The image of what it means to be a weed smoker continues to change over time. What once was a stigmatized image of a stoner hanging on the couch eating chips may now also be a yoga-enthusiast enhancing their routine or an avid runner getting more motivated with the help of marijuana.
Now is a great time to re-evaluate your relationship with cannabis and what it can help you do. If you’re used to using an Indica in the evening to relax, it probably doesn’t seem likely that cannabis can help you get an active routine going. But if you have the right strain and routine, you can use cannabis to your advantage.
Cannabis and exercise: an unlikely combo
A recent study found that more marijuana users in recreational states are using the plant just before or after exercising. It’s seen both as a motivator for the actual routine, as well as a potential way to avoid any pain or discomfort associated with the exercise.
The paper looked at three causes of why people struggle to exercise.
- Improper recovery after exercising
- Lack of motivation
- Low enjoyment of exercise
Researchers noted that cannabis may increase motivation, enjoyment of exercise, and recovery, though it can also decrease motivation making it harder to work out. This all depends on the user, the cannabis they choose to use, and other factors.
While studies do not show a positive link between performance and marijuana, exercise and weed is still a widely used combination.
Strains to pair with exercise
If you’re looking for an exercise routine you can stick to, it may be a good idea to try and pair something you enjoy, like cannabis, with something healthy and positive like exercise. Here are some strains that may be a good combination:
Harlequin
When you’re exercising, you want to be focused and energetic. Harlequin can help.
It’s a Sativa-dominant strain with high levels of CBD, so it will both energize the user and help them find a sense of calm and focus. With low levels of THC, users will not end up getting so high they can’t function with this strain. Instead, they’ll probably just get a boost of motivation along with the therapeutic effects of CBD.
Sour Diesel
If getting motivated to get out there and exercise is your biggest struggle, Sour Diesel may be able to help. This strain is known for inducing euphoria, making users feel good and happy which is a great way to begin exercising.
It’s a Sativa-dominant strain great for daytime use because of its energizing effects. Alongside its positive cerebral effects, Sour Diesel has just enough of Indica to induce some relaxation and pain relief, making it great to pair with an exercise routine.
Super Lemon Haze
This Sativa-dominant strain is great for daytime use which means it’s a great candidate for working out. Its energizing effects lend to a motivated and exciting workout potential.
Users also find it helps increase focus and concentration, which is something we can all use more of when exercising.
Final thoughts
Whether it’s a high CBD strain to keep you feeling relaxed and pain-free or a sativa-dominant strain to increase focus and energy, or a mix of the two, there’s no doubt cannabis can help improve a workout routine.
If you struggle to find the motivation to start exercising, try pairing it with some marijuana and see how you feel.
