Benefits of Working Out High

Working out high may sound surprising, but its benefits include improved focus, pain-relieving effects, and reduced soreness. Cannabis may also boost your motivation to work out, contributing to your overall health.

Understanding the potential upsides of working out high will help you make a more informed decision. Let’s dive into the benefits of using marijuana while working out high.

Boosted Focus and Mind-Muscle Connection

One potential benefit of working out high while using medical cannabis products is an improved mind-muscle connection and sharper mental focus.

Many users report feeling more focused or more in tune with their bodies during workouts after consuming marijuana. A heightened body awareness may help individuals maintain better form during strength training or stay centered during yoga and Pilates.

However, the right strain and dosage make a difference. Choosing a balanced hybrid or sativa strain with moderate THC levels could enhance concentration without overwhelming the senses.

Tips for Enhancing Mind-Muscle Connection

Follow these tips to maximize the mind-muscle connection:

• Choose strains with limonene or pinene (they smell citrusy or piney). They’re energizing and uplifting.

• Try focusing on one muscle group at a time.

• Before you grab that weight, close your eyes and visualize the movement before each exercise.

• Slow down your movements and use controlled repetitions to stay mindful.

Reduced Exercise-Related Pain and Discomfort

Another benefit of exercising high is the potential for pain relief, reduced sensitivity, and decreased muscle soreness.

THC and CBD, two key cannabinoids found in marijuana, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in chronic pain management.  

For those living with chronic conditions that are considered AZ qualifying conditions, such as arthritis or neuropathy, managing pain can be the key to staying active rather than sidelining workouts.

Best Practices for Pain Management When Working Out

Try these best practices for a more comfortable workout:

• Use CBD-dominant products and our recommended weed strains for pain for the most effective relief.

• Apply cannabis balm to sore areas before and after workouts.

• Include low-impact activities like swimming or cycling.

• Track your pain levels to find the best dosage.

Pro Tip: Save 16% on cannabis purchases in Arizona by presenting your valid AZ MMJ card (medical marijuana card) at licensed dispensaries.

Enhanced Enjoyment and Motivation

Medical marijuana use might help increase enjoyment in exercising.

There's something about certain strains that just makes moving your body fun. Exercise becomes something you look forward to rather than dread. This will motivate you to form real habits and maintain a consistent fitness routine while working out.

Muscle Recovery and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Cannabis use may also assist with post-workout recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing, potentially offering an alternative to conventional painkillers.

Remember when you tried that new workout class and then couldn't lift your arms to wash your hair the next day? A study published on the NIH website highlighted the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. This is beneficial for fitness enthusiasts and athletes.

Since exercise actually causes tiny tears in your muscles (which is how they grow back stronger), managing that inflammation might mean less hobbling around the day after leg day! By helping to control this inflammation, cannabis might reduce soreness and support quicker recovery times.

How to Maximize Recovery Benefits:

Try these strategies for faster muscle recovery:

• Ingesting edibles or tinctures post-workout.

• Combine cannabis use with foam rolling or gentle stretching.

• Focus on sleep hygiene. Cannabis may improve sleep quality.

• Don't forget to drink plenty of water and eat protein.

Cannabis Use and Heightened Sensory Experience

Working out high could also heighten sensory experiences and create euphoric effects, making activities like hiking, dancing, swimming, or practicing yoga feel more immersive.

Ever noticed how food tastes incredible when you're high? The same principle applies to movement! The sensory enhancement from cannabis can turn an ordinary hike into a mind-blowing nature experience.

Medical cannabis can enhance sensory perception. This allows individuals to appreciate subtle physical sensations and movements more deeply. This effect may create a meditative or flow-like state, where time seems to stretch and awareness feels amplified.

For fitness lovers, it can mean getting lost in the rhythm of a long run or fully connecting with a mountain trail’s sights and sounds.

Cannabis-Friendly Activities:

• Hiking scenic trails

• Flow-style yoga class

• Light jogging with a playlist

• Swimming or paddleboarding

Potential Weight Management Support

There’s also evidence suggesting that cannabis consumption could support healthy weight management.

Cannabis research published in the Journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that cannabis users generally have lower BMIs than non-users. This may sound surprising considering cannabis use is associated with the munchies.

Although cannabis is often associated with increased appetite, the mechanisms behind its effect on metabolism appear complex and could involve both increased physical activity and altered fat storage.

Important Considerations for Cannabis and Fitness

While the benefits of integrating cannabis into your workout routine are intriguing for many athletes in professional sports, it’s essential to approach the practice thoughtfully.

Start Low, Go Slow

If you’re new to cannabis and working out, it’s best to start with a low dose.

Pick the Right Strain

Some cannabis strains will energize you; others will have you contemplating your existence on the gym floor. Ask your budtender to help you find a strain that’s right for you! Preferably opt for a strain with uplifting and calming effects.

Avoid High-Risk Activities

First time combining cannabis and exercise? Maybe don't try heavy lifting or mountain biking on expert trails. Stay away from activities that require a fast reaction time until you understand how cannabis affects you, since you may have impaired coordination from the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

Stay Hydrated

Cannabis can dehydrate you, so make sure you are drinking enough water.

Listen to Your Body

If something feels off, STOP. There's a difference between pushing through discomfort and ignoring warning signs.

Benefits of Working out High  

From easing post-workout soreness to boosting motivation and enhancing body awareness, combining cannabis with exercise yields many potential benefits of working out high that contribute to overall health.

Want to try cannabis with your workouts? Go for it. Some people say it helps with sore muscles or gets them pumped up to exercise. Others like how it makes them more aware of their body.

Go slow. Try a little bit first. Pick an easy workout day, not when you're going hard. See what happens. Some people swear by it and all of the benefits it incorporates into their exercise routine.

Finding the right approach to using medical marijuana and understanding the effects of cannabis is personal to each cannabis user, and it's important to stay informed. By starting slow, choosing the right strains, and staying mindful of your body’s needs, cannabis could become a helpful ally in your fitness journey.