Due to its wide range of natural properties, CBD has become a popular discussion in the world of Bodybuilders.
Does it work? Is it safe? What can it even do?
These are just some of the many questions people ask regarding using CBD for bodybuilding. In today’s article, we’ll help provide answers to these questions and more.
Let’s dive in.
CBD is rapidly gaining ground among all athletes, including bodybuilders. But is CBD good for bodybuilders? Growing research is proving the answer to be a resounding “YES!” The natural hemp derivative offers so many valuable properties that could benefit bodybuilders.
Working out with the goal of building muscles is a no-pain, no-gains kind of life is not for the faint of health or physique. Most bodybuilders crave that burn because it means their efforts are working. Nevertheless, pushing the body to its limits can come along with a number of other concerns.
Bodybuilders who frequently push themselves to reach new growth goals can experience everything from soft tissue injuries to compromised immunity and difficulty sleeping. CBD, with its natural ability to work along with the body, may help support the heightened efforts and protect the body in the process. Even further, this cannabinoid could yield valuable actions that encourage better bodybuilding outcomes. Let’s really dig in and look at CBD for bodybuilders, why this cannabinoid works, and what some bodybuilders truly value CBD.
What is CBD and How Does It Work
CBD is cannabidiol, a well-known cannabinoid that naturally occurs in plants from the Cannabis Sativa species, which also includes hemp. CBD is one of many cannabinoids, but a few are more recognizable than others. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is one cannabinoid most people know about because of its psychoactive, intoxicating properties. However, CBD is not intoxicating and is most widely known for its potential therapeutic properties.
The beauty of CBD is that it seems to work seamlessly with the body. Phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids) are highly similar in molecular structure to endocannabinoids (body cannabinoids). Endocannabinoids are produced by your own bodily systems, and they interact with a collection of receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD essentially interacts with the ECS by stabilizing certain functions, such as inflammatory or immune response.
The Benefits of CBD for Bodybuilding
To date, CBD has been shown to boast a wealth of potential therapeutic benefits for people from all walks of life. However, certain attributes of CBD can make the cannabinoid a highly suitable option for people who are into bodybuilding, athletic, or vigilant about health and fitness. Here’s a look at why CBD for bodybuilding is a growing area of interest.
1. CBD Aids in Muscle Recovery
When you push your muscles beyond what they are used to, muscle fibers sustain tiny tears and damages. As a bodybuilder, this is what you want to feel after a good workout because when those fibers heal, the change can increase muscle mass over the long haul. Even though feeling ripped after a good workout is a goal, the experience is not so comfortable. You can feel sore, stiff, and have a harder time hitting the gym for a few days. Because CBD is an anti-inflammatory agent, the cannabinoid may help with muscle recovery by soothing inflammation around damaged muscle fibers. This action helps the fibers to heal faster, so you feel much less sore and stiff and ready to get back to lifting quickly.
Pro Tip: A great way to enjoy this effect is with our broad spectrum CBD Muscle Recovery Lotion
2. CBD May Help with Muscle Growth
CBD has anti-catabolic properties, which means it may aid in regulating levels of certain hormones in the body. One of the primary hormones that may inhibit progress as a bodybuilder is cortisol. Cortisol is called a stress hormone because it is produced when you feel stressed. While necessary for certain functions, high levels of cortisone may delay valuable actions like protein synthesis that supports proper muscle growth. Therefore, taking CBD for muscle growth could help you see better gains over the long term.
3. CBD May Help Improve Sleep
Sleep makes a huge difference in how you feel, how you perform, and your overall stamina at the gym. If your sleep is disrupted and broken or you have a difficult time winding down to fall asleep at night, CBD may help. Some studies have shown that 160mg of cannabidiol could be nearly as effective for certain prescription sleep aids to encourage longer sleep. Plus, the generally relaxing qualities of CBD may put you in a mindset in which you are better prepared to fall asleep.
