No matter what sector of sport you enjoy or participate in, Cannabidiol (CBD) is something you should look into adding to your current fitness routine, nutrition vitamins and diet, or supplement stack. CBD has been found to possibly help you relax from tense workout sessions, speed up muscle recovery and may help reduce muscle and joint pains.
From athletes to casual gym-goers, CBD has shown benefits to improve fitness performance during athletic activities, and is a great add-on to your daily nutritional habits. In this article, we go over the basics of CBD, how to incorporate it into your daily nutrition routine, and the best CBD products products to give you maximum Sports and Fitness benefits.
Before we get into it, let’s first go over a few things about CBD itself. Like what it is, how it works, and other important facts.
How is CBD extracted and what is the percentage of CBD in each tincture?
CBD comes from the term Cannabidiol, and is one of over 113 different compounds or cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD exists in both Marijuana and Hemp. However, CBD products are extracted from the hemp plant because there is a much higher concentration of CBD in the hemp plant. Each plant of hemp can produce around 10% of CBD content that is good for extraction. And Hemp CBD Oils can contain a concentration of around 20% CBD in them depending on the brand and mixture.
How do I take CBD Oils and how long do I hold it under my tongue?
CBD Oils are to be taken sublingually (under 
your tongue) for 60 to 90 seconds to allow absorption. The oil gets absorbed into your bloodstream, where it makes its way to your brain and binds/attaches to receptors in your endocannabinoid system. This includes central and peripheral nervous systems, where it may decrease pain through neurotransmitters controlling pain, anxiety, sleep insomnia etc… and possibly help relieve them. All without any psychoactive effects or “high”. Using CBD products and oils has been initially studied, with the possible side CBD side effects found from those studies. Other than the occasional complaint about CBD oil taste and flavoring. Which is all-natural and for some tastes like plants or green tea.
How much CBD does my body absorb?
According to studies and research, the amount of CBD that gets absorbed into your body depends heavily on your bio-availability. Which includes genetics, height-weight, metabolism and a bunch of other factors. This also includes eating habits, and how long you use the CBD before or after eating. For the highest bio-availability, the best time to use CBD is 30 minutes to 1 hour after a meal. Or when you are not full, and not hungry. In the middle stage between hunger and digestion.
This is because that is when your bio-availability and absorption rate is at your highest. Your bio-availability range of taking CBD sublingually (under your tongue) is around 15-35%. Which is the highest of any way of taking CBD. Including vapes, drops in food or drinks, and edibles.
How can CBD fit into my fitness routine?
One thing you should know, is that CBD is NOT a supplement. By definition, a supplement is, “something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole.” CBD does not add or complete a missing deficiency in your brain. However, it may help support the endocannabinoid system as suggested by evidence.
I would call CBD an additive, as it “adds” to your current routine. It does not replace anything you currently have a deficit of. In differentiation to protein powders or BCAA-complex formulas. Which may be used used as supplements. CBD might work for you similar to pre-workout, and may give you an extra boost to improve your fitness experience. Based on initial evidence, CBD is possible to give you an extra edge to achieve your sports or fitness goals. However, one important feature to understand is that CBD is not something your body is currently lacking. As a former soccer player for over 11 years of my life and weight-lifter for the last three years five to six days a week, I have gone through a fair amount of injuries and fitness pains myself. Everything from sprained ligaments, muscle strains, to joint pains (especially in my shoulders).
I have been using Hemp-derived CBD for the past six months and can definitely say it has helped me maintain peak performance in the gym. I noticed I became less fatigued after my workouts, and in the morning after. By my next workout I would feel more fresh and alive.
I started with the CBDistillery 500mg CBD Oil at first, which popped up to me initially because of their reviews, their Certification of Analysis, and testimonials. I only started with a minor amount and noticed a small difference. After about a week I started increasing dosage until I felt the full effects. Which for me was a full dropper at 5’8 and 155 at the time. I now suggest to others starting to use CBD Oils to start with 500mg and a small dosage (around 5 drops) to see the effects.
As of right now, I use the CBDistillery 1000mg CBD oil, so I can take a lower dosage and still get the same results.
Looking back now, I realize that I am no longer as sore as before I used CBD, and therefore have been able to push harder and more at the gym continuously.
What is the best CBD for Nutrition?
Personally, I have added CBD to my daily nutrition. I have consistently been using CBDfx CBD Gummies as a snack post my workout. Which has helped curb my diet and resist other tempting snacks. I take 1-2 post-workout, and notice a small difference in appetite versus other snacks. Albeit gummies are much more expensive than average snacks. They just add to my current diet as a snack that is beneficial towards my athletic performance.
CBD can help your daily nutrition through many forms, not just oils. There are creams, capsules, softgels, balms, vapes, and tons of other products in the market today. Each one having different but sometimes overlapping purposes. As a quick summary, here is a hypothetical daily routine of each of these in use. Note that these do not include pain, anxiety, or sleep management. This is only in regards to nutrition and health as far as being an “additive”
CBD Oils:
Best for getting the day started or before going to bed. A possible reliever of stress, so it should be taken before stressful events and/or right after. Before and after seem to work best.
CBD Topical Creams:
Creams should be used very often throughout the day for best effects. Around every 4-6 hours, or 2 to 3 times a day. The best times to use CBD topical creams is immediately before a workout, immediately after, and when pain is affected you the most.
CBD Gummies:
Gummies are great for when you want a snack and do not want to eat unhealthy foods. Therefore we recommend taking the Gummy Bears in the middle of the day, or in between your meals.
CBD Capsules:
Similar to Gummies, however capsules are a quick an easy way to get your full days’ dosage of CBD. Therefore we recommend using CBD capsules in the morning. Especially with other vitamins or pill supplements in the morning. Help you feel energized and ready to start your day.
Bonus
CBD Vape Pens:
For myself, CBD vape pens were best used in between activities and right before a workout or athletic session. The pen would help you and your body relax and be ready to focus during your workout. The pens may help your boost your intensity.
