD to your daily routine. And if you are still unsure how CBD products can benefit you and your sporting career, we are happy to jump on a call and chat with you.
