Let’s get physical! Being outdoors and moving your body can provide both physical and mental benefits. Exercise can be as simple as stretching or something more extreme like mountain climbing. There is an activity for everyone, at any fitness level. Some people are resistant to exercise because it can take effort and can sometimes be uncomfortable. Physical exertion does have its drawbacks, leaving your muscles and joints sore, etc. You don’t have to let this stop you. There is a natural tool that can support optimal performance. Get the details about how hemp-derived cannabinoids can elevate your fitness routine below.

The Rundown on Fitness

Fitness is the quality or state of being fit and healthy, generally achieved through proper nutrition and physical exercise. Exercise can be generally classified as either aerobic activity or strength training and can be done anywhere. The current guidelines suggest that adults need 150 minutes of physical activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activity each week to achieve optimal health. But any is better than none. People who exercise regularly are found to enjoy better health overall. It can help control weight, improve mood, quality of sleep, and more. However, some might experience acute muscle soreness or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), which can be a real deterrent if not managed carefully.

What is DOMS?

DOMS is a type of muscle pain experienced after a workout, sometimes a day or two later. The symptoms could include tender muscles, stiffness, swelling, and muscle fatigue. It is usually caused by high-intensity exercises, such as high-intensity interval training, CrossFit, weight lifting, eccentric training, and more. If you are suffering from this condition, there are a few things you can do to help. Stay hydrated and keep moving if possible, incorporating gentle movement throughout the day. Get a massage, have a cold or warm bath, use medicated topicals, over-the-counter pain relievers, or prescription pharmaceuticals. If DOMS is persistent or unbearable, seek medical help.

During your workout, the brain produces a variety of hormones, which can aid the body with growth and development. It’s also found that these substances interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), like the cannabinoids found in cannabis, giving people what’s called a “runner’s high.” This runner’s high is a term used to describe the euphoric feeling runners often experience after a long run. The feeling is temporary and is only experienced by a small percentage of people. Many major athletes are turning to cannabinoid therapy to support their fitness goals, showing that the stigma around consumption is beginning to reduce. In fact, CBD is no longer considered a banned substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Basics of Hemp-derived Cannabinoids

Health-minded people, like those who live an active lifestyle, are also attracted to hemp-derived products. Why? Because hemp-derived products are a natural and easy way to help them achieve their wellness goals. The chemical compounds in cannabis and hemp can support critical functions through their interactions with the endocannabinoid system. The ECS system includes cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2), which are located in several areas of the human body. In addition, chemical compounds like delta 9 THC, CBD, and more, work together to improve homeostasis in the body. Each cultivar also contains several different terpenes and flavonoids, substances that are responsible for its aroma and flavor. To date, scientists have found as many as 540 natural compounds in cannabis.

There are many hemp-derived products available today that adult consumers can choose from. Not all formats will cause intoxication, and some products are smoke-less. Legal providers carry a wide selection of topicals, tinctures, prerolls, etc. Some formats are good for use before or during your workout, and some are good after. It all depends on your needs.

Breakdown of hemp-derived fitness products

Topicals: Provides localized relief from sore muscles and can improve skin condition. These are best used during or after your workout.

Tinctures: Ingestible format with delayed onset and longer duration, offering a convenient and consistent experience.

Edibles: Ingestible format with delayed onset and longer duration provide an easy and reliable option to help improve performance.

Dried-flower or Vapes: Inhaled format, ideal for relieving discomfort quickly and lasts a short time.

One helpful strategy for many consumers is something called micro-dosing. This popular trend uses a strategy of less is more. The term means that you take small amounts of a substance, spread out in regular intervals, instead of all at once. It gives consumers better control of the dosage to better meet their needs. This method is used by both medical and recreational users alike. A typical microdose is 1 to 2.5 milligrams. The benefits one experiences from cannabis are subjective and depend on many other factors. Be cautious of exercising while high. Take it slow and start with a low dose. Consuming cannabinoids will help your performance and make the activity more enjoyable.

There are so many reasons to get outdoors. Getting your exercise is just one. See our shortlist of places you could visit!

Best trails for mountain biking and other outdoor activities:

• DuPont State Forest and Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina.
• Crested Butte or Grand Valley in Colorado.
• Sun Valley in Idaho.
• Tahoe Rim Trail located in California and Nevada.
• Finger Lakes Trail in New York.

Want more ideas? Try these trails.

For many, the biggest challenge is staying motivated. Maintaining a consistent routine does require some commitment. Set realistic goals, keep your routine simple, and partner with someone if you find it helpful. People are more likely to work out if they do something they love. The key is to find an exercise routine that you like and will stick with. Cannabis can bring excitement and inspiration to a fitness routine when used appropriately. Happy trails to you!

The Hemp Doctor helps you achieve peak performance. For our customers’ safety and confidence, we offer hemp-derived products that have been third-party lab tested. This allows consumers to experience full and broad-spectrum products risk-free, and our quality is guaranteed. See what’s new or shop our full line of premium products today.

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