4. CBD May Promote Improved Weight Management
Maintaining weight is always a critical part of bodybuilding, and CBD may actually help. Even though the research is still in its earliest stages, animal studies have found that CBD seems to block ghrelin, which is an appetite-increasing hormone. On another note, one study singled out the fact that CBD seems to increase levels of a hormone known as leptin, which is responsible for reducing cravings and helping the body feel satiated. Therefore, if you are struggling to keep your weight down and need to reduce cravings for unhealthy foods, CBD may be a good part of your fitness plan.
5. CBD May Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Perhaps one of the more noteworthy attributes of CBD has been its ability to act as an anxiolytic. So far, a number of studies have mentioned CBD as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Many people use CBD to help them feel calm and less stressed. Bodybuilding can come along with its own unique stressors, so if you’re feeling on edge, taking CBD may help you step back, recollect, and find that calmer state to stay focused.
Ways to Use CBD for Bodybuilding
CBD is available in a fascinating array of forms as the market matures. However, the primary preferred types of CBD for bodybuilders are soft gels, oils, edibles, and topicals. All products bring along their own advantages for different types of individuals. For bodybuilders and athletes, the desirable attributes of a product may be a bit different than what they would be for some people.
CBD Softgels
CBD capsules or soft gels, such as Nirvana Cbd Soft Gels, give you an easy-to-take dose of CBD. Of course, simply taking a capsule or two to get your daily dose works well for those who are on the go and really want the most precise dose of CBD. For example, you could take CBD soft gels along with your pre-workout supplements.
CBD Oils
CBD oils, also referred to as Cbd Oil tinctures as with Nirvana products, are easily the most popular types of CBD for bodybuilders. Generally, a CBD oil is comprised of the CBD or desirable hemp components and a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or MCT oil. You take your dose by using the dropper to either simply ingest the CBD or hold it under your tongue for more rapid delivery of the cannabinoids to the bloodstream. One reason bodybuilders prefer CBD oil is that it can yield a rapid onset of effects; usually, sublingual dosing yields the effects in as little as 10 or 15 minutes.
CBD Topicals
Topical formulated with CBD may be oils, creams, salves, roll-ons, patches, and lotions. Typically, CBD lotions or roll-ons are more preferable for bodybuilders simply because they go on easy, make it simple to target certain areas, and the products absorb into the skin quickly. Topicals work well to soothe soreness after a workout, to aid in muscle recovery, and to generally soothe aches and pains.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are often used in addition to a regular CBD dosing routine. Gummies tend to deliver a lower dose of CBD. For example, Nirvana CBD Gummies deliver 25mg of broad-spectrum CBD in each. Bodybuilders and athletes may have a CBD gummy or two just before or just after their workout, before bed, or for an acutely stressful situation.
Leading Bodybuilders That Use CBD and Why
Nirvana CBD is a huge supporter of some of the most well-known athletes because we wholly believe in supporting their goals and physical well-being. A few of the names you may recognize include Breon Ainsley, Sashlii Star (NPC Wellness Athlete and 2018 Amateur Olympia), Mattie Nelms, and Che’ McConico (Athlete and Fitness Model). Take a look at what two of these bodybuilders had to say about CBD for bodybuilding.
Breon Ansley
Breon Ansley is a two-time Olympia Classic Champ and 1st Arnold Classic Champ. He uses Nirvana CBD Muscle Recovery Lotion and our other products to really decompress after a hard workout. He had this to say about how Nirvana CBD fits into his fitness regimen:
“I use Nirvana every day, every single night. What I do is very intense for those couple of hours—it’s intense training, and it’s an intense state of mind, and it really rattles your nervous system. To have Nirvana CBD to kind of really be there to kind of calm all that down, and decompress, and decompose everything and be ready for the next day, that’s really important.”
Mattie Nelms
Mattie Nelms (AKA Mattie Ice), an IFBB Professional Bodybuilder, uses Nirvana CBD for both stress and anxiety relief and to reduce muscle and joint pain associated with exercise. He says that he was initially skeptical about the physical and psychological benefits of CBD, but soon after discovered the power of cannabidiol through Nirvana’s products. As a pro bodybuilder, Mattie says that quick rebound is critical. He says:
“Nirvana [CBD] has fundamentally changed my approach to recovery and repair.”
