Weed: The All-Natural Pre-Workout?

 In Fitness & Health, Non-member

mind muscle academy, justin woltering

Is  weed a good pre-workout? It may sound crazy, but plenty of people swear by pull or two of the fire as their go-to “supplement” of choice before a serious training session. It’s no secret, plenty of high-profile athletes and bodybuilders have hinted at their proclivities for smoking weed, both inside and outside the gym. The well-known cannabinoids THC and CBD have some amazing mental properties, so it’s really no surprise that they would have positive effects for at least some athletes.

With several more states looking to legalize medicinal and even recreational marijuana use – and with weed becoming more socially accepted in general – it’s no surprise that more and more gym rats are giving it a go before they train. Here are my thoughts on pre-workout pot – only applicable to those using the substance legally, of course!

Greater Focus

weed

This might sound weird to some people, especially if you (or your “friends”) only ever smoke to relax and eat junk food. However, plenty of people actually feel greater focus when they smoke marijuana. Just like so many people claim greater creativity when they’re high, athletes often say that a little buzz actually puts them in the zone. In fact, various cultures have used marijuana, hashish and other psychedelic drugs for centuries as they’ve prepared for battles, hunts and other high-octane activities.

No Pain, No Gain

weed

It may be cliché, but it’s true – you’ll never make major changes to your body if you can’t accept a little pain. Not joint pain or muscle tears, of course, but the “good” pain – the pump, the burn and the whole-body discomfort you get from a grueling set. Wouldn’t it be great if there was something that could push you pain tolerance higher, allowing you to eek out every last bit of effort during your hardest sets? For some people, weed does exactly that!

Eat More to Gain More

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Just about everybody who smokes gets the munchies. While that won’t help your dieting efforts, it can be a godsend if you’re trying to gain! It’s certainly not PC, but for guys who have trouble putting on weight, a joint here and there can make it a lot easier to pack in the calories. For this purpose, weed might actually be a better post-workout than pre-workout. You can’t train hard if you’re lying on the couch stuffed!

A Metabolic Boost?

weed

On the flipside, some studies suggest that marijuana may actually boost metabolism, albeit not by very much. Every little bit can help when you’re trying to lose those last bits of stubborn fat, though! For dieters who want to get a buzz without blowing their diets, pot can also be a calorie-free (and probably healthier) alternative to alcohol. The main issue here is that you’ll have to weigh out the pros and cons – Are the extra hunger pangs from pot worth the buzz and faster fat burning?

Buyer Beware

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Even with all of these potential benefits in mind, I have to caution my younger readers. Pot is still illegal or only semi-legal in most jurisdictions, and its advantages certainly aren’t worth the consequences of getting caught. There are also a lot of unscrupulous people out there who will sell fake or tainted product! Be smart, be safe and don’t do anything that will endanger your future or physical health.

Mind Your Temperament

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That’s right, your temperament – not just your temper! The advantages of weed are only really going to come into play if you’ve got the right personality and mentality. Are you a high-strung person who gets even more anxious when you’re high? If so, pot probably isn’t for you – before training or at any other time. Are you struggling to lose weight, and do intense cravings make you go off the rails? Again, weed isn’t your best bet. This practice is really only suitable for people with clear goals, level heads and non-addictive personalities.

mind muscle academy, justin woltering

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