Can CBD Oil Improve Muscle Gain and Workout Recovery?

Cannabis oil, specifically CBD oil, has improved muscle mass and reduced inflammation. This could make it a valuable tool for people who lift weights as they could recover from workouts faster and see better muscle gain. Since CBD shows a range of therapeutic effects with no psychoactive properties, a broader range of users are now embracing these products. In fact, the World Anti-Doping Agency gave a green light for the use of CBD by professional athletes, which has sparked a lot of queries about its benefits in the fitness journey. 

However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits. If you’re thinking of using CBD oil to improve your workout routine, talk to your doctor first to ensure it’s the right decision for you. 

For now, let’s find out more about CBD’s use and the scientific evidence about its use in a fitness regimen. 

Role of CBD in Muscle Gain

Muscle gain is a widespread phenomenon that pretty much requires a series of actions and reactions. A fitness lover performs an exercise targeting a single muscle group or compound movements during a workout session. These exercises create a microdamage in the muscle fiber. After the training, the muscles quickly start to repair themselves. When backed by proper nutrition and human-grade steroids, the newly restored muscle comes out healthier and fuller. 

Two factors play a crucial role in the equation. First, the execution of the exercises and secondly, the nutrition supplied. Gladly, CBD oil plays a supportive role in both elements.

The execution part of the exercises requires regular performance with a great deal of enthusiasm and discipline. This is easier said than done as sometimes it is impossible to focus or perform all the exercises with precision. This may happen due to overexertion from workout tasks or even a hard day at the office. It’s incredible to know that, under such circumstances, CBD can help. CBD naturally interacts with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) to enhance mood and bring focus to your routine.  

To explain this phenomenon, let us first understand the importance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) system. The ECS is primarily responsible for controlling various functions such as mood, sleep, anxiety, appetite, pain, memory, etc. It consists of a network that regulates homeostasis (i.e., the ability to adapt). 

Various receptors in this system combine with the endocannabinoids produced in the body to manage these critical functions. These receptors have an equal affinity for the cannabinoids, and therefore, CBD oil interacts with and regulates the ECS system like the naturally-occurring cannabinoids in our body.

It combines with the CB1 receptors to initiate chemical reactions to increase GABA production in the brain. Also, CBD shows an affinity for the serotonin receptors in our system. Therefore, both of these parameters help control anxiety and a reckless thought process. For this reason, CBD brings focus and helps alleviate the mood. 

Remember, the mind-muscle connection helps you hit your target muscle better and allows you to improve the performance of the exercise. It can help to overcome a plateau or stagnancy phase in a muscle-building journey. As a rule of thumb, if you are not comfortable adding more weight to the bar, you may want to master the form and technique of your movements. With concentrated execution after a CBD session, one can quickly achieve muscle hypertrophy.

The CB1 receptors are predominantly present in the brain and the nervous system. Therefore, it also helps in moderating other functions like motor control and pain perception. Both of these factors complement training to build strength and improve performance. Many users add CBD to their pre-workout meals to kick in an extra punch of energy to their session. 

Workout Recovery and CBD

Many high-profile athletes are switching to CBD for their post-work recovery. For instance, UFC star Nate Diaz spoke about its recovery benefits in an interview. There are several ways in which CBD can help with post-workout recovery. The anti-inflammatory properties in CBD reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. 

Body inflammation is a crucial aspect of physical training. But, too much inflammation can lead to chronic pain conditions and a substantial impact on cardiovascular health. CBD also helps alleviate post-workout inflammation and pain, thus decreasing the dependency on analgesics or painkillers in the event of an injury. 

Right after the workout, the body begins the recovery process. It becomes necessary to supply the body with the right nutrition to initiate functional recovery. However, too much exertion and stress in the body can cause nausea and a suppressed appetite. The digestive issues common due to a high protein diet are another reason for improper nutrition absorption. 

Gladly, CBD helps overcome these recovery problems by supporting digestion. Adding it to your regimen can help stimulate the appetite. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also useful in reducing digestive inflammation. Therefore, CBD can help you eat better and drive maximum nutrition from the food.  

The Bottom Line 

CBD comprehensively covers many important aspects of muscle gain and recovery. It is a safe, effective, and natural way to enhance a workout experience. An expert can help you design an appropriate dosage to merge with your fitness lifestyle and goals.