Did you know that a large number of successful athletes were actually pot smokers? Michael Phelps, a 22 times winner of Olympic medals was a marijuana user, and thus proved wrong everyone who didn’t think the two could go hand in hand. If you’ve never considered introducing cannabis into your regular fitness routine, we present you with a list of 5 ways of how it can improve your athletic abilities.
1. Marijuana raises the metabolism
According to the American Journal of Medicine, cannabis smokers have more than 15% higher level of fasting insulin in their bodies than nonsmokers. Furthermore, the study showed how marijuana users have a 17% lower insulin resistance levels and a significantly smaller average waist circumferences, and controlled insulin levels are key to increased energy and loss of weight.
Studies also proved that cannabidiol and THCV found in marijuana help raise metabolism and lower our cholesterol levels.Taking all of this into consideration, it is evident cannabis can speed up the process of weight loss.
2. Marijuana has the same effects as exercise
No, marijuana cannot become a substitute for a regular exercise routine, but it did prove to have similar effects, which will only improve your efforts if you choose to combine the two. As a group of lipids, cell receptors, and fats THC bind to while smoking weed, the endocannabinoid system plays a prominent role in improving our overall health. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for controlling our appetite, easing the pain, influencing our mood, relieving us from stress, and even regulating our memory. You can smoke marijuana; however, some may confuse smoking CBD vaporizer with marijuana. If interested, you can also look for articles on websites similar to wonderbuds stating clear differences and see what can work better for you.
3. Marijuana gets you revved up to exercise
Many athletes emphasize how cannabis represents a key ingredient in pumping them up for a workout. However, as there is a multitude of cannabis strains, all causing different effects on our body and mind, it is essential to consult with experts in a local medical marijuana dispensary to find out which one is the best pre-workout booster.
4. Marijuana improves your fitness strategy
Pot smokers who are also avid gym goers report it helps them stay ‘in the zone’, that is, keeps them fully-focused on exercises. For this reason, a number of long-distance runners take advantage of vaporizers or marijuana edibles before taking part in a marathon, since cannabis helps them remove the monotony and keep a steady running pace.
5. Marijuana aids muscle recovery
If you’ve gone back to the gym after a significant break, you are bound to experience muscle pain which will only chain you to the couch and prevent you from hitting the weights anytime soon. Smoking weed after a training session will help you reduce the muscle pain and get you back on track in no time. Marijuana is also effective for your pre- and post-workout stretch, since it reduces stiffness in your body.
It’s high time we dropped the prejudice, stopped relating cannabis with couch potatoes, but rather with people who are healthy and active. Marijuana has actually helped many professional athletes achieve stellar success, meaning it represents an ideal boost for your training routine.
