CBD OIL AND EXERCISES: MOVEMENT THAT MATTERS  

Staying fit is a choice but also a matter of personal responsibility. Exercise is one way of staying fit, and CBD can come in handy, whether before a workout or post-workout.

Healthy and wellness are the most important things in human life. Staying fit is one way of ensuring you are well apart from eating a balanced diet and keeping the body safe from diseases. Exercise is one way of staying fit, but not everyone is comfortable hitting the gym once or twice a week. Only a small number of people go to the gym regularly. You might be one of the people who want to exercise but feel like it's cumbersome to go to the gym. However, there are exercises that you can do at home and with CBD.

The Importance of Exercise

 Exercise means an activity that needs physical effort, mostly carried out repetitively to improve health and fitness. Physical activity is any body movement that works the muscles and needs energy. It is safe to say that exercise is part and parcel of physical activity.

 According to Pelletier et al. (2017), exercise is essential to a person's physical and mental well-being. It also comes in handy in managing body weight, improving cardiovascular and respiratory fitness, boosting sleep, and improving general mood and life quality. Abou (2016) stated that exercise improves physical fitness and boosts general body health and sense of well-being. Exercise also decreases stress and anxiety and boosts brain capacity.    

How Frequently Should One Exercise

Bennie et al.  (2020) suggested that adults between 18 and 65 should participate in an aerobic exercise of at least 150 minutes each week. These aerobic exercises can be moderately intense and include house cleaning or lawn mowing. If you are capable of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, then the better; this will include activities such as jogging or running. However, one should understand that exercise doesn't always involve outdoor activities; people can also exercise in the comfort of their homes. The real question now is how does CBD come into the picture? 

What is CBD 

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Although extracted from the cannabis plant, it is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn't induce any highness in the user. Over time research has proven to be promising, and according to Moore (2016), CBD manifests the potential for treating and dealing with numerous conditions. Furthermore, this compound is non-toxic, non-addictive, non-intoxicating, generally well-tolerated, and contains no reinforcing properties. This herb is gaining a lot of popularity lately and is now becoming a raw material in many industries such as hair, health, and skincare. CBD can be used for various things as it contains numerous properties. 

The Endocannabinoid System and Its Role     

The Endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signaling system found within the body and works alongside other organ systems to keep a steady balance in homeostasis. The Endocannabinoid system comprises two known receptors that are; cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). The role of the Endocannabinoid receptors is to regulate the central and peripheral mechanisms of food intake. It also regulates fatty tissue and liver turnover while regulating lipids' synthesis.

Martínez-Pinilla et al. (2017) noted that CBD hinders endocannabinoid signaling by indirectly binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors to alter other primary ligands' potency. In contrast, THC binds to these receptors directly to induce highness or intoxicating effects in its users. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound present in the cannabis plant that induces a high in weed users. On exercise and the Endocannabinoid system, Volkow et al.  (2017) indicated that exercise increases endocannabinoid concentrations within the endocannabinoid system with possible therapeutic benefits such as reducing anxiety and boosting the sense of well-being.

CBD and Exercise  

According to Kasper et al. (2020), a survey was conducted where several athletes were asked how often they used cannabis, including CBD use. This survey revealed that out of the athletes that use CBD, most reported benefits linked to improved calmness of the body and mind and well-being with little to no adverse effects. Rojas-Valverde (2021) discovered that CBD could also come in handy for athletes with issues dealing with injuries, anxiety, and stress. This is due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties.

Cannabinoids activate the endocannabinoid system, but the system still works without these compounds. Exercise is also another way that the endocannabinoid system is activated. Schoenfeld& Swanson (2021) established that exercise raises the concentration of endocannabinoids adding that cannabinoids induce psychological states that closely relate to the runner's high. However, CBD is still a question as very little information exists about it. CBD has proven potentially beneficial in several ways, but these claims are yet to be actualized into facts. 

What Is the Proper Dosage?

Everybody is built differently biologically; in light of this, there is no standard one-size-fits-all dosage for CBD. Some factors come into play in determining the amount of CBD to take, including sex, age, and size. However, the trick with CBD in terms of dosage is starting low on intake and slowly working your way up until you achieve the desired results.

Is CBD suitable for Pre or Post-workout?  

Whether or not to use CBD before your workout or after is up to the user. CBD is versatile: it has many benefits and can be utilized for various reasons. In line with this, using CBD Pre or Post workout will depend on the effects or benefits one is looking for from CBD. People desiring to boost energy levels or improve the body's functions; should consider using CBD before a workout. However, consider using CBD after a workout in case of an injury or calm the muscles. CBD can also come in handy in relaxing and calming down the body after an intense workout. 

Conclusion  

Exercising the body is important because it helps improve one's physical and mental health. However, people suffer from various health conditions that may hinder effective exercising; thus, CBD comes in handy to help in these strenuous activities. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe achy muscles. CBD is suitable for beginners who want to improve their fitness levels as it is for professional athletes. Using CBD Pre-workout boosts the energy levels while using post-workout soothes the muscles and relaxes the body. Beginners are advised to start small with dosage and work up to the desired effects. 

References

Abou Elmagd, M. (2016). Benefits, need and importance of daily exercise. Int. J. Phys. Educ. Sports Health, 3(5), 22-27. 

Bennie, J. A., Shakespear-Druery, J., & De Cocker, K. (2020). Muscle-strengthening exercise epidemiology: a new frontier in chronic disease prevention. Sports medicine-open, 6(1), 1-8.

Kasper, A. M., Sparks, S. A., Hooks, M., Skeer, M., Webb, B., Nia, H., ... & Close, G. L. (2020). High prevalence of cannabidiol use within male professional rugby union and league players: a quest for pain relief and enhanced recovery. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 30(5), 315-322.

‘Moore, S. A. (2016). Managing neuropathic pain in dogs. Frontiers in veterinary science, 3, 12.

Pelletier, L., Shamila, S., & Demers, A. (2017). Self-management of mood and/or anxiety disorders through physical activity/exercise. Health promotion and chronic disease prevention in Canada: research, policy and practice, 37(5), 27. 

Rojas-Valverde, D. (2021). Potential role of cannabidiol (CBD) on sport recovery: A narrative review. Frontiers in Physiology, 1210.

Schoenfeld, T. J., & Swanson, C. (2021). A Runner’s High for New Neurons? Potential Role for Endorphins in Exercise Effects on Adult Neurogenesis. Biomolecules, 11(8), 1077.

Volkow, N. D., Hampson, A. J., & Baler, R. D. (2017). Don’t worry, be happy: endocannabinoids and cannabis at the intersection of stress and reward. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol, 57(1), 285-308.