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Gymming while High on Cannabis: What you need to know

Gymming While High on Cannabis: What You Need to Know
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Working out while high on cannabis has become an intriguing trend among fitness enthusiasts, casual gym-goers, and cannabis users alike. Whether you’re seeking mental relaxation, an enhanced workout focus, or simply a different way to engage with exercise, the question arises: Can cannabis improve your gym performance? And, perhaps more importantly, Is it safe to exercise while high?

In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits, risks, and best practices for working out while using cannabis. We’ll also look at whether this combination is truly worth it for your fitness journey.

What are the benefits of working out while High?

For many, the idea of combining cannabis with exercise is both appealing and curious. While cannabis isn’t a performance-enhancing drug in the traditional sense, its effects can influence your workout experience in various ways. Let’s break down some of the key benefits people report from working out while high.

1. Workout and Chill: A calmer approach to fitness

One of the most common reasons people turn to cannabis before a workout is its ability to reduce anxiety and help them feel more relaxed. This is especially true for those who experience nerves before a workout. Whether you’re gearing up for a yoga class or preparing for a cycling session, the calming effects of cannabis can create a mental space where you feel more grounded and present.

When you’re less anxious about your performance, it can be easier to slip into a flow state where you’re fully engaged in your movements. Some even find that mindfulness-based exercises such as yoga or Pilates become more enjoyable and effective under the influence of cannabis.

But what about more intense activities like lifting weights or running?

2. Rest and recover: Soothing your muscles after a tough session

The potential for cannabis to aid in muscle recovery is another reason it has gained popularity in fitness circles. Many people turn to CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, to help reduce inflammation and alleviate soreness after intense workouts. By targeting post-exercise discomfort, cannabis can help you recover more quickly and return to the gym sooner.

This use of cannabis for recovery is especially popular among athletes or people who engage in high-intensity training, where muscle recovery can make or break progress.

3. Motivate and dominate: Increased creativity and drive

Another surprising benefit of cannabis for fitness is its potential to boost motivation. The psychoactive compound THC can enhance creativity and even make repetitive exercises like cardio or weightlifting more engaging. Some gym-goers report that the effects of cannabis make them more enthusiastic about their workouts, helping them push through tough sets and stay committed to their goals.

Some people find that cannabis helps them stay motivated, especially for less exciting tasks like stretching or foam rolling.

However, this isn’t true for everyone, and while some users may feel invigorated by THC, others may feel slower or more lethargic. Let’s look at some of the risks associated with working out while high.

Should you use Cannabis before or after a workout?

When it comes to timing, before or after the gym, there are two distinct schools of thought. The decision depends on your personal fitness goals and how cannabis affects you.

Weed before a workout: A focused mindset for some, but caution is key

For some, using cannabis before a workout helps them achieve a focused, calm mindset, particularly for exercises that require mental clarity. Activities like yoga, cycling, or even meditation can benefit from the relaxation cannabis provides, allowing you to tune into your body and movements more effectively.

However, when it comes to high-intensity workouts—like running sprints, heavy lifting, or HIIT—there’s a risk that cannabis could impair coordination, making movements feel more sluggish and less controlled. Some find that it reduces their reaction time, which could be a safety concern during intense training.

Weed after a workout: A recovery boost

On the flip side, using cannabis after a workout may be the perfect way to unwind and ease into recovery. The soothing and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis, particularly CBD, can help with soreness and tight muscles. It’s no surprise that many athletes and fitness buffs turn to cannabis to help with post-workout muscle repair.

CBD products like balms, oils, and creams are particularly useful for localized pain relief. They allow you to apply relief directly to sore muscles without any psychoactive effects, helping you feel better and get back to your routine more quickly.

Relaxing with Cannabis after workouts

For some, there’s nothing better than smoking cannabis after a workout to relax and de-stress. This post-exercise ritual is a way to ease tension in both the body and mind, allowing for a deeper relaxation experience. After an intense session at the gym, you might find that cannabis helps you sleep more soundly, accelerating your body’s natural recovery process.

What does the research say about Cannabis and exercise?

While anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis may make exercise more enjoyable, recent studies have shed light on how it affects performance.

Cannabis and enjoyment, but not performance enhancement

A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder examined the effects of cannabis on athletic performance. While participants reported that cannabis made their workouts more enjoyable, there was no significant improvement in endurance, strength, or aerobic capacity compared to those who worked out without cannabis.

This suggests that while cannabis can enhance the experience of exercise—making it more fun and less stressful—it doesn’t necessarily make you stronger, faster, or more enduring. It’s not a performance-enhancing drug.

The “Runner’s High” vs. Cannabis High

While exercise can trigger a natural “runner’s high” due to the release of endorphins, cannabis induces a different kind of high. While some might find that this altered state enhances their focus and motivation, others may feel disconnected from their body or less in control. It’s important to recognize that cannabis is more about creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere rather than giving you that peak athletic performance.

Why exercising while High might not be for everyone

Despite the potential benefits, working out while high comes with some risks that should be carefully considered.

Cardiovascular considerations

Cannabis affects heart rate and blood pressure, which may pose risks when combined with intense physical activity. Especially for those with heart conditions, this combination could put unnecessary strain on the cardiovascular system. If you have any pre-existing conditions, it’s always best to check with a healthcare professional before incorporating cannabis into your fitness routine.

Impaired coordination and focus

While cannabis can help some people focus, for others, it can impair motor skills and coordination. This makes it harder to perform complex movements, especially during high-impact or strength-based exercises. You may be at a greater risk of injury if you’re not fully coordinated.

Breathing and stamina

Some people experience shallow breathing or difficulty catching their breath when high, which can affect performance, particularly during cardio. It’s important to monitor how cannabis affects your breath and stamina during these types of exercises.

Concl

The combination of cannabis and exercise can certainly offer benefits in terms of relaxation, mental focus, and post-workout recovery. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the risks—particularly around coordination, cardiovascular health, and injury—should not be taken lightly.

If you choose to work out while high, it’s important to do so in moderation and with awareness of how cannabis affects your body and mind. Start slow, and focus on low-impact or controlled activities if you’re new to the combination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best exercise to do while high?

If you’re looking for a relaxed experience, yoga or light stretching are ideal. Cannabis can help enhance mental clarity and relaxation, making these activities more enjoyable.

Is it bad to work out after smoking?

It depends on how cannabis affects you. Some people find it enhances their recovery, while others feel sluggish or uncoordinated. Always listen to your body.

Is it safe to work out on edibles?

Edibles can take longer to kick in, and their effects may be more intense. Start with a small dose and wait until you’re sure the effects have set in before engaging in strenuous exercise.

Do you burn more calories when working out high?

No evidence working out while high burns more calories, but it may make your workout feel more enjoyable, which could encourage you to push through for longer.

Is it OK to lift while high?

Lifting weights while high can impair coordination, increasing the risk of injury. If you choose to lift, use lighter weights and ensure proper form.

How high is too high when working out?

If you notice any impairment in coordination, judgment, or breathing, it’s best to stop and assess whether you’re too high to continue exercising safely.

Whether cannabis enhances your workout experience or not, the key is to stay mindful, safe, and listen to how your body responds.