Whether you’re a professional athlete or an amateur exerciser, you know your pre and post-workout routines are critical to your wellness. Planning ways to care for your body can optimize your athletic performance, assist with recovery times, and generally improve your quality of life.
It’s natural to feel tired after an intense workout, but there are ways to ease soreness and get back on your feet quickly. Today, one of the most popular options is to use a CBD topical cream to support faster recovery.
According to a 2023 survey study , 93% of participants felt that using CBD assisted them with recovery from exercise. You may have also heard CBD for workouts discussed at the Olympics , as it’s used by many professional European competitors.
With more people looking for natural ways to boost their post or pre-workout routines, CBD is gaining enormous traction. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the reasons why and the science behind CBD for exercise support.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
First things first: what is CBD and how does it affect the human body?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over a hundred compounds found in the hemp or cannabis plant, known collectively as cannabinoids. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive , which means it won’t produce a high.
Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and enzymes that play a key role in regulating bodily functions such as sleep, mood, immune responses, and pain perception.
The ECS maintains balance, or homeostasis, in the body by signaling through two main receptors, CB1 and CB2. CBD is thought to interact indirectly with these receptors, particularly CB2, which is linked to immune response and inflammation.
Although research is ongoing, many believe that by influencing these pathways, CBD can provide natural support for discomfort and recovery, particularly in areas like muscles and joints.
Growing Popularity of CBD for Workouts in Europe
The rise of CBD has transformed how fitness enthusiasts across Europe (and globally) approach their pre-workout routine and recovery processes. With CBD’s reputation for potential wellness benefits, it’s becoming a go-to supplement for those seeking a more balanced approach to fitness.
In fact, the revenue in Europe’s CBD products market is forecasted to reach US$2.28 billion by the end of 2024. This growth is driven by an increasing consumer awareness and demand for a wide range of CBD products, including workout support and muscle recovery.
How CBD Can Support Your Muscles and Joints
So, exactly how do CBD products fit into your workout routine? Let’s explore some of the most widely reported benefits.
For those who often deal with muscle or joint discomfort—whether from a strenuous exercise routine, a physically demanding job, or the natural wear and tear of daily life—CBD has shown promise as a supplemental aid.
Here’s a closer look at some of the key ways CBD may benefit professional and everyday users:
1. Muscle Recovery
When we push our muscles through an exercise routine or daily activities, small muscular micro-tears often occur. This natural process leads to muscle growth and strength but also causes temporary post-workout soreness.
According to the latest studies, CBD’s interaction with the ECS could support the body’s natural recovery response , easing tension and helping muscles relax. Our current understanding indicates that CBD products could help athletes rest better (Ranum et al., 2023 ), deflate their muscles after the damage caused by physical exertion, and reduce physical discomfort.
WebMD reports that a 2023 study looked at the efficacy of topical CBD for treating pain in 20 former professional athletes. Of the 70% who completed the study, all reported significant improvement in their pain levels over time.
2. Joint Comfort and Flexibility
Our muscles aren’t the only body parts that bear the brunt of post-workout suffering. Our joints also face their fair share of impacts, from stiffness and aching to exercise-induced inflammation.
Many who deal with joint strain or soreness find relief by incorporating a topical CBD product into their routine. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties could support joint comfort, promoting more fluid and flexible movement.
Even the Arthritis Foundation reports that some people experience noticeable pain relief, although research on CBD and joint pain is still ongoing.
Applying CBD sports topicals directly to joints such as knees, elbows, and shoulders offers an on-the-spot solution that allows the CBD to absorb directly where it’s most needed, bypassing the digestive system for quicker results.
3. Relaxation and Tension Reduction
Lastly, let’s discuss muscle tension. Whether your muscles are tense from physical strain or simple day-to-day stress, this problem can affect your overall quality of life and comfort.
CBD’s natural ability to promote relaxation is well-documented, and this benefit extends to muscle and joint care. When applied topically, CBD products may help reduce localized muscle tightness, offering a calming sensation that many find beneficial.
CBD Workout Balms vs Oils: Which Is the Better Choice?
