As self-care continues to evolve, some people are looking to combine their workout routine with a different kind of “high.” Whether you’re an avid runner, a yoga enthusiast, or a frequent gym-goer, many wonder if smoking weed before exercising can enhance the experience. Experts suggest that mixing cannabis with physical activity may lead to a more enjoyable workout, provided it’s legal in your area. So, what happens to your body when you smoke weed and work out? Let’s dive in.
Can Weed Reduce Workout-Related Inflammation?
One of the potential benefits of using marijuana before working out is its ability to reduce inflammation. According to Dr. Gary Starr, MD, medical director at FOCUS, an international non-profit organization developing cannabis quality standards, marijuana may help decrease the body’s inflammatory response following an intense workout. While pot might not directly improve physical performance, this anti-inflammatory effect could lead to faster recovery times, making it easier to exercise more consistently.
However, the research remains limited. A 2017 study published in The Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport suggested that cannabis likely doesn’t physically enhance athletic performance. Still, for some, weed might be the mental boost they need to stay focused and get into their workout.
Boosting Mental Motivation for Workouts
The mental fatigue that comes from working out regularly can be a significant hurdle. Sometimes, the hardest part of exercising isn’t the physical exertion—it’s finding the motivation to start. For those who struggle to stay mentally engaged in their fitness routines, marijuana might offer a psychological edge.
Jessamyn Stanley, a yoga teacher and body positivity advocate, shares that using weed helps her get out of her head before a workout. “Using weed before a workout is a great way to get out of your head about what’s to come,” she explains. Whether it’s calming pre-workout nerves or simply making the session more enjoyable, many users report feeling more relaxed and focused on their workout after consuming cannabis.
The Connection Between Perceived Effort and Enjoyment
Interestingly, the way we perceive the difficulty of our workouts can significantly impact how motivated we are to continue. A 2017 study published in Sports Medicine found that the more difficult people perceived their workout to be, the more mentally fatigued they felt afterward. In simple terms, if a workout feels tough, it can be harder to push through.
Cannabis could potentially lower that perceived effort, making the experience feel less grueling. According to a survey published in Nature, 70% of respondents who used marijuana while working out said it made their exercise more enjoyable. Not only did they enjoy their workouts more, but they also spent more time exercising compared to those who didn’t combine cannabis with their fitness routines.
Why Cannabis Might Make Exercise More Enjoyable
There’s still much that scientists don’t know about the connection between cannabis and exercise, but what we do know is that cannabis has mood-boosting properties. Dr. Starr notes that while cannabis doesn’t physically improve performance, its ability to lift your spirits might make exercise more appealing. Whether you’re a weightlifter, runner, or yogi, feeling good mentally can translate into more frequent, enjoyable workouts.
This positive mental state could help break the cycle of workout dread that many people face, leading to a healthier relationship with fitness.
Be Cautious of Increased Heart Rate
Despite the potential benefits, there are also risks to consider. Cannabis is known to increase heart rate, a condition known as tachycardia. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with underlying heart conditions. In the Nature survey, 40% of respondents who combined weed with exercise reported experiencing an elevated heart rate, and some even felt too high to continue their workout safely.
If you have heart issues or experience irregular heartbeats, Dr. Starr advises caution. Marijuana could exacerbate these problems, making it essential to listen to your body and not push beyond your limits.
The Importance of Hydration When Working Out High
Cannabis affects your body’s glucose metabolism, meaning it can speed up how quickly your body uses energy. Because of this, staying hydrated is critical. Meryl Montgomery, co-founder of cannabis startup Barbari, emphasizes the need for frequent hydration when exercising after using THC. Drinking water regularly throughout your workout is essential to keep your body functioning optimally and prevent dehydration.
Finding the Right Dosage for Your Body
If you’re considering combining weed and exercise, finding the right dosage is key. Overdoing it could lead to a workout that feels overwhelming, while underestimating the effects might leave you unmotivated. Cannabis expert Kendra Freeman, president of product development at Mendi (a CBD company for athletes), advises starting with small doses and being mindful of how your body reacts.
One way to ease into it is by combining THC with CBD. CBD doesn’t cause the psychoactive “high” associated with THC, so adding it to your pre-workout routine might help you stay focused without feeling too relaxed. Experimenting with different ratios of THC and CBD can help you discover what works best for your workout goals.
Start Slow and Listen to Your Body
If you decide to incorporate cannabis into your fitness routine, start slow and pay close attention to how your body responds. Each individual’s tolerance and reaction to weed can vary widely, so taking things step by step ensures you don’t overdo it. If you notice any adverse effects, like feeling too high to focus or experiencing a rapid heartbeat, take a break and reassess.
Ultimately, listening to your body is the best approach. If weed enhances your workout by making it more enjoyable and helping you stay motivated, it could be a useful addition to your self-care routine. However, if you find it interferes with your performance or safety, it’s best to leave it out of your exercise regimen.
Conclusion: Can Weed Enhance Your Workout?
While combining weed with exercise is still a relatively new and under-researched practice, early observations suggest that it can make workouts more enjoyable and possibly even increase your motivation to exercise regularly. However, it’s essential to keep in mind the potential risks, such as increased heart rate and dehydration. By starting small, understanding your limits, and staying mindful of your body’s responses, you can explore whether marijuana is a good fit for your fitness routine.