Sashli Sensation
Sashli Sensation is a NPC wellness athlete, fitness model, and actress from Los Angeles California who has competed in numerous bodybuilding competitions including the 2018 Mr. Olympia fitness show. Sashli uses our collection of broad spectrum CBD products to stay focused during her intense workout routine and to recover after each workout.
“The mental focus, optimal recovery, and quality of products is why I consistently use Nirvana CBD.”
CBD for Bodybuilding: Common FAQs
If you’re a bodybuilder who is considering trying CBD, you likely have questions… Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Discover quick answers to some common bodybuilding and CBD questions below. If you have a question that is not listed here, please feel free to reach out to us on social media or via email: [email protected]
Should you take CBD oil before or after a workout?
The answer can depend on why you are taking CBD oil for bodybuilding. For example, if you are looking to achieve a really concentrated state before your workout to hone in on your reps and see greater stamina, you may want to try CBD oil before getting started. If you are looking to unwind quicker after the workout, recover faster, or ease muscle cramps and pain, taking CBD after may be best. For many bodybuilders, taking a daily CBD oil offers the support they are looking for when it comes to things like general wellness support, metabolism support, and better sleep. However, they may then also use additional CBD for muscle recovery after a workout, if they’re feeling anxious before an event, or otherwise.
Will CBD oil get you high?
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Therefore, no, CBD is not going to leave you feeling incapacitated in any way. You may notice heightened focus, a greater sense of calm, or a general feeling of well-being, but you won’t feel “high.” Keep in mind, THC is the cannabinoid associated with intoxicating effects, and even full-spectrum CBD products that do contain THC can only legally have 0.3 percent, which is nowhere near enough to cause you to feel intoxicated.
Are there any side effects of CBD?
CBD has been shown to have a really good safety profile, and using CBD is not likely to bring along any undesirable side effects. Some of the few side effects that have been reported include drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, and dry mouth. Rarely, some individuals will experience nausea, but this side effect is more often associated with other ingredients. For example, CBD oil is essentially CBD in a carrier oil, which can vary depending on the manufacturer. Some people may have nausea due to the use of certain types of carrier oils.
Is CBD Legal?
CBD is considered legal in all 50 states due to the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018. If you plan to take CBD oil for bodybuilding, especially as a professional athlete, do make sure you are using a reliable product. Look for products that clearly state they do not contain THC, such as broad-spectrum products from Nirvana CBD.
How long does CBD stay in your system?
How long CBD stays in your system can vary depending on your metabolism and body chemistry, your weight, how much CBD you use, and how frequently you use CBD. A lot of people will see the product leave their system somewhere between two and five days. However, a frequent CBD consumer may have detectable levels of the cannabinoid in their system for a lot longer.
Will CBD show up on a drug screening?
Drug screens are not specifically testing for CBD; instead, the tests are designed to measure for detectable levels of THC. Therefore, if you are taking a zero-THC product, you should have no worries about a failed drug test due to taking CBD.
Discover the Power of CBD for BodyBuilding with Nirvana CBD
With the inherent ability to step in and offer insane levels of support for the human body, CBD seems to have a logical place in the world of health and fitness. More bodybuilders are trading in questionable support agents for natural CBD, and many are seeing a wealth of body-positive advantages because of it. No pain may mean no gains, but building a better body doesn’t have to be hard on your body with the support of CBD. If you’re ready to try CBD for muscle growth, workout recovery, or general wellness, take a look at our collection of broad-spectrum CBD products at Nirvana CBD.
Thank you for reading our complete guide to CBD for bodybuilding! We hope that it helped to inform you about the subject and encouraged you to take positive action in your life. If you have any questions or comments, please leave us a message in the comments below, and be sure to check out the Nirvana CBD blog for more helpful articles and guides!
The information contained in this article is not intended to serve as a substitute for advice or guidance from a certified doctor or lawyer. Before trying Cannabidiol (CBD) or purchasing any CBD product, you should always conduct your own research and consult with your doctor. While CBD was classified as “generally well tolerated with a good safely profile” by the World Health Organization (WHO), further research is needed in order to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CBD on a generalized basis.
Nirvana CBD products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
