I’m going to smoke a joint before I work out!” Sound familiar? You’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for people to think that smoking weed before exercise won’t affect their workout, but they’re wrong.
It is common to find that cannabis smokers are more active than non-smokers. But does this mean they will also have better results at the gym? The answer is complicated, but here’s what you need to know about how marijuana affects your workouts!
Reduces Inflammation
One of the many reasons people take cannabis before working out is because it reduces inflammation. This means that you won’t feel as much pain or discomfort after your workout, which can allow you to go back at it again tomorrow!
When taken before working out, weed increases blood flow throughout your body. This is great because it allows oxygen to travel faster through your muscles, which can help you perform better during your workout.
It Makes Working Out More Fun!
Let’s face it. No one wants to work out when they don’t feel good. We all have those days where we want to lay around and do nothing- but not if you’re high on weed!
Weed has been known for its incredible mood-boosting abilities, and it’s no different when you’re working out.
That means that your workouts will be more fun- with the added benefit of feeling better after! Sherbet weed is especially beneficial because it eases tension and stress.
So, whether you’re weight lifting or running on the treadmill- weed will help keep you motivated and focused throughout!
Eases Soreness and Pain
Weed is also an excellent painkiller, which will help you recover from your strenuous workout routine. The painkilling properties of cannabis can allow for a more intense and efficient training session the next go-around!
This benefit is beneficial to those who are training for an event or competition. Weed can keep you enthusiastic and determined, even when your body is screaming at you that it’s time to rest!
Great for Treating Muscle Spasms
Another motivation to include cannabis in your workout plan is that it helps to treat muscle spasms. Muscle spasms are a big problem for athletes, especially distance runners! Weed can help reduce the severity of these pesky cramps by soothing the muscles that are causing them.
Improves Sleep
The importance of sleep cannot be overestimated. If you aren’t getting quality sleep, your body won’t have the energy to produce human growth hormones and testosterone. Both of these are vital for muscle development! Weed can help you get a better-quality night’s rest so that your muscles will recover more quickly from strenuous exercise. Besides, it also helps with insomnia, which is a common byproduct of serious exercise routines.
Are There Downsides To Taking Weed Before or After Workouts?
While there are some definite benefits to smoking weed before or after workouts, there are some downsides. Before taking weed to help with your workouts, make sure you know the potential side effects.
Increases Appetite
Weed is known to increase appetite, which may lead to excessive caloric consumption. So, if you are trying to lose weight or just want to maintain your current weight, using marijuana may not be the best way to enhance your workouts.
You could burn hundreds of calories per session, either by weight lifting or cardio. But if you are taking weed before your workout, you will likely make up for those calories later on in the day with a huge meal.
Can Reduce Respiratory Efficiency
While there are edible forms of marijuana, smoking weed is often the preferred method among users. However, smoking can damage your respiratory system and reduce its efficiency over time.
Smoking weed can cause inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes and lungs, reducing respiratory efficiency. Long-term effects can include chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Smoking weed also increases your risk of lung cancer by a similar amount as smoking cigarettes does. This is because smoke from both tobacco and cannabis contains carcinogens that cause cells to become damaged or reproduce at an increased rate.
May Impact Motor Skills
Taking weed before a workout may also affect your motor skills and coordination, but the effects depend on what type of weed you’re using and the dosage.
If you smoke Indica-dominant strains (weed that contains more CBD than THC), there is a high risk of feeling more tired and sedated due to its relaxing effects.
On the other hand, if you smoke Sativa-dominant strains (weed that contains more THC than CBD), there is a high risk of feeling less focused since these strains have a “mind high” effect.
As a result, you may find it hard to concentrate and perform the exercises properly. Handling workout machines in this state can be dangerous since you may not keep your hands steady and grip the equipment tightly.
Wrapping Up
If you were wondering, smoking weed before a workout can have both negative and positive effects. Before adding marijuana to your fitness routine, be sure to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. It’s also a good idea to start with a low dosage and monitor how your body reacts.
If you can workout without smoking weed, it’s probably best not to add this habit. Marijuana is an effective painkiller but can cause serious side effects like hallucinations or paranoia in some cases.