If you think a CBD balm is the way to go for your workout regime, make Arktis Naturals a part of your fitness journey.
Our Europe-based company is dedicated to the highest standards of quality, and our CBD Muscle & Joint Balm is no exception. With 1000mg of CBD, this entirely natural balm is formulated for those who want powerful, targeted support for delayed onset muscle soreness and other concerns.
There are many reasons this CBD balm is a great addition to your gym bag, but here are two of the biggest:
Premium Ingredients for Optimal Support
In addition to high-quality full-spectrum hemp extract, our topical sports balm is crafted with natural ingredients chosen for their soothing properties, such as lavender and lemongrass oils. The formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, so you can easily use it throughout your day.
Third-Party Tested for Quality Assurance
Transparency is key when it comes to CBD. You want to know exactly what’s in your product and if the ingredients can be trusted.
Unfortunately, Leafreport recently shared that one out of every 4 CBD products is not tested for microbial content, pesticides, or heavy metals. Additionally, over half of CBD brands do not share potency third-party lab results with their consumers.
The good news? We aren’t one of those brands.
Every batch of Arktis Natural CBD Muscle & Joint Balm undergoes third-party testing to ensure its purity, potency, and consistency. This commitment to quality means you can trust that you’re getting a premium product made with care.
Tips for Using CBD Muscle & Joint Balm Effectively
Whether you’re using our CBD balm or another product, we have some professional advice for adding a topical to your routine.
Step 1: Identify Areas of Need
Before applying CBD Muscle & Joint Balm, note the specific areas where you experience muscle or joint discomfort. After a workout, focus on areas that feel tight or sore, such as your shoulders, knees, or lower back.
This will allow the balm to work directly where you need it most, helping to support the recovery process by easing tension and promoting relaxation in targeted spots.
Step 2: Start Small
To incorporate CBD into your fitness routine, start with a small amount of balm. Since our CBD Muscle & Joint Balm is highly concentrated, a little goes a long way.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and observe how your body responds before increasing the application. This approach ensures you can gauge its effectiveness and adjust for your needs.
Step 3: Massage for Better Absorption
Whether you’re using CBD for pre-workout support or post-workout muscle care, massaging the balm into your skin is key to maximizing its benefits. Gently rub the balm in a circular motion so it penetrates deeply into the muscles and joints.
This helps the balm absorb more efficiently while also promoting circulation, further assisting the body in its recovery and reducing muscle tightness.
Step 4: Incorporate into Your Routine
For the best results, regularly integrate your CBD sports balm into your fitness routine.
If you’re using it as part of a pre-workout regime, apply it about 20–30 minutes before exercising to allow your muscles to relax and prepare for movement. For post-workout care, use the balm after exercise to ease muscle soreness and promote faster recovery.
Generally, we recommend massaging our balm into your muscles and joints up to three times per day. Consistent use will help you maintain ongoing support for your muscles and joints throughout your fitness journey
Finding Your CBD Pre-Workout or Post-Workout Dosage
This isn’t exactly a straightforward answer, because finding the right CBD dosage for pain and workout recovery depends on various factors. These include your personal fitness goals, body composition, and frequency of use.
As we mentioned earlier, start with a lower dose and gradually increase it based on your body’s response. Some may find relief with just a small amount, while others might need a higher dose for more significant effects, particularly for reducing muscle soreness or promoting workout recovery.
CBD affects individuals differently. Listen to your body and adjust your CBD dosage to support your fitness goals.
Embrace a Natural Approach to Workout Recovery
CBD can offer a natural, plant-based option for those seeking relief and support for muscles and joints. While it’s not a cure-all, its benefits are compelling, especially when incorporated as part of a balanced workout routine.
At Arktis Naturals, our CBD Muscle & Joint Balm was created for individuals who value high-quality, natural products that align with an active and mindful lifestyle.
If you’re looking for a way to care for delayed onset muscle soreness or manage chronic inflammation, our natural CBD muscle balm may be the perfect addition to your wellness toolkit.
Add it to your cart today or reach out to our team to learn more about our CBD products.
