‘Enhancd’ performance in the octagon, the ring or on the field is something all athletes strive for. Ultimately it’s those hours in the gym, the toil on the paddock and on the track that give you your edge. Hard yakka – no shortcuts.
Attention to detail when it comes to your recovery counts. Whether lifting weights, training for marathons, playing footy, or fighting in combat sports; you know that the way you rest, mend and strengthen defines the upper limits of your performance next time out.
Outside of training, there’s a number of things you do to enhance your performance and speed up muscle recovery. Sleeping better, getting the right nutrition and hydration, ice baths and massage all aid your recovery. Repairing body and mind, building resilience to go again.
For an increasing number of athletes CBD is now a core part of that routine, changing the way they recover for the better. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of CBD – or Cannabidiol, to give it its full name – and because we know athletes, we know there’s a good chance you’re unsure as to whether it’s for you. So here’s the straight-to-the-point science bit:
CBD is one of several cannabinoids – compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Hemp is chock-full of CBD. It’s a non-psychoactive, safe, and 100% natural product that is revolutionising athletic recovery.
THC – or Tetrahydrocannabinol, to give it its full name – is another cannabinoid. THC is found in high concentrations in Marijuana and it’s the stuff that gets those that use it ‘high’.
With that key difference explained let’s look at the growth of CBD, its role in athletic recovery, enhanced performance and in particular pain-management.
Give pain the big don’t argue
You’re sore, you’re low on gas and life has a habit of getting in the way when it comes to the extras you need to recover properly. Yet nothing’s as vital as going into fight night knowing your body is in the best condition possible. Your performance depends on it.
Week in, week out you’re punishing your body, so much of what you’re trying to achieve in between times is geared towards being ready for that next hit out. Some relief from the aches and pains of the previous battle to accelerate your readiness for the next.
For pro athletes, regularly putting your body on the line can mean midweek painkilling injections. But at a time when the abuse of opioid painkillers in pro, semi-pro and amateur sport is sadly on the rise, CBD offers a natural alternative to help you better manage your recovery, reduce your body’s sensitivity to pain and eradicate unpleasant side effects. CBD allows you to train harder and recover smarter.
Give fatigue the big don’t argue
High impact sports present physiological, metabolic, physical and psychological demands which can deteriorate your performance due to fatigue. The high variability of those demands also influences the magnitude of exercise-induced muscle damage, with symptoms negatively affecting neuromuscular function during recovery.
Although fatigue and recovery have been extensively studied, there are still uncertainties about the underlying mechanisms because they are influenced by physiological and match-related demands. Yet all the signs are that CBD aids sleep, reduces anxiety and fatigue.
Give inflammation the big don’t argue
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, CBD can regulate the neurological functions of the brain, protecting the central nervous system and reducing inflammation. Research has established that a consistent dose of CBD may help prevent permanent damage and even improve recovery of any temporary damage.
How to use CBD
CBD is super easy to take. Every body is different so results will vary, however most people experience the therapeutic effects within 1-6 hours, depending on how it’s taken.
Your gender, weight, health, metabolism, and experience levels all influence how you respond to CBD and how long it takes for it to work. If you’re new to CBD, we recommend starting with a small dose, helping you get a feel for what effect it has on your body.
Why use CBD?
Making CBD part of your self-care regimen is about optimising your recovery and enhancing performance. Research into how powerful CBD can be when it comes to recovery from minor injuries such as bruising, impact-related muscle and joint inflammation and aches and pains caused by strenuous exercise is growing at pace and indications are that CBD also has a positive effect on sleep-wake cycles, mood and stress management.
In short, CBD oil offers a low-risk, gentle option for those who wish to optimise their workout, encourage muscle growth, reduce their recovery time and enhance performance.