Should Working Out High Be Part of Your Routine?
With 2021 here, many of us are reevaluating some of our routines and exchanging them for something that fits our resolutions. If you are one of the many people with a New Year’s resolution, there’s a good chance exercise is involved. In fact, a survey from 2019 found that 50% of resolutions involved exercising more. For some, exercising while high can help, while others can’t fathom the idea of doing both. Wondering if working out high is for you? Let’s take a closer look.
January 12, 2021
Sure, some people are still set on the idea that weed makes you lazy. But we know there is so much more to the world of cannabis than that. In fact, for many, it’s the exact opposite. With so many products available, from extremely potent to non-intoxicating, the possibilities for boosting your workouts are endless.
What the science says about cannabis and working out
As with most things we discuss related to cannabis, its federally-illegal status makes it hard to come to concrete conclusions. Instead, we often have to fill in the blanks.
For example, a research article about cannabis and exercise noted that common barriers that prevent people from initiating or continuing an exercise program include:
- Improper post-workout recovery
- Lack of motivation
- Low enjoyment of exercise
Given our personal experiences and discussion with others, this assessment seems pretty accurate. That about sums up any negative experiences we’ve had with exercise.
So, where does cannabis come in?
We know cannabis is used medicinally for a variety of reasons, including chronic pain. Certain cannabinoids, including THC, are known to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Given many users turn to cannabis for aches and pains in their muscles and joints, it’s no surprise that athletes and people who work out may find benefit from the plant for post-workout recovery.
If you always end up in pain after working out and it prevents you from sticking to your exercise plan, it’s possible cannabis can help.
Using cannabis to recover from workouts and reduce pain is not a big surprise to many. That doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t other benefits to using cannabis, such as working out high. So can it help with the other barriers to sticking to exercise programs, such as lack of motivation and lack of enjoyment?
One review found no positive link between cannabis and exercise, but that doesn’t rule out the concept entirely.
Survey says…a mix of things about working out high
According to the research article that listed the three barriers to regular exercise, cannabis may interact with these barriers in contradictory ways. It can positively affect the exercise experience by promoting recovery and enjoyment of the activities, but it can also negatively affect users by decreasing their motivation.
The researchers targeted users from states with legal cannabis who had already indicated they are interested in cannabis via page likes on Facebook, along with some Colorado medical card holders.
The full sample found that 494 participants, or 81.7% of the pool, endorsed cannabis use before and/or after exercise. Only 111 participants, or 18.3% of the pool, did not endorse cannabis use with exercise.
The article goes into more detail, such as the breakdown of participants who preferred cannabis before exercise as opposed to after or both, but the main point is that the majority of cannabis users who participated in the study were fond of pairing cannabis with exercise.
In the 2-question sample, the majority (67.2%) of participants endorsed cannabis use both before and after exercise. Only 14.5% of the participants endorsed cannabis use only after exercise, and just 1.5% of the participants endorsed cannabis use only before exercise. Therefore, it seems most people who like to pair cannabis and exercise really like to pair the two, using cannabis both before and after they workout.
Now, there is a lot to dissect here when looking at this survey. First, it is only looking at users who opted to take the quiz. This means many users who do not have interest in cannabis and exercise were not counted. People had to see the advertisement and opt to take the survey. This could lead to most participants being those who were drawn to the survey because it included two of their interests.
This information does not prove much, except that there are many cannabis users out there who also like to toke up. Still, it provides some much-needed context for those wondering if working out high is possible or worth it.
Our advice? If you’re thinking about incorporating cannabis into your exercise routine, just try it out. See if getting high before a workout helps the experience or makes you feel less motivated. Scope out the way you feel using cannabis post-workout. From there, you should have a good idea if this is a sustainable way for you to work out.
Cannabis products to try with your workout
Want to see where cannabis can take your next workout? Try these products to elevate your next session:
Airo Pro Vape Pen – Citrus Haze Strain
If you’re considering regularly using cannabis with exercise, it may be time to invest in a vape pen. They’re portable, discreet, and deliver potent effects. Airo Pro is a top choice because it’s affordable and easy to use.
There are many cartridges available to go with the Airo Pro battery, but we think Citrus Haze is the perfect strain for exercise. Crossed between Super Lemon Haze and Kosher Tangie #2, it combines the euphoric and energetic effects of sativa with a hint of calm and relaxation.
Struggle to feel motivated to workout? Citrus Haze may be the perfect solution as it tends to boost moods and may help liven the experience.
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Evergreen Herbal – Tea’d Up Honey & Lemon Green Tea
Need a pick-me-up before, during, or after your workout? Iced Tea is the answer. Evergreen Herbal’s infused iced tea is packed with honey and lemon for a tasty and soothing experience.
This drink also comes with a milligram dosing ladder and resealable cap so you can pace yourself and sip on it throughout your day. At 100 mg per bottle, you’re sure to elevate your workout with Tea’d Up.
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Crystal Clear – Headband Distillate Cartridge
Pop this cartridge into your vape battery and prepare to exercise like you never have before. We recommend puffing on this before you start your workout to add some extra enjoyment to the experience.
Headband is a citrusy, sativa-leaning hybrid with stimulating effects. Feel yourself refresh and become ready for anything after a puff or two. A common experience from this strain is a gentle sensation around the head, kind of like wearing a headband. It’s great for getting in the zone, energizing yourself, and making workouts much more fun.
Ready for an elevated workout? Stop by Piece of Mind to stock up on all the cannabis products you need to boost your workout routine.
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Piece of Mind Cannabis is a medical marijuana and recreational Cannabis dispensary with locations in North Spokane, South Spokane, Seattle,Bellingham, Pullman and Anchorage!
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