Cannabis and Exercise: Keep Moving 2020

2020 is here, new decade, new goals, same stresses.  Whatever your goal is, keep moving towards it. It’s a new year, and with that comes resolutions.  One of the top new year’s resolutions is always exercise. January is a time of detoxes, cleanses, gym memberships and diets.  Images of summer and beach season come to mind.   We’ve all heard the stories of how cannabis has improved millions of lives, but can it improve your workout?

Cannabis can play a vital role in your workout, both pre and post.  One of the healthiest ways to consume cannabis is with a PAX Dry Herb Vaporizer. For anyone looking to get healthier and improve their workout regimen, cannabis can help but smoking joints or hitting a bong can be too harsh on the lungs.  The PAX Dry Herb Vaporizer eliminates all the tars that would otherwise be sticking to your lungs making it a perfect fit for anyone working on their fitness.

Picking a cannabis strain to pair with your workout style is key.  A key when pairing cannabis and exercise is to not over consume!  1-2 puffs will get you where you need to be.  Ultramarathoner Jenn Shelton said cannabis helps runners “manage…pain, not puke, and stay calm.”  Cannabis helps tune out all the white noise, allowing you to focus on your breathing and movement.  Many report being able to work out harder for longer without the body aches that usually follow.

For Runners, a 2:1 ratio like AC Dosi by Yerba Buena, is ideal.  This strain doesn’t get you blazed out of your mind.  Instead, it promotes a focused head high and reliving body buzz that diminishes body pain and anxiety.

For weight lifting, the MAC 1 from Deschutes Growery will keep your mind focused, body fluid, and soul elevated. Terpenes found in this strain are known for their anti-inflammatory, appetite suppressant, and mood enhancer qualities.  Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds that enhance your “high”, affect taste, and hold numerous medical benefits.  Aside from helping with inflammation, stress, and sleep, MAC 1 can help you tune out distraction, and tap into your body’s full workout potential, allowing you to push through the barriers.

For yoga, the 78 Llamas by East Fork Cultivars is perfect for your flow.  This strain doesn’t get you high.  Instead, it melts pain and anxiety away due to the high levels of anti-inflammatory terpenes like Caryophyllene and the CBD Compound.  The uplifting clear head high is caused by the terpene Farnesene, which is a mood stabilizer.  This is a perfect strain to help you focus on your breathing and tune into your body.

If smoking is not for you, cannabis topicals are a phenomenal way to help lubricate joints and relax muscles, allowing you to work through the barriers.  If you are a runner that experiences sore knees and this is keeping you from finishing your run, try a cannabis topical like Peak Extracts Rescue Rub. Great for pre and post workout, it doesn’t eliminate pain, it doesn’t get you high, but it will provide relief and is an effective tool for pain management.

Bottom line is, it’s 2020, so gear up, get out and keep moving! Cannabis is amazing and if you need a little motivation to start working out again, or need to switch up the regimen, stop by Jayne and ask our team for advice on what would work best for you.  Cannabis is not a one size fits all situation.  Depending on your workout style, tolerance, and preference, our budtenders are here to guide you.

By: Briana Burke