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If you’re looking to take your athletic performance to the next level, you’ve got to think about muscle recovery. We all know what we do at the gym is crucial, but the things we do afterward can help us optimize performance and push ourselves to that next tier of greatness. In this guide, we’re going over how to use CBD for muscle recovery to help you optimize performance every step of the way.

Why We Get Sore After a Workout

After you put your muscles to the test in a rigorous iron-pumping session, you’ll no doubt feel sore. But why? You’re experiencing a condition known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), a normal response that occurs 8 to 48 hours after exercise. In short, DOMS happens because, when you work out, you’re effectively causing microscopic damage to the muscle fibers, which helps them grow bigger, better and stronger.

So, yes, the phrase “no pain, no gain” is completely true in this case. With that being said, too much pain can hold you back from reaching your fitness goals. If you’re suffering from extreme soreness the day after you hit the gym, you’re a lot less likely to get back in the saddle right away. But there are some simple things you can do to kickstart muscle recovery so you feel ready to crush your next set of reps with ease, starting with loading up on high-quality CBD.

 

Does CBD Help with Muscle Recovery?

You may already know that CBD has been known to treat pain, sleep disruption and other conditions. But can it help with muscle recovery? The answer is yes! That’s why pro athletes like NHL player Ryan VandenBussche and NFL linebacker David Ahrens are advocates for using it to support natural pain relief and recovery. 

So how, exactly, does CBD help? It works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is closely linked to the regulation of appetite, sleep, mood and many more of our most complex physiological functions. 

Specifically, CBD works with the endocannabinoid system to help facilitate many of the processes responsible for combating pain, discomfort and inflammation. It’s believed that CBD sends anti-inflammatory and pain relief signals to the receptors within the endocannabinoid system, helping you feel your absolute best. Click here to read more about how to use CBD for pain.

On top of that, CBD is known to help you feel calmer and sleep better. We all know that when we’re less stressed and better slept, we feel a lot more ready to conquer the gym and crush our fitness goals. Quality sleep is also a crucial component of muscle recovery. When you sleep, your body produces certain muscle-building hormones, allowing muscles to grow and repair themselves. In short, you need good sleep to bulk up!

How to Take CBD for Muscle Recovery

OK, so now that we know CBD may be a powerful, untapped tool in your workout regimen, let’s talk about how to leverage it so you get the most of every milligram.

  • Pair It with Recovery Foods — Did you know that the foods you eat and the supplements you take have a big impact on recovery? Indeed, eating foods high in protein, electrolytes and good fats can help the body recover by providing all the right nutrients. Check out some of our best CBD recipes to see how you can add this powerful compound to smoothies, sauces, dressings and even desserts to help you ease away the post-workout pain.
  • Get Direct Relief with Topical Cream — In addition to ingesting it, you can also enjoy many of the benefits of CBD by applying it directly to your skin using a CBD topical cream that combines calming CBD with natural pain relievers like menthol. A CBD-infused massage will help relax your muscles and work out any soreness, stiffness or tense points. Use topical CBD after you work out so you feel limber and ready to hit the gym the next day.
  • Take It Daily Before and After Workouts — For best results, take CBD daily so your body has it at its disposable before and after you work out. You may also consider taking a few extra drops of CBD oil when you’re done with your workout so your muscles begin to relax and facilitate healing sooner. 

 

Not All CBD Is Created Equal

While we know that CBD can be a powerful weapon in our workout toolkit, it’s vital to emphasize the importance of consuming high-quality CBD. Look for products made from organically grown, hemp-derived CBD isolate — like those offered at Soul CBD — for the best results.