Introduction
In recent years, the fusion of cannabis and exercise has transitioned from a whispered secret among fitness enthusiasts to a burgeoning topic of interest within the wellness community. With the growing acceptance of cannabis across the globe, individuals are increasingly curious about the potential benefits of integrating this ancient plant into their workout regimes. This article delves into the symbiotic relationship between cannabis and exercise, exploring how it can enhance motivation, enjoyment, and recovery.
You Are At Your Most Focused While High
Being high while exercising will let you solely focus on the task at hand, yoga trainers have suggested that being high aligns the body and mind allowing for the best workout possible. Other top athletes such as long distance runners also say they use cannabis to help them get through their incredibly long races.
Weed And Exercise Act On The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is the receptor responsible for interacting with cannabinoids that are present within the body. This system controls physiological functions such as pain, memory and appetite via the release of cannabinoids, these cannabinoids are released during exercise to help your body cope with the strain of physical activity. So if you like getting high then go out and exercise and you will receive double the benefits you normally would, what’s not to like?
Weed Aids Muscle Recovery And Enhances Muscle Ability
A study was recently carried out that looked at the effect of cannabis on an athletes performance, the test subject got on a treadmill, set the pace for five miles per hour, and then increased the ramp angle 2.5% every two minutes. When the test subject was sober, he could keep it up for 19 minutes. But when stoned, he could last 19:30 — a “substantial performance gain,” according to the physiologist that was carrying out the experiment. He repeated the test twice to make sure the results were reliable.
He also found that he experienced less muscle pain after a heavy squat session. In other words, getting stoned helped him perform and recover better afterwards.
Exercising Can Actually Increase Your High
A recent study out of the University of Sydney showed that people who took part in a 35-minute exercise routine after consuming cannabis had levels of THC 15% higher than those who smoked and did not exercise. This is because the body stores THC in fat, and when you exercise your body begins to metabolize fat. The reason for the higher THC levels in the exercising group is that as the body burns the fat, small amounts of THC are released back into the bloodstream.
This increases the active levels of THC in your body and gives you a slightly increased high. The above study also showed that enough THC was released into the body after exercise for the person in question to fail a drugs test, this is not good news for stoners who also like going to the gym. However on the whole exercising while stoned is a very positive experience and I would urge everyone to try it at least once.
Increased Body Awareness for Better Form and Technique
An intriguing aspect of exercising while stoned is the reported increase in body awareness. This heightened sense of self can lead to a deeper connection with the body, allowing individuals to fine-tune their form and technique, potentially reducing the risk of injury and improving workout efficiency.
Cannabis Also Increases Your Metabolism
“American Journal of Medicine researchers have discovered that pot smokers actually have 16% higher levels of fasting insulin in their bodies than those who abstain from marijuana. In addition, the study indicated that cannabis users have 17% lower insulin resistance levels as well as significantly smaller average waist circumferences than their non-smoking counterparts.” Controlled insulin levels are key when it comes to energy levels and weight-loss so why not let cannabis help you shed them unwanted pounds.
Conclusion
The integration of cannabis into exercise routines presents a fascinating blend of ancient plant medicine and modern fitness culture. While the potential benefits are significant, it’s important to approach this combination with mindfulness, respect for the law, and a commitment to safety. By doing so, individuals can explore a potential path to wellness that harmonizes body and mind. As with any wellness trend, personal experience is paramount; what works for one may not work for another, making experimentation under guidance and moderation key to finding the perfect balance.
