If you’re determined to be in the best shape of your life in 2017, hitting the gym is a must. But before you lace up your sneakers and head out the door, consider adding cannabis to your pre-workout routine. According to experts, getting stoned before hitting the gym can have some surprising benefits.
Seibo Shen, co-founder and CEO of VapeXhale, believes that using cannabis before a workout can help you get in the zone. “Cannabis promotes homeostasis,” he says. “When I’m feeling amped up, it calms me down. When I’m feeling drowsy, it gives me energy. No matter what strain I consume, getting high brings me to the perfect baseline.” Shen combines breathing exercises with cannabis before his workouts, which helps him feel physically loose and mentally sharp, allowing him to perform at a higher level.
Jim McAlpine, president and founder of The 420 Games, also credits cannabis for improved performance. Without it, he often gets too bored to finish a long swim. “THC allows me to push myself harder because without it, I lose my motivation,” he says.
In addition to improving performance, cannabis can also help prevent injury. Shen has found that it helps him better feel specific muscle groups, which improves his exercise form and reduces the risk of injury. He also notes that consuming CBD before a workout can reduce joint inflammation. “After I consume cannabis, I feel like the Tin Man and I just oiled my joints,” he says. This is supported by a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, which found that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties.
But the benefits of cannabis don’t stop there. A 2013 study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that cannabis can lower insulin resistance, improve fasting insulin levels, and facilitate metabolic function. In other words, your body will burn those extra holiday calories more efficiently if you incorporate cannabis into your workout routine. And if you’re looking to slim down, you might want to consider adding cannabis to your routine. The same study found that cannabis users have significantly smaller average waist circumferences than those who abstain.
But perhaps the most surprising benefit of using cannabis before a workout is its ability to keep you motivated. McAlpine says that he loves the feeling he gets after a workout. “When I get out of the pool, I feel better than after any bong rip,” he says. “My heart is beating hard and I just feel amazing, regardless of whether or not I’ve smoked.” This feeling, commonly referred to as “runner’s high,” is actually similar to getting stoned. A 2003 study from the Georgia Institute of Technology found that as we reach the peak of our workouts, our body releases its own natural cannabinoids. This natural activation of the body’s endocannabinoid system late in a workout explains why toking up before hitting the gym helps Shen and McAlpine get in the right headspace for fitness and maintain their motivation throughout their workouts.
So if you’re looking to get the most out of your workouts in 2017, consider incorporating cannabis into your routine. Whether you’re looking to get in the zone, prevent injury, burn calories more efficiently, or stay motivated, cannabis can help you achieve your fitness goals.
