Pre-workouts are common to use amongst all sorts of exercise enthusiasts, whether they are long distance runners or weightlifters. From protein shakes to visualizations, and everything in-between, these are all ‘pre-workouts’ and now we are seeing the introduction of marijuana into pre-workouts as well.
The beauty of marijuana becoming known for being an effective pre-workout is that this is excellent in the fight against the demonization of marijuana. Marijuana was once known as being just a sedative turning people into couch potatoes. Yes, there are some strains that can cause your mind to feel comfortably numb however there are strains that can produce the opposite effect.
There are some athletes who enjoy using marijuana as a pre-workout and although this may seem more than a little strange allow me to delve into a bit of the science behind why this works so well and why so many athletes are beginning to enjoy the wonders of weed before a workout. It is no secret that cannabis creates a sort of mental peace and can also be used to calm down anxiousness and nerves. For athletes that are competing in serious competitions or are just naturally inclined to nervousness before working out have begun to benefit from the use of marijuana and specific marijuana strains. But besides the positive mental attributes of indulging in a bit of bud, the physical body can also benefit significantly from using marijuana before a workout. This may seem strange and counter to your indoctrinated opinion of marijuana but allow the following guide to explain a little bit further.
- The What
Firstly, you need to understand that it is quality over quantity. You need to understand that by using the best marijuana strains for any given activity, you can make the most out of marijuana.
more than just quality over quantity, you need to find the right kind of quality. And by the right kind of quality I mean the right strain. As a starting point, we will look at the sativa variety of cannabis strains. Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are two of the main species of marijuana. Now, this is not about becoming some kind of hipster marijuana snob, it is just about learning to value the plant and selecting the strain that is most appropriate for the moment.
Leave the indica dominant strains for your post-workout. Indicas are wonderful for relieving the pain and tension of overworked and tired muscles.
The sativa strains, on the other hand, are known for their stimulating effect. Sativas allow for an increase in mental focus and energy. These strains affect your creativity and create an uplifting feeling.
There are also hybrid strains that will be a blend of both sativa and indica. Remember that this guide is suggestive only and that each of us is essentially unique and have our own reactions and unique tolerance levels.
Some of the most popular sativa strains are the following:
- Super Lemon Haze
- Super Silver Haze
- Purple Haze
- Ghost Train Haze
- Sour Diesel
- Jack Herer
- Durban Poison
- Acapulco Gold
- East Coast Sour Diesel
- Strawberry Cough
- Green Crack
- The How
This is about how you consume the marijuana. Whatever your individual preferences, it is always healthier to avoid smoking as a way of ingestion. That being said, if the traditional way of smoking a joint is your favorite method of getting high then don’t be surprised when your chest is tighter than usual during your workout, especially if its cardio.
So, the following are the best methods of ingestion if you want to get some ganja in before your workout:
- Vaporisers
- Tinctures
- Edibles
- Topicals
The above four methods are the best methods for athletes who want to ingest the best marijuana strains before a workout. Moving back to the point of smoking, smoking has shown to be less than the most efficient method of delivering the effective cannabinoids (whether they are THC or CBD).
If you do head out to purchase a vaporizer or edible, and you are looking for a THC high, then make sure that the vaporizer or edible contains THC. Often edibles and vaporizers only contain CBD, so just double check you are actually purchasing what you are looking for.
Vaporizing: By vaporizing the dry bud or the concentrated extraction, you will benefit from an almost instantaneous reaction. This effect will last anything between half an hour to one and a half hours. One other very closely related method of ingestion is dabbing. This is a rather powerful method that carries a hefty punch so it is only recommended for those who have a fair amount of experience under their belt.
Edibles: Taking in cannabis by the way if edibles result in quite a long wait before the high kicks in. The waiting period is at least 30 or so minutes. However, this might be handy if you are heading out to do some cardio, give the edible some time to settle before you begin jiggling it around in your stomach. The plus is that the high from edibles can last much longer than the average time, so for activities like hiking or climbing, this is a great option. Not to even mention the discretion that edibles allow you; no smoke, no smell, no problem!
Tinctures: This is another discrete option, for those that enjoy flying under the radar with their marijuana use. The effects of ingesting the best marijuana strains via a tincture will last put to 3 hours and will take up to 15 minutes after ingesting the tincture for you to feel the effects.
Topicals: Topical application of cannabis is also a discrete way of ingesting cannabis. Topicals are great for those that are prone to muscle pain. Bear in mind that you will not experience any THC type high however if you are simply looking to quieten a problem area during your workout then applying topical marijuana could assist you.
The When
This one is greatly dependent on the above method of choice. If you want to ingest the best marijuana strain for you then you need to eat the edible at least 30 minutes prior to your workout.
If you use a tincture or vaporizer, make sure it is the last thing you do before your workout and you have everything already prepared and ready so that all you need to do is begin the workout.
The Why
Well, this is personal for everyone.
Cannabis and the cannabinoids held therein trigger out endocannabinoid system that stimulates certain reactions in our brain and body. THC is largely connected to receptors within the mind and that is why you will feel the mental effects. Your focus increases and the ‘noise’ of everything else drains away and you are able to be fully present at the moment, focusing on your body and how it feels during your workout. This allows you to be absolutely present within the moment and present with your body as you perform your workout.
Marijuana is shifting in the perception of the average person’s mind, and for the better. As we begin to expand our awareness of marijuana, we will be able to harness the benefits of this plant.
