Achieving optimal athletic performance takes more than just a pair of gym shoes and a box of protein bars. It takes hard work and the motivation to keep pursuing your goal every day. 

Recent research has shown that CBD and weightlifting may be a great match, for both casual and professional athletes trying to step it up. 

The Importance of Motivation

Soreness and fatigue are some of the primary reasons that fitness routines fail. When something hurts or you’re just really tired, it’s easy to make excuses. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t take a day off. Rest and recovery days are crucial when it comes to making gains in the weight room. 

There are a number of reasons athletes reach for some sort of pain relief or caffeinated supplement before or after a workout session. Discomfort, fatigue, and irritation are just part of life when you push yourself to the limit. CBD has surfaced as a great option to help gym-goers keep moving forward. 

“CBD has been a great addition to my daily routine,” says Bryanna Fissori, a professional boxer. “I use it before I do my conditioning in the gym and I can tell that I am less sore because of it.” 

3 Benefits of CBD and Weightlifting

There are several ways that CBD interacts with your body, making CBD and weightlifting a great match. 

    1. Reduced Inflammation 

Inflammation is part of your body’s natural healing mechanism, but it can be painful. And it can keep you from making progress in the gym. 

When an injury occurs, your body’s biochemical processes release proteins called cytokines, which send an emergency signal to your body. Your body releases an influx of white blood cells and the enzymes they produce, which rush to the location of the injury to protect it. This causes inflammation. In some cases, this response extends longer than it should, which can exacerbate the injury. 

Weightlifting places strain on your muscles, which causes micro-tears. These tears heal in a way that creates more muscle, and this is how you become stronger over time. A good lifting session may leave you a little sore, and that’s normal. But when the soreness continues, you may need help reducing the inflammation. 

Antioxidants naturally reduce inflammation. CBD was patented as an antioxidant by the U.S. Government over two decades ago and is used by athletes and others to help reduce inflammation. This means less pain and more gains. 

CBD can be used in a number of ways, including orally, sublingually, and topically. Oral and sublingual CBD helps from the inside out. Topical applications like CBD lotion for pain relief can address irritations quickly so you can keep moving forward. 

“From my experience, proper sleep is much needed to perform,” shares Ena Kawa’a, a United States Powerlifting Association powerlifter. “It helps my body recover after pulling a 405-pound deadlift, squatting 402, or benching 205. You have to take care of your body, so it can take care of you.”

    2. Better Sleep Recovery

Adequate sleep is linked to better athletic performance and a greater capacity to heal. Muscle tissue repair takes place overnight when your body is sleeping. In the deeper stages of sleep, your muscles experience an increase in blood flow, which carries oxygen and nutrients to promote recovery, repair muscles, and regenerate cells. 

Sleep also allows an influx of specific hormones that stimulate repair and muscle growth. When your body isn’t able to rest, it can be harder to: 

• Recover from injuries
• Maintain a healthy immune system
• Regulate appetite
• Experience gains from your workout 

The benefits of CBD and weightlifting are maximized by allowing your body to restore balance. Taking CBD before bed can cause the body and mind to relax, providing better, faster sleep. You can wake up refreshed and ready for your next workout. 

Try Drops of Life CBD and CBN tincture for sleep. CBN is another cannabinoid known to help you find rest. 

    3. Mood Boost 

Nothing spoils a good workout like a bad day. CBD interacts with receptors in your body to allow more anandamide to exist at one time. Anandamide is a compound that’s also called the “bliss molecule,” because it promotes a feeling of happiness. 

This is one of the main reasons that CBD is commonly associated with stress relief. Anandamide is also found in chocolate, which means a chocolate protein shake and some CBD could be a great motivator to get you into the gym. 

Drops of Life CBG Drive Gummies have the benefits of both CBD and CBG to boost mood and keep you focused. 

Looking to Make Weightlifting Gains with CBD?

Whether you’re just getting back into the gym, a fitness enthusiast, or a professional athlete, CBD can help maximize your athletic performance and promote wellness. 

Check out our Drops of Life product line to find the CBD that best fits your needs. Need product recommendations? We’re here to help